Travelling With Your Pet

PET HEALTH CERTIFICATES FOR THE EU, SWITZERLAND, NORWAY, and NORTHERN IRELAND

If you are planning a trip to the EU or another country, please contact us with as much notice as possible for advice regarding the documentation you may require.

Old UK Pet Passports Are No Longer Valid

betty on the beach
Betty on the beach

The EU no longer recognizes the EU UK blue pet passports for entry to the EU.

You will need to request an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) which must be issued within 10 days of your date of travel to Europe.

Each AHC has a unique number and can only be used for one journey. A new AHC is required for each visit to the EU. It is valid for travel within the EU for 4 months and your return to the UK.

Planning Your Pet’s Visit Abroad

Zorg and Betty enjoying their holiday.
Zorg and Betty enjoying their holiday.

Your pet must be microchipped and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The vaccine we use is valid for travel after 21days (if your pet does not have a current valid rabies vaccination). It then remains valid for three years from the date it is given.

To return to the UK from the EU your dog must be given a tapeworm medication by a Vet between one and five days before returning. This can be given in the UK or the EU depending on the length of your trip (for a weekend away it could be given in the UK). This is not required for returning cats.

If you plan to visit Europe with your pet, please contact us at least 10 working days before your date of travel to arrange an appointment for the issue of an Animal Health Certificate.

Getting There

If you are driving to Europe you can use the Eurotunnel and your pet stays in the car with you.  For all other travel plans check the Pet Travel website for “approved routes and transport companies” and then check the requirements of your travel company (ferry, airline etc).

Staying Safe

Protect your pet against parasites. As important as this is in the UK, it is even more important when travelling in Europe. Talk to us about additional medications you may require for the areas you are visiting. Ticks, mosquitos and sandflies in Europe carry infectious diseases that your pet needs to be protected against.

Call us to talk about your travel plans for Summer.