Traveling to Europe with Your Pet? Your Complete Guide to Animal Health Certificates (AHCs)

Planning a European getaway? Traveling with pets can be a wonderful experience, but since the UK left the EU, the rules for pet travel have changed. The old UK Pet Passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU, and your pet will now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

We know the paperwork can feel a bit daunting, so we’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you navigate the requirements and ensure your travels are as smooth and stress-free as possible!

What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

An AHC is an official document issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) that proves your pet meets the health and vaccination requirements to enter the EU or Northern Ireland.

The Essential Requirements

To be eligible for an AHC, your pet (dog, cat, or ferret) must meet the following criteria:

1. Microchipping Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. If your pet’s microchip cannot be read, they will need to be re-chipped.

2. Rabies Vaccination Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination.

• The 21-Day Rule: You must wait at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination before your pet can travel. The day of vaccination counts as Day 0.

• Validity: Most rabies vaccines are valid for 3 years. If your pet’s booster is kept up to date before the previous vaccination expires, you do not need to wait another 21 days to travel.

3. Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only) If you are traveling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, or Norway, your dog will need a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arriving in the destination country.

Timeline and Validity of Your AHC

Timing is everything when it comes to getting your AHC sorted! Here is what you need to know about the timeline:

• When to get the AHC: The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your pet’s entry into the EU.

• EU Entry: The AHC is valid for a single entry into the EU.

• Onward Travel: Once you have entered the EU, the AHC is valid for onward travel within the EU for up to 4 months.

• Returning Home: The same AHC is valid for re-entry into the UK for up to 4 months from the date it was issued.

Important Note: A new AHC is required for every single trip you take from the UK to the EU.