Animal Health Certificates
Travelling to an EU Country or Northern Ireland
Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) replaced Pet Passports for non-commercial movements of pet dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU (European Union). They are also required for non-commercial movements to Northern Ireland.
In order to use an Animal Health Certificate for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland your pet must either be travelling with you, or must travel within five days of your departure. If this is not the case then different export documentation will be required. Your pet must have received a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to the date of travel, and the AHC is valid for a single entry into the EU or Northern Ireland within 10 days of signing. Learn more about pet travel requirements for the EU & Northern Ireland.
Please note that as of 22 April 2026, EU pet passports can no longer be used by residents of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for travel into the EU, regardless of when or where the passport was issued. Pet owners must instead obtain an Animal Health Certificate for each trip.
Pre-appointment information
So that we can book you a pet travel appointment, we require the following pre-appointment information:
1. Please complete the form below. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the form here and email it to us – see no.2
2. Please email the following to info@travel.vet and put in the subject line: your surname, pet name(s) and destination:
- Evidence of date of microchipping (if available)
- Evidence of your pet’s rabies vaccination. Suitable evidence includes:
- A rabies vaccination card or certificate, showing the date of vaccination, vaccine details, and that the microchip was read prior to administering the vaccine.
You must also bring these original documents to your appointment; without original documents we will be unable to issue a certificate.
Further information on travelling abroad with your pet can be obtained from the Government’s Pet Travel Scheme helpline: 0370 241 1710 (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or by emailing pettravel@apha.gov.uk
Once we have received your completed form and the supporting evidence below, we will contact you to book your pet travel appointment.
Animal Health Certificate pre-appointment form
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