Planning a European holiday and want to bring your furry friend along? Since Brexit, the rules for pet travel from Great Britain to the European Union and Northern Ireland have changed. The old pet passport is no longer valid for this route, and you'll now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

Navigating the new requirements might seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to obtain a flying with pets owners require for travel. We’ll cover what it is, how to get one, and what you need to prepare, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your pet.

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official document required for cats, dogs, and ferrets traveling from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) to an EU country or Northern Ireland. It confirms that your pet is microchipped and has a valid rabies vaccination, meeting the health standards for entry.

Key things to know about an AHC:

• It must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV).

• It's valid for 10 days from the date of issue to enter the EU or Northern Ireland.

• Once you're in the EU, it's valid for onward travel between EU countries for up to four months.

• It's also valid for re-entry into Great Britain for up to four months.

• An AHC is a single-use document. You will need a new one for each trip from Great Britain to the EU.

This certificate replaces the previously used UK-issued EU pet passports. If you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland, you can still use that for travel.

How to Get an Animal Health Certificate in the UK

Getting an AHC involves a few essential steps. Planning ahead is crucial, as some requirements, like vaccinations, need to be done well in advance of your travel date.

Step 1: Check Your Pet's Microchip

First and foremost, your pet must be microchipped. The microchip must be implanted before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If your pet isn't microchipped, this is your starting point.

Before your vet appointment, it’s a good idea to check that the microchip is still working and can be read. Your vet can do this for you. You should also ensure the microchip number on your pet's vaccination records is correct and that your contact details on the microchip database are up to date.

Step 2: Ensure Rabies Vaccination is Current

Your pet needs a valid rabies vaccination to travel. They must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.

After the initial vaccination, you must wait 21 days before you can travel. This waiting period is mandatory to allow the vaccine to become fully effective. For example, if your pet gets their rabies shot on day 1, you can travel on day 22.

Make sure your pet's rabies booster shots are always up to date. If you miss the booster deadline, your pet will need to be revaccinated and you'll have to wait another 21 days before you can get an AHC. Keep a clear record of all vaccination dates, as the vet will need this information.

Step 3: Find an Official Veterinarian (OV)

Not all vets can issue an Animal Health Certificate. You need to find a practice with an Official Veterinarian (OV) who is authorized by the UK government's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to certify pet travel documents.

You can ask your regular vet if they have an OV on staff. If not, they may be able to refer you to a nearby practice that does. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) website can also help you find accredited practices. It's wise to contact the vet practice well in advance to confirm they can issue an AHC and to book an appointment.

Step 4: Book Your AHC Appointment

You must get the AHC issued no more than 10 days before you travel. Book an appointment with the Official Veterinarian within this 10-day window.

During the appointment, you will need to provide:

• Your pet's microchipping date and records.

• Your pet's vaccination history, especially the rabies vaccination details.

• Your travel plans, including the country you will first enter in the EU. This is important as the certificate must be issued in the language of that country, as well as in English.

The vet will examine your pet to confirm they are fit to travel and will complete the lengthy, multi-page Animal Health Certificate.

Step 5: Special Requirements for Certain Countries

If you are traveling to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta, your dog will need tapeworm treatment.

This treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 hours (1 day) and 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in one of those countries. The vet will record the treatment details on the Animal Health Certificate.

Traveling with Your Animal Health Certificate

Once you have your AHC, you are almost ready to go. On the day of travel, you must enter the EU through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE). Here, an official will scan your pet's microchip and check your AHC. Major ports and airports like Calais, Dublin, and Schiphol are TPEs, but it's always best to check the official list on the EU country's government website before you travel.

Remember to keep the original AHC with you throughout your trip. You'll need it for any onward travel within the EU and for your return journey to Great Britain.

FAQs about the Animal Health Certificate UK

How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?

The cost can vary significantly between vet practices, typically ranging from £100 to over £250. This fee usually covers the consultation with the Official Veterinarian and the administrative work to complete the certificate. It does not include the cost of microchipping or vaccinations. It's a good idea to shop around and get quotes from a few different practices.

Can I use the same AHC for multiple trips?

No. An Animal Health Certificate is for a single trip from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. You will need a new certificate for every new trip you take.

What if my pet has an EU-issued pet passport?

If your pet passport was issued in an EU member state or Northern Ireland, you can still use it for travel as long as the rabies vaccination recorded in it is valid. You will not need an AHC. However, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU.

Do I need any documents to return to the UK?

For re-entry into Great Britain, your AHC is valid for up to four months from the date of issue. For dogs, you will also need to arrange for tapeworm treatment. This must be done by a vet 24 to 120 hours (1-5 days) before you arrive back in the UK. This requirement does not apply if you are returning directly from Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta.

Your Next Steps for a Smooth Trip

Traveling with your pet requires careful planning, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By following these steps, you can ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order for a hassle-free journey.

To recap, your checklist for getting an animal health certificate UK pet owners need is:

1. Microchip your pet and ensure the details are correct.

2. Vaccinate your pet against rabies at least 21 days before travel.

3. Find an Official Veterinarian authorized to issue AHCs.

4. Book an appointment within 10 days of your departure date.

5. Arrange for tapeworm treatment if required for your destination.

Start the process early to avoid any last-minute stress. With your Animal Health Certificate in hand, you and your companion will be ready to create new memories together across Europe.