An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is the document most pet owners need when travelling from Great Britain to the European Union with a dog, cat or ferret.
This guide explains who needs one, how to prepare, how long it is valid, and the common mistakes that can delay travel.
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate confirms that your pet meets the EU's animal health requirements. It is the document most pet owners need when travelling from Great Britain to the European Union with a dog, cat or ferret.
It must be completed by an Official Veterinarian after checking your pet's identity and paperwork.
What is an Official Veterinarian?
An Official Veterinarian (OV) is a veterinary surgeon who has completed additional training and has been authorised by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to certify certain official documents, including Animal Health Certificates.
Only an Official Veterinarian can issue an Animal Health Certificate for travel from Great Britain to the EU.
Why does my pet need an AHC?
Following the UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit), Great Britain became a 'third country' for EU pet travel rules.
As a result, most dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU now require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead of a Great Britain-issued pet passport.
The official gov.uk guidance is here: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/pet-passport
Who needs one?
Most owners travelling from Great Britain to the EU with a dog, cat or ferret need an AHC unless the pet already has a valid EU-issued pet passport.
Before your appointment, ensure:
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Your pet is microchipped.
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Your pet has a valid rabies vaccination.
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The rabies vaccination was given after the microchip was implanted (or on the same day if the microchip was scanned immediately before vaccination).
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This links the vaccination to your pet's permanent identity, which is a requirement for EU pet travel.
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The veterinary record or vaccination certificate confirms that the microchip was checked at the time of vaccination, stating the microchip number in the records and the vaccine’s batch number.
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This provides evidence that the rabies vaccine was administered to the correct animal and links the vaccination to your pet's permanent identity, helping to protect animal and public health.
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Before your appointment, ensure:
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Your pet is microchipped.
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Your pet has a valid rabies vaccination.
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The rabies vaccination was given after the microchip was implanted (or on the same day if the microchip was scanned immediately before vaccination).
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You know your first country of entry into the EU, as this must be included on the Animal Health Certificate.
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You know whether your journey requires a tapeworm treatment (currently Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway), you understand when it must be given and who will administer it. If another veterinary practice is administering the treatment, let your Official Veterinarian know in advance so the paperwork can be completed correctly.
Good to Know: Rabies Vaccinations
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The rabies vaccination must be given after the microchip was implanted (or on the same day if the microchip was scanned immediately before vaccination).
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This links the vaccination to your pet's permanent identity, which is a requirement for EU pet travel.
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The veterinary record or vaccination certificate MUST confirm that the microchip was checked at the time of vaccination, stating the microchip number in the records and the vaccine’s batch number.
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An AHC may not be issued if this is recorded incorrectly.
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This provides evidence that the rabies vaccine was administered to the correct animal and links the vaccination to your pet's permanent identity, helping to protect animal and public health.
During the appointment
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Your microchip is scanned
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The rabies vaccination is checked
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The paperwork is completed (this is usually completed before your appointment)
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You sign the required owner declaration
Validity
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The AHC is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from issue.
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After entry it remains valid for onward travel within the EU for up to six months, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
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However, once you leave the EU (for example, by returning to Great Britain), the certificate cannot be used for another trip to the EU, even if the six-month validity period has not expired. A new Animal Health Certificate will be required for your next journey from Great Britain to the EU.
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It can also be used to return to Great Britain during that period.
Common mistakes
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Booking too late
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Incorrect microchip numbers
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Rabies vaccinations not yet valid
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Not bringing the required documentation.
