Since Brexit took effect on 1 January 2021, UK pet owners can no longer use British-issued pet passports to travel with dogs, cats, or ferrets into the EU. Instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip. As of April 2026, even EU-issued pet passports held by GB residents are no longer accepted, making the AHC the only route for UK-based travellers. This guide walks you through every step, from microchipping to boarding the ferry, so you and your pet can travel with confidence. If you need an affordable, stress-free certificate, book your AHC with Vet Home Certs from just £79.
What Is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official veterinary document confirming that your pet meets EU health requirements for cross-border travel. It is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) and covers microchip verification, rabies vaccination status, and clinical health. Unlike the old pet passport, an AHC is a single-use document that must be obtained before each journey from the UK to the EU.
The AHC applies to dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling from England, Scotland, or Wales to any EU member state or Northern Ireland. You can learn more about the documents you may need on our frequently asked questions page.
Why You Need an AHC After Brexit
Before Brexit, UK pet owners used a pet passport scheme that allowed hassle-free, repeat travel across Europe. When the UK left the EU, it was reclassified as a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This means British-issued pet passports are no longer recognised for entry into the EU.
From 22 April 2026, EU rules also ended the workaround where GB residents used EU-issued passports obtained through vets in France or Belgium. The AHC is now the sole accepted document for UK residents travelling with pets to Europe.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Your AHC
Step 1: Microchip Your Pet
Your pet must have a microchip before any vaccinations are given. An ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip is the standard accepted across the EU. Most UK pets are already microchipped, but confirm the chip is readable and that your contact details are up to date on the database.
Step 2: Get a Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies by an authorised vet. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old for its first rabies jab. After the primary vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before travel. Booster vaccinations must be given before the previous one expires to maintain continuous validity.
Step 3: Book an Official Veterinarian Appointment
An Official Veterinarian (OV) is a private-practice vet authorised by the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to issue government health documents. The AHC must be issued no more than 10 days before your date of travel into the EU. Bring your pet's vaccination records, microchip paperwork, and travel itinerary to the appointment. Check if Vet Home Certs covers your area for a convenient home visit.
During the appointment the OV will scan the microchip, verify vaccination records, perform a clinical examination, and complete the official certificate. For dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, a tapeworm treatment must also be administered between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.
AHC Validity Periods and Costs
| Validity Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Entry into the EU or Northern Ireland | 10 days from date of issue |
| Onward travel within the EU | Up to 4 months |
| Re-entry to the UK from the EU | Up to 4 months |
Costs vary significantly. Some UK vet practices charge between £100 and £350 per pet. Vet Home Certs offers AHCs starting from just £79, making it one of the most affordable options in the UK. The fee typically covers the OV consultation, document preparation, and APHA submission.
Returning to the UK With Your Pet
The rules for bringing your pet back into Great Britain are separate from outbound EU requirements. You can re-enter the UK using your valid AHC for up to four months after issue. Dogs must receive a vet-administered tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arriving back in the UK. Cats and ferrets do not need tapeworm treatment for UK re-entry.
For detailed guidance on the return journey, read our article on travelling from the EU to the UK with your pet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Booking the Vet Too Early or Too Late
The AHC can only be issued within the 10-day window before travel. Book too early and the certificate will expire before you depart. Book too late and you may not secure an appointment in time, especially during summer.
Forgetting Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs
Tapeworm treatment is a separate requirement from the AHC for dogs entering certain countries. Missing this step can result in your pet being refused entry or placed in quarantine.
Not Using a Designated Point of Entry
You must enter the EU through a Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE) where border officials will check your documents. Major ferry ports such as Calais, Caen, and Dunkirk are designated TPEs. Arriving at a non-designated entry point could cause serious problems. Browse our pet travel tips for more practical advice.
Key Takeaways
- An Animal Health Certificate is required for every trip from the UK to the EU since Brexit.
- Your pet must be microchipped before receiving a rabies vaccination.
- Rabies jabs require a 21-day waiting period before first-time travel.
- The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before departure.
- Once in the EU, the AHC is valid for up to 4 months for onward travel and UK re-entry.
- Dogs need tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before entering certain countries and returning to the UK.
- Vet Home Certs offers AHCs from £79, with home visits available across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an AHC and a pet passport?
A pet passport was a reusable, lifelong travel document valid across the EU. An AHC is a single-use certificate required for each individual trip from the UK to the EU, issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of departure.
How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?
Prices range from around £79 to £350 depending on the provider. Vet Home Certs offers certificates from £79, which is among the lowest rates in the UK.
How far in advance should I book my AHC appointment?
The certificate can only be issued within 10 days of travel. We recommend booking your OV appointment 2 to 3 weeks ahead to secure a slot, especially during peak holiday season.
Can I use my AHC for multiple EU countries?
Yes. Once you have entered the EU, your AHC is valid for onward travel between EU member states for up to 4 months, provided your rabies vaccination has not expired.
Do cats and ferrets need tapeworm treatment?
No. Tapeworm treatment is only required for dogs, and only when travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, or when returning to the UK.
What happens if my AHC expires while I am abroad?
You will need to visit an official veterinarian in the EU country where you are staying to obtain a new health certificate for your return journey to the UK.
Is an AHC needed for travel to Northern Ireland?
The requirements for Northern Ireland have been subject to change. Currently, an AHC is recommended. Check the latest UK government guidance before you travel.
Can Vet Home Certs issue my AHC at home?
Yes. Vet Home Certs arranges for an Official Veterinarian to visit your home, saving you the stress of transporting your pet to a clinic. Get in touch to arrange a visit.
Get Your Animal Health Certificate Today
Travelling to Europe with your pet does not have to be complicated or expensive. Vet Home Certs provides fast, affordable Animal Health Certificates from £79, with convenient home visits by qualified Official Veterinarians across the UK. Book your AHC now and take the stress out of pet travel.