You need to acquire an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your pet if you are travelling from Great Britain to the EU. This is required by law to ensure that diseases such as rabies do not spread. For countries outside of the EU, you would need an Export Health Certificate.

In the 1990’s any cat or dog coming into the UK from any other country was quarantined for 6 months at a special facility due to the risk of rabies. Then came the rabies vaccination and a blood test to check the vaccine worked, this was called  the PETS passport travel scheme, vaccinated pets could travel freely with a passport and the scheme was fairly simple.

However sadly in 2021 GB left the EU and the pet passport scheme went with it – leaving us with Animal Health Certificates (AHC) a more complex and lengthy document to facilitate pet travel.

What else does my pet need to qualify for an Animal Health Certificate?

To take your pet abroad this summer they will need to have a working microchip,  a rabies vaccination which has been given to them at over 12 weeks of age and a minimum of 21 days before travel. And then between 10 days pre travel and the day of travel you will need to see one of a small number of government approved vets to have an AHC produced.

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An AHC is a 10-15 page legal document written in dual language – English and spoken destination language, clarifying that this pet travelling to the desired destination does not create a rabies risk. They will also need to see a vet before you leave your holiday destination for tapeworm treatment.

How do I acquire an Animal Health Certificate?

Myself and Lucy are both qualified government approved vets (official veterinary surgeons- OV’s) and are highly experienced at pet travel documentation. For any queries relating to pet travel please give the practice a call and arrange to see either of us.

When should I start the process of an Animal Health Certificate?

It is best to start planning early to ensure a smooth process. We have assisted in the travel of many pets joining their families on summer vacations as well as the export of dogs and cats to far away destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan to name a few, mainly for families emigrating.

Animal Health Certificates take around an hour for the vet to prepare. Once made it is valid for 4 months for onward travel within the EU or re entry to GB. You will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to EU or Northern Ireland.

For more information see https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad