A new deal between the UK and the EU is "good news for the welfare of animals", according to the RSPCA - making it easier for people to holiday with their pets, and protecting the UK's domestic animal welfare standards.

The deal lays the framework for negotiations to begin on a Common Veterinary Area agreement (CVA) - that will help facilitate trade between the EU and UK, while allowing UK nations to keep and improve existing high domestic animal standards

The RSPCA has welcomed that there has been no "backsliding" on animal welfare standards and has now set out some recommendations for these negotiations.

Positive developments in the agreement include improving the pet passport scheme so dog and cat owners can go on holiday with their pets without having to get a new health certificate each time.

There has also been confirmation that the UK's ban on the export of live animals will remain in place - following fears the recent legislative ban could have been on the table during negotiations.

The agreement also confirms that the UK cannot import any products that do not meet our animal health standards such as chlorinated chicken and hormone beef under any future trade agreement.

The deal also empowers UK to negotiate opt outs in future discussions to ensure the nation's own animal welfare proposals that raise standards are not put at risk - such as introducing a ban on the import of animal fur products, which is due to be discussed in Parliament in June, or a proposed puppy imports ban which passed its Committee stage in the House of Commons last week.

RSPCA Head of Public Affairs David Bowles said: "We welcome this new UK/EU agreement as it includes a number of benefits that are good news for the welfare of animals.

"People who want to travel with their family pet will no longer need a pet passport to travel to Northern Ireland - and do not need to renew it each time they travel to the EU; meaning there's less red tape in enjoying the companionship of your animal on holiday. We hope this change is implemented as soon as possible for the summer holiday period. 

"We're also delighted that the UK has won an opt out for any animal welfare measure that protects its biosecurity and public health status as long as certain EU conditions are met.  We believe this means last year's ban on live exports of animals - after a hard-won 100-year RSPCA campaign - will continue and the proposed puppy import ban currently going through Parliament will be allowed to finally stop the trade in puppies and kittens to the UK.

"The RSPCA is also pleased that this agreement allows the start of negotiations of a Common Veterinary Area agreement with the EU. This could help trade between the two partners by reducing bureaucratic form filling - but continue to allow risk based, targeted enforcement measures to stop activities such as the illegal trade in horses to the continent and the illegal import of puppies. Trade and enforcement in animals and animal products will also be improved by the UK getting access to the EU's database."

The agreement left some unanswered questions so the RSPCA has now submitted ten recommendations to British negotiators. This includes seeking clarification that the UK could continue to raise its standards (such as banning the import of fur into the UK), to get mutual recognition on veterinary qualifications allowing free movement of veterinarians and that agreeing to meet European standards on chemical testing would stop double testing on animals for chemical products being exported to the EU and permit the free trade in veterinary products into Northern Ireland.