Animal Health Certificates
(AHCs)
If you’re planning to travel to the EU with your dog, cat, or ferret, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
This replaces the old EU pet passport for UK residents.
An AHC is a document completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) and confirms that your pet meets all the health and vaccination requirements for travel.
What does an AHC cover?
An AHC allows your pet to:
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Travel from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland
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Enter multiple EU countries on the same trip
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Return to Great Britain (as long as re-entry rules are met)
Each AHC is valid for:
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10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
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4 months for onward travel within the EU
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4 months for re-entry to Great Britain
A new AHC is needed for each trip.
What does my pet need?
To issue an AHC, your pet must:
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Be microchipped
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Have a valid rabies vaccination (given after the microchip)
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Wait 21 days after their first rabies vaccine before travel
For dogs travelling to most EU countries, a tapeworm treatment is required shortly before return. You will also need to give a tapewormer prior to travel to Ireland, Finland, Norway and Malta.
The rules for Northern Ireland have recently changed and a Pet Travel Document (PTD) is required instead of an AHC. If you have a PTD, no tapewormer or rabies vaccine is needed, and there are no checks on coming back into Great Britain.
We’ll check all of this carefully with you and make sure the timing is right.
How does the process work?
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Book an AHC appointment close to your travel date
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We'll review your pet’s microchip and vaccination records
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The certificate is completed and signed by an Official Vet - Tristan or Sarah
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You travel with the original paperwork
We’ll talk you through the process in plain English and flag any issues early, so there are no last-minute surprises.
When should I book?
We recommend booking your appointment 2–4 weeks before travel, especially during busy holiday periods.
The certificate itself must be issued within 10 days of travel, but we find that planning ahead makes everything much calmer!
Export Health Certificates
(EHCs)
If you’re travelling with your pet outside the UK, to a non-EU country, you will need an Export Health Certificate (EHC).
This is an official document that confirms your pet meets the health and entry rules of the country you’re travelling to.
EHCs are required for any pet export outside of the EU.
What is an EHC?
An EHC is a detailed certificate completed by an Official Vet. It confirms that your pet has had the correct vaccinations, tests, and treatments required by the destination country.
Each country sets its own rules, and these can be very specific. The EHC is an agreement between the UK and the destination country that means these rules.
What might be required?
Depending on where you’re travelling, your pet may need:
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A microchip
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Blood tests
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Parasite treatments
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A health examination close to the travel date
Some destinations also require government endorsement, which adds extra steps and time.
How long does it take?
EHCs often need weeks or months of planning. Blood tests and waiting periods are common, so early preparation is essential.
We recommend getting in touch as soon as travel is being considered.
How do we help?
We'll provide advice and guidance to help you through the process step by step.
Appointments are unhurried, and we plan everything carefully around your travel date.
We’re very happy to guide you through the export process and will do so carefully, based on the most up-to-date information available to us. Our role is to confirm and certify that the requirements set out in the certificate we are asked to complete have been met.
Because export rules can vary and may change at short notice, the final responsibility for ensuring the correct paperwork is in place rests with the pet owner. This may include an import certificate where one is required. We’re unable to accept liability if an incorrect certificate is selected, if required information is missing, or if additional conditions apply that we have not been made aware of.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that clients check the latest entry requirements for their destination country and confirm whether an import certificate is needed. Some countries may change their rules without notifying the UK.
We also advise checking any additional requirements set by your airline, train company, or ferry operator, as these can differ from country-level rules.
Is an EHC right for my trip?
If you’re unsure whether you need an AHC or an EHC, we’re very happy to advise.
The rules can be very confusing, but we’ll help you work out exactly what applies to your pet and destination.
Rabies: Vaccination & Testing
Why is rabies vaccination required?
Rabies is a serious disease that affects both animals and people.
The rules are strict, and the timing matters, but we’ll guide you through it step by step.
Many countries require proof of rabies protection before allowing pets to enter. This helps keep animals and communities safe.
Rabies vaccination requirements
To meet travel rules:
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Your pet must be microchipped first
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A rabies vaccination must be given after the microchip is implanted
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Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination
If the rabies vaccine is your pet’s first one, there is usually a waiting period before travel is allowed. For an AHC this is 21 days, but it may be longer for an EHC - and over 6 months for Australia.
Booster vaccinations must be given on time. If a booster is late, the process may need to start again.
Rabies blood tests (titre tests)
Some countries require a rabies blood test, also known as a titre test.
This test:
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Confirms your pet has responded properly to the rabies vaccine
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Is usually taken at least 30 days after vaccination
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May be followed by a waiting period of several months, depending on the destination
These tests are commonly needed for travel to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and certain parts of Asia.
Why timing matters
Rabies rules are very specific.
A vaccine given too early, a missed booster, or a test taken at the wrong time can delay travel or prevent entry altogether.
That’s why planning well ahead is so important.
How we help
We:
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Check microchip and vaccination history carefully
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Advise on whether boosters or blood tests are needed
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Plan timelines around your travel date
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Explain everything clearly, without jargon
If you’re unsure whether your pet needs a vaccine, or you’re at the early planning stage, we’re always happy to advise.