Rules for travelling with pets to the EU

Since January 2021 pets travelling to the EU have needed an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). 


If you do not meet the criteria for an AHC you may be able to travel using a different document. Please speak to us to find out what is the best option for your trip. 

It is important to note that it is the pet owner's responsibility to meet the requirements for travel. Please check the UK and EU rules for pet travel as the requirements can change at any time: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland 

If you have any questions please speak to us well in advance of your trip so that they can help you meet the requirements set by the EU.

Please note the following rules/ requirements issuing an AHC:

  • An AHC is a single-use document. You need to get a new one each time you travel to the EU

  • Dogs, cats and ferrets may travel on an AHC. Speak to us if your pet is a breed that is derived from a wild species as some breeds eg Savannah cats are not permitted to travel on an AHC. 

  • An AHC is valid for entry into the EU for up to 10 days from the date of issue (the issue date is Day 1)

  • The document is bilingual (English and the official language of the port of entry to the EU)

  • The maximum number of pets allowed on an AHC is 5 unless travelling to an event e.g. competition

  • Pets need to be identified by a microchip

  • A rabies vaccination is required and must be valid on the date that the AHC is issued

    • A rabies vaccination is valid 21 days AFTER the vaccination date if it is a first vaccination or a booster administered after the expiry date of the previous vaccination

    • Rabies booster vaccinations will be valid on the day of administration provided that it was given within the validity period of the previous vaccine (please have evidence of both vaccinations at the AHC appointment)

    • We need to see evidence that the microchip was scanned at the time of vaccination. If it is not possible to see this on the vaccination card, a copy of the clinical notes may be required. If it is not possible to show that the microchip was scanned at the time of vaccination we will not be able to issue an AHC. Then the pet will need to be revaccinated and can travel after 21 days.

    • The earliest a rabies vaccine can be administered is at 12 weeks of age. Therefore pets usually cannot travel before they are 15 weeks old (there are several EU countries that do accept unvaccinated pets < 15 weeks old, please speak to us if this applies to your pet)

  • If travelling to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway, dogs need to be treated for tapeworm 24-120 hours prior to entry into those countries.

  • Dogs need to be treated for tapeworm 24-120 hours before re-entering the UK. The relevant AHC section should be completed and signed by a vet. This treatment is not needed for dogs travelling directly to the UK from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway.

  • Travel must be non-commercial. No change of ownership is allowed. A different document (EHC) is required for commercial movements.

  • Pets may travel with their owner, a person authorised in writing by the owner or a commercial carrier. If a commercial carrier is used, the owner or a person authorised by the owner must be reunited with the pet(s) within 5 days

  • The person who is travelling with the pet will need to attend the appointment to sign the written declaration. If a commercial carrier is used to transport the pets then the owner should attend the appointment to sign the declaration.

  • To keep the AHC aligned with the supporting documents, the name of the owner should match the details on the vaccination certificate. If someone other than the owner attends the AHC appointment they should have a letter of authorisation from the owner to sign on their behalf.