Can a Vet Come to My House to Issue a Pet Health Certificate for Travel?
If you are planning to travel from the UK to Europe with your dog, cat, or ferret, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Many pet owners wonder whether a vet can visit their home to issue this document, rather than making a stressful trip to a clinic. The good news is that home visits for AHCs are not only possible but increasingly popular across the UK. Services like Vet Home Certs were built specifically around this idea, offering affordable home-visit and collection-point options with prices starting from just £79.
What Is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official veterinary document required for dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU for non-commercial purposes. It replaced the old UK-issued pet passport system after Brexit in January 2021. According to UK Government guidance, you must obtain an AHC before entering the EU, and the certificate is valid for travel within 10 days of issue.
An Official Veterinarian (OV) is a vet authorised by APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency) to issue these certificates. Not every vet practice holds this authorisation, which is one reason specialist services exist.
Can a Vet Really Visit Your Home for an AHC?
Yes. There is no legal requirement for AHC appointments to take place at a veterinary clinic. The law requires an in-person examination, microchip scanning, and a physical signature from an Official Veterinarian, but this can happen at your home just as easily as in a surgery.
Vet Home Certs operates a UK-wide network of OVs who offer both home visits and collection-point appointments. Home visits are typically available during evenings and weekends, making them ideal for busy households. Several areas, including London, Brighton, Norfolk, Sheffield, and Buckinghamshire, have dedicated vets who travel directly to your door.
How a Home-Visit AHC Appointment Works
Step 1: Submit Your Request Online
Start by completing the Stage 1 booking form on the Vet Home Certs website. You will immediately receive a Stage 2 form by email to provide your pet's details and travel plans.
Step 2: Vet Reviews Your Documents
Your assigned OV reviews rabies vaccination records (sent directly from your regular vet practice) and confirms all requirements are met. Payment is taken in advance to confirm the booking.
Step 3: The Home Visit
On the day, the OV arrives at your home, scans your pet's microchip, witnesses your signature on the declaration, and hands over the completed AHC. Most appointments take around 15 to 30 minutes. You are then ready to travel within the next 10 days.
Benefits of a Home Visit Over a Clinic Appointment
A home visit removes many of the pain points associated with traditional vet appointments. Your pet stays in a familiar environment, which reduces anxiety for both animals and owners. There is no waiting room full of unfamiliar animals, no car journey, and no time off work needed.
For multi-pet households, a home visit is especially practical. Up to five pets can be added to one AHC, with additional pets costing just £30 each. Transporting several animals to a clinic can be logistically difficult, so having the vet come to you makes the entire process smoother.
Cost Comparison: Home Visit vs Clinic AHC
| Provider Type | Typical Cost (1 Pet) | Home Visit? | Additional Pet Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General vet practice | £150 - £350 | Rarely | Varies |
| Specialist clinic-based AHC provider | £99 - £139 | No | £30 - £55 |
| Vet Home Certs (Standard) | £99 | Yes (where available) | £30 |
| Vet Home Certs (Repeat) | £89 | Yes (where available) | £25 |
| Vet Home Certs (Collection Point) | From £79 | Collection point | £30 |
As the table shows, a home-visit AHC from a specialist provider can actually cost less than a standard clinic appointment at a general practice. Collection point discounts of up to £10 are available at selected locations across the UK.
What Your Pet Needs Before the Visit
Before an OV can issue your AHC, your pet must meet certain requirements set out by DEFRA and APHA:
- Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: Must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Booster vaccinations do not require a waiting period if given before the previous dose expires.
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): Required for travel to certain destinations including Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta. Must be administered 24 to 120 hours before arrival.
You can learn more about rabies vaccination timing in the Vet Home Certs rabies guide. We recommend requesting your AHC appointment four to six weeks before your travel date to allow time for document preparation.
Key Takeaways
- A vet can absolutely come to your house to issue an Animal Health Certificate for pet travel to the EU.
- An Animal Health Certificate is required for every trip from Great Britain to the EU with a dog, cat, or ferret.
- Home-visit AHCs from Vet Home Certs start from £79 with collection-point discounts, or £99 for a standard appointment.
- Your pet must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
- The AHC must be issued within 10 days of entering the EU and is valid for up to four months once you arrive.
- Home visits reduce stress for pets and owners alike, removing the need for clinic waiting rooms and car journeys.
- Vet Home Certs covers locations across the UK with evening and weekend availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Animal Health Certificate without visiting a vet clinic?
Yes. An OV can visit your home to complete the examination, scan your pet's microchip, and issue the AHC. Services like Vet Home Certs specialise in home-visit AHC appointments across the UK.
How much does a home-visit AHC cost?
With Vet Home Certs, standard home-visit AHCs cost £99 for one pet, with repeat certificates at £89. Collection-point appointments start from £79. Additional pets are £25 to £30 each.
How far in advance should I book a home-visit AHC?
We recommend booking four to six weeks before your travel date for the best availability and pricing. Urgent appointments (under seven days' notice) are available at £199.
Does the vet need to see my pet in person?
Yes. UK law requires the OV to physically scan your pet's microchip and witness the owner's signature before issuing an AHC. This cannot be done remotely or online.
What areas do home-visit AHC services cover?
Vet Home Certs has OVs across England, Scotland, and Wales. Check the areas covered page for an interactive map showing home-visit zones and collection points near you.
Is an AHC the same as a pet passport?
No. A pet passport is a different document. Since Brexit, GB-issued pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel. As of 22 April 2026, even EU-issued pet passports cannot be used by GB residents. An AHC is now the required document.
How long is an Animal Health Certificate valid?
The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for EU entry. Once you have entered the EU, it covers onward travel within the EU and return to the UK for up to four months, provided the rabies vaccination remains valid.
Can someone else take my pet to the AHC appointment?
The person named on the AHC as the owner or an authorised person must attend and sign the declaration. If someone else will be travelling with the pet, this must be arranged in advance so the certificate can be completed correctly.
Book Your Home-Visit AHC Today
Ready to get your pet's travel documents sorted from the comfort of your own home? Request an AHC appointment with Vet Home Certs and enjoy a stress-free, affordable service backed by experienced Official Veterinarians. Browse our pet travel tips blog for more guidance on travelling to Europe with your pet.