Travelling with your pet

1. Eligible Pets

The rules apply to:

• Dogs

• Cats

• Ferrets

Other pets may be subject to different national rules depending on the destination country.

2. Microchipping

Your pet must be:

• Microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip

• Microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination

Make sure the microchip is readable and correctly registered with your current contact details.

3. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination:

• Given after microchipping

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination

• You must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travelling

Rabies Booster vaccinations must be kept up to date to avoid restarting the 21-day wait.

4. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Pet owners resident in the UK will need an AHC for each trip.

Key points - AHC’s are : 

• Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV)

• Valid for:

• Entry into the EU (within 10 days of issue)

• Onward travel within the EU for up to 6 months

• 6 months for re-entry into GB

• Must include:

• Microchip details

• Rabies vaccination record

You will need a new AHC for each trip to the EU.  

If you have a pet passport

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you should not use a pet passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.

5. Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

If you are travelling with a dog to certain countries (such as Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway), your dog must receive tapeworm treatment:

• Administered 24–120 hours before arrival

• Given by a vet and recorded in the AHC

6. Travel Routes & Approved Entry Points

Pets must enter the EU through designated Travellers’ Points of Entry (TPEs). Check in advance that your chosen route and arrival point accept pets.

7. Number of Pets

You can travel with up to 5 pets under non-commercial rules. If travelling with more than 5 pets, additional rules may apply unless you are attending a competition or event.

8. Returning to Great Britain (for GB Residents)

To return to GB, your pet must:

• Be microchipped

• Have a valid rabies vaccination

• Have a GB Animal Health Certificate (issued before leaving GB)

Dogs must also have tapeworm treatment before re-entry:

• Given 24–120 hours before arrival in GB

9. Additional Country Requirements

Some EU countries may have extra requirements (such as:

• Breed restrictions

• Additional documentation)

Always check the specific rules of your destination country well in advance.

10. Helpful Tips

• Start planning at least 2 months before travel

• Book your vet appointment early for the AHC

• Double-check all documentation before departure

• Keep both digital and printed copies of your pet’s paperwork

For further information,  and for advice on travel to Northern Ireland and outside the EU please read the guidance notes on the government website https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad.

We have several Official Veterinary Surgeons (OV’s) working at the practice but their availability may be limited, so we would suggest getting in touch as soon as you have a date for travel so that we can prepare the certificate in good time.