If you're planning to take your dog, cat, or ferret to Europe and live in London or Manchester, you've probably already discovered that the paperwork isn't as simple as it used to be. Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel, and you now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every single trip. The good news? You don't necessarily have to drag a stressed pet across town to a clinic — mobile vet services that issue AHCs at your doorstep do exist in both cities.

At Vet Home Certs, we've built a growing network of Official Veterinarians across the UK — including coverage areas in London — who can issue your AHC via home visits or convenient collection points, with prices starting from just £79.

What Is an Animal Health Certificate and Why Do You Need One?

An Animal Health Certificate is the official travel document that GB-based pet owners need to take a dog, cat, or ferret into the EU or Northern Ireland. It replaced the old UK pet passport system after Brexit and must be issued fresh for each trip.

Key facts about AHCs:

  • The certificate must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised by APHA — not every vet can do this.
  • It must be signed within 10 days of your departure date.
  • A new AHC is required for every outbound journey to the EU.
  • Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel.
  • EU regulations still require a physical paper document with original ink signatures and stamps — a photo on your phone will not be accepted at the border.

As of 2026, there are also discussions between the UK and EU about potentially reintroducing multi-use pet passports, but for now the AHC remains the legal standard.

Can a Mobile Vet Issue an AHC at Your Home?

Yes — provided they hold OV (Official Veterinarian) status. The physical examination and microchip scan must happen in person, so you cannot get an AHC issued purely online or by post. However, there is nothing in the regulations that says this appointment must take place in a clinic. A qualified mobile OV can carry out the health check, scan the microchip, and complete the paperwork at your home.

A typical home visit for an AHC takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many pets you have and whether any vaccinations are needed during the appointment.

Mobile Vet Options for AHCs in London

London has several mobile vet services and home-visit practices that can issue pet travel documents:

  • Vet Home Certs — Our service covers multiple areas of London including Finchley and North West London (with collection points in Hampstead Heath, Finchley, Friern Barnet, Brent Cross, and Mill Hill), Acton and West London (home visits with a small delivery supplement), Chigwell for North, South, and East London, Lewisham and South East London (with a collection point), and Clapham and South West London. Prices start from £79, making us one of the most affordable options available.
  • CTvets — A London-based home visit vet service offering AHCs from £99, with RCVS registration and additional services like rabies vaccinations and microchipping available.
  • Vet on the Loose — Offers mobile appointments across Essex, Hertfordshire, and London as a DEFRA-approved vet.
  • The Pet Travel Vet — A fully mobile service near London Heathrow covering Surrey, London, and surrounding areas, including weekend, evening, and emergency callouts.
  • The 100X Vet — Another mobile option offering pet travel certificates and microchipping in London.

With so many options, London pet owners are well served. The key is to check that any mobile vet you book holds current OV status and is authorised by APHA to issue AHCs.

Mobile Vet Options for AHCs in Manchester

Manchester has fewer dedicated mobile pet travel vet services compared to London, but there are still options:

  • The Cheshire Travel Vet — Provides a home visit AHC service across Cheshire and South Manchester. Prices are structured by how far in advance you book, with additional pets charged per head.
  • Vet Home Certs — While we are expanding our network continuously, our South Yorkshire coverage (including Sheffield, Rotherham, and north Derbyshire) is the closest existing hub. We encourage Manchester-area pet owners to contact our team to check for the latest coverage updates, as we regularly add new OVs to our network.

If you live in Greater Manchester and cannot find a mobile OV locally, it is worth checking DEFRA's list of OV-approved vets or contacting your regular vet practice — they may be able to refer you to a nearby colleague with OV status who does home visits.

Is There a Mobile Vet Service for Pet Travel Documents in London or Manchester?

Why Choose a Mobile Vet for Your AHC?

There are practical reasons why a home visit makes sense for pet travel paperwork:

  • Less stress for anxious pets — Many dogs and cats become agitated in unfamiliar clinic environments. A home visit keeps them calm.
  • Convenience — No need to arrange transport or sit in a waiting room. The vet comes to you at an agreed time.
  • Time-sensitive paperwork — The AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel. A mobile vet with flexible scheduling (including evenings and weekends) can fit around your departure plans.
  • Cost savings — Services like Vet Home Certs start from £79, which is competitive with or cheaper than many clinic-based options.

What to Prepare Before Your Mobile Vet Visit

To ensure your home visit goes smoothly and your AHC can be completed on the day:

  1. Confirm your pet's microchip is readable — The OV must scan it during the visit.
  2. Check your rabies vaccination is in date — It must have been given at least 21 days before travel. If it has lapsed, the vet can administer a new one during the visit, but you will need to wait 21 days before departure.
  3. Have your vaccination records ready — Bring the original rabies certificate issued by the vaccinating vet.
  4. Know your travel details — The vet needs your destination country and intended travel date to complete the certificate correctly.
  5. Book early — Aim for 4 to 6 weeks before travel to allow time for any vaccinations that may be needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile vet services that issue Animal Health Certificates do exist in both London and Manchester.
  • London has the widest choice, with multiple mobile OV services covering all areas of the city.
  • Manchester is served by The Cheshire Travel Vet for the southern suburbs, with other services expanding into the region.
  • Vet Home Certs offers some of the UK's most affordable AHCs from £79, with home visits and collection points across London and a growing nationwide network.
  • Always verify that any mobile vet holds current OV status before booking.
  • Start planning at least 4-6 weeks before your trip and have your pet's microchip and rabies records ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an Animal Health Certificate without visiting a vet clinic?

Yes. A mobile Official Veterinarian can complete the AHC at your home, provided they physically examine your pet and scan the microchip. The certificate cannot be issued online or by post.

How much does a mobile vet AHC cost in London?

Prices vary. Vet Home Certs starts from £79, while other London mobile vet services typically charge from £99 to £150 or more depending on location and additional services required.

Is there a mobile vet for AHCs in Manchester?

The Cheshire Travel Vet covers Cheshire and South Manchester with a home visit AHC service. Vet Home Certs is also expanding its network in the North of England — contact us to check current availability in Greater Manchester.

How far in advance should I book a mobile vet for an AHC?

Book as early as possible — ideally 4 to 6 weeks before travel. The AHC itself must be signed within 10 days of your EU entry date, but you may need time beforehand for rabies vaccinations or boosters.

What happens if my AHC paperwork has errors at the border?

Errors can cause delays, additional fees, or even refusal of entry. Serious errors could result in quarantine or re-export at the owner's expense. Using an experienced OV service like Vet Home Certs reduces this risk significantly.

Do I need a new AHC for every trip to the EU?

Yes. Each outbound journey from Great Britain to the EU requires a fresh Animal Health Certificate. There is no multi-trip option currently available for GB-based pet owners.