What is an Animal Health Certificate and does my pet need one?

Dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to an EU country require an Animal Health Certificate issued and signed by an Official Veterinarian.

A new AHC is required for every separate trip from Great Britain to the EU. Different rules apply when travelling to Northern Ireland or a non-EU country, so please contact me if you are unsure which document your pet needs.

When should I arrange the Animal Health Certificate?

The certificate must be issued no more than 10 days before your pet enters the EU. However, you are welcome to book your appointment well in advance once your travel dates are confirmed.

After entering the EU, the certificate can be used for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, provided your pet’s rabies vaccination remains valid.

What does my pet need before an AHC can be issued?

Your pet must:

• Be microchipped

• Have a valid rabies vaccination

• Have been microchipped before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination

Following a first rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 full days before travelling. Some vaccines may require a longer waiting period. No additional waiting period is normally required after an on-time booster with no break in vaccination cover.

What documents do I need to provide?

Please email clear copies or photographs of your pet’s vaccination record before the appointment. The record must contain the microchip details and complete rabies vaccination information.

Please also bring the original vaccination record to your appointment. If any information is missing, further confirmation may be required from the veterinary practice that administered the vaccination.

Does my pet need to attend the appointment?

Yes. Your pet must attend so that their identity can be confirmed and their microchip scanned before the certificate is signed.

How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?

The price is:

£90 for the first pet

£10 for each additional pet included on the same certificate

Up to five pets travelling together can be included on one AHC.

Does my dog need tapeworm treatment?

Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway must receive an appropriate tapeworm treatment from a veterinarian between 24 hours and 5 days before arrival.

Dogs also require tapeworm treatment before returning to Great Britain from most countries. Please discuss your travel dates and destination when booking, as the timing is important.

Can I use the same AHC for another holiday?

No. Your pet needs a new Animal Health Certificate for each separate journey from Great Britain to the EU.

The same certificate can be used for travel between EU countries during one continuous trip and for returning to Great Britain, provided it remains valid and your pet’s rabies vaccination has not expired.

How do I book an AHC collection appointment?

Please email ahcvet@outlook.com with:

• Your planned travel date

• Your destination

• Your first Country of Entry to EU

• Confirm who is travelling with pet (Owner or dedicated person/pet transport company)

• The number and type of pets travelling.

•  A copy of each pet’s vaccination record showing microchip, pets details and owner's details. 

Appointments are available in Birmingham and can be conducted in English or Polish.

How do I book an online veterinary advice appointment?

Please email ahcvet@outlook.com and include:

1. Your name and contact details

2. Your pet’s name, age, species and breed

3. The name and contact details of the veterinary practice where your pet is registered

4. A brief description of what you would like to discuss

5. Any relevant clinical records, test results, photographs or videos

6. Your preferred dates and times for the appointment

Once I have reviewed the information, I will confirm whether an online advice appointment is appropriate and contact you to arrange a suitable time.

Please note that this is not an emergency service. If your pet is seriously unwell or requires urgent attention, contact your usual veterinary practice or their emergency provider immediately.

How will my appointment take place?

All online veterinary advice appointments are conducted via Zoom. Once your appointment has been confirmed, you will receive a Zoom meeting link by email.

Please join from a quiet, well-lit location and, where possible, have your pet nearby. You can use a smartphone, tablet or computer with a working camera and microphone.