Travelling to Europe with your Pet – everything you need to know!

Since leaving the EU and the GB Pet Passports are no longer being recognised. We wanted to outline on the essential elements of what is required when taking your pet to Europe using the new Animal Health Certificate.

If you are travelling outside of Europe then we will need to discuss your requirements individually as each country’s needs are different. Keep reading for a deep dive of everything you need to know about taking your pet abroad.

Quick Read (30 Seconds):

Below are the essential things you need to know for your Animal Health Certificate:

  • Only for cats, dogs and ferrets

  • One use only

  • Only valid for 10 days from issue

  • Can list up to 5 pets on a single AHC

  • You can return to GB up to 4 months after leaving the country

  • £155 per single pet certificate with an extra charge for each pet added - up to a maximum of 5 pets on one certificate

What we need to know before we can issue an Animal Health Certificate:

  • Your full details: name, mobile number and address

  • Name of pet(s) travelling

  • Destination

  • Time and Date of travel; including route (airplane, car, or ferry).

  • Port of Entry into the EU

  • Courier information (if applicable)

  • Microchip information

  • Rabies Vaccination & date given (Any Rabies Vaccination History is needed if your Pet has had this before).

If you’re looking to travel abroad (either in the EU or outside) please book an appointment with us and we can support you with the relevant paperwork.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – Key information

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a single-use document allowing travel to entry within the EU. Without this Animal Health Certificate, your pet cannot enter the EU. 

In contrast, travelling outside of the EU (to a Non-European Country), requires an Export Health Certificate (EHC). For example: traveling to China; this would require an EHC (Lots of similar acronyms so be careful what you are asking for!!).

What is the purpose of an AHC?

The purpose of an AHC is the same as the pet passport system. We aim to prevent the spread of two key diseases, rabies and the parasite Echinococcus Multilocularis. Rabies vaccinations prevent the development of the disease should your pet be unfortunate enough to be infected by the lyssavirus responsible for rabies, whilst E. Multilocularis is controlled with good worming programs.

There are certain restrictions that the AHC has that the old pet passports did not have. An AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue. Meaning travel is only allowed within these 10 days of your Vet having issued your certificate – no earlier or later.

Once you have left the UK, the AHC will then be valid for up to 4 months until the date of expiry (re-entry to Great Britain is included within these 4 months) and is only eligible for dogs, cats and ferrets.

Animal Health Certificates allow you to travel with up to 5 Pets.

For each journey to Europe, a new certificate is required.

Both Animal Health Certificates and Export Health Certificates done here at James Horner Vets are priced from £155.  Please note, this £155 does not include the consultation charge or rabies vaccination if they are needed.

 

Animal Health Certificate - Requirements

To obtain an Animal Health Certificate, we first need to book a Travel Consultation with a Vet who is an OV (Official Veterinarian who performs work for the UK Government). In this consultation, your Vet will perform a Health Check and confirm the specific details relating to your travel, together with any other concerns you may have. Essential information is outlined about and below:

  • Your full details, name, mobile number and address

  • Name of pet(s) travelling

  • Destination

  • Time and Date of travel; including route (airplane, car, or ferry).

  • Port of Entry into the EU

  • Courier information (if applicable)

  • Microchip details

  • Rabies Vaccination & date given (Any Rabies Vaccination History is needed if your Pet has had this before).

 

A Rabies vaccination is required when travelling within Europe or must have been given in the last 3 years. If not, or if it has been over 3 years, another Rabies vaccination will be needed.

To ensure your Pet is eligible to enter Europe, their Rabies vaccine must be given a minimum of a full 21 days prior to travel if needed. If you have any doubt then talk to us!

Coming home

A lot of attention is spent on leaving the country, but coming back is equally important!

Returning requirements are set to prevent the spread of E. Multilocularis. To confirm this has been done a veterinarian will need to treat your pet for Echinococcus Multilocularis. between 24 and 120 hours before entering the UK.

This must be certified by a Veterinarian. Therefore, a Vet visit, in the country where you are, is needed to complete the AHC before your return.

 

Parasite control when travelling:

There are many different types of cat parasites and dog parasites – fleas and worms all around Europe.

Before your Pet is allowed to travel, they must be completely protected against encountering these parasites before, and after travel to prevent the spread of parasites. Advice on this will be given from your Vet and parasite protection treatment will be offered before entry to your destination, and once again before entry back home. Meaning another Vet Visit will be needed before re-entry into GB.

Dog Wellness, Cat WellnessJames HornerTravel