Pet Travel & Animal Health Certificates

Travelling abroad with your pet now requires more preparation than in previous years, particularly since the UK left the European Union. UK-issued EU Pet Passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain into EU countries or Northern Ireland. Most pets travelling from Great Britain will now require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip. Owners should be aware that arranging the necessary documentation and meeting all travel requirements can take several weeks, so we strongly recommend planning well in advance of your intended departure date.

One of the key requirements for travel is that your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel, and your pet must also be microchipped before the vaccination is given. Depending on your destination, additional treatments or documentation may also be required, such as tapeworm treatment for dogs travelling to certain countries. Requirements can vary between countries and may change over time.

We advise all clients to check the latest guidance directly with DEFRA before making travel arrangements, as regulations are subject to change and some countries may have additional entry requirements. Official information can be found on the GOV.UK website by searching "Taking your pet abroad".

Please note that our practice does not issue Export Health Certificates. Clients requiring these documents will need to contact an authorised Official Veterinarian (OV) practice that provides this service. We are, however, happy to provide copies of your pet's vaccination history or other relevant clinical records if required.