Travel
Travelling From the UK to the EU With a Pet: The Paperwork Explained
Since Brexit, taking a dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain to the EU requires an Animal Health Certificate every trip. Here is exactly what you need.
Rules change — check before every trip
This guide reflects the rules at the time of writing. Always confirm current requirements on GOV.UK before booking, and check the rules of your destination country too.
What you need for each trip
Four things must be in place every time.
- A microchip, fitted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
- A valid rabies vaccination — you must wait 21 days after a first vaccination before travel
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian no more than 10 days before entry into the EU
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs returning to Great Britain, given by a vet 24–120 hours before landing
The Animal Health Certificate
The AHC replaced the old pet passport for travel from Great Britain. It is valid for one trip: entry into the EU within 10 days of issue, onward travel within the EU for up to four months, and re-entry to Great Britain within those four months. Each new trip needs a new certificate, and the appointment can take time — book well ahead.
Returning home
Dogs need a tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment administered by a vet and recorded in the certificate between 24 and 120 hours before arrival back in Great Britain. Miss the window and the dog cannot travel. On short trips, the treatment can be given before you leave.
Practical tips
A few details catch people out.
- Northern Ireland has different arrangements — check GOV.UK if travelling via Ireland
- Approved routes and carriers apply; check your ferry, Eurotunnel or airline's pet policy
- Carry vaccination records and the certificate together at all times
- Plan for the 21-day rabies wait if this is a first vaccination — it catches many people out
Frequently asked questions
- Is my old EU pet passport still valid?
- Passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for EU travel. Passports issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland remain valid — the AHC is the Great Britain replacement.
- How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?
- Fees vary between practices, typically well over £100 per certificate. Ask your vet when booking the appointment.
References
- GOV.UK — Taking your pet abroad — https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad