Travelling to the EU with your pet (Applicable to Cats, Dogs and Ferrets)

Since leaving the EU, GB vets can no longer issue or pet passports. Instead, a pet travelling from GB to the EU will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The AHC needs to be completed in both English AND the language of the country of entry to the EU so we will need to know this information and the date of travel at the earliest opportunity.

An AHC is valid for:

10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU with your pet(s).
A SINGLE trip for entry to the EU. This must be done via a designated Travellers Point of Entry (Travellers’ points of entry | Food Safety (europa.eu).
Onward travel within the EU for 6 months after the date of issue (or until the date of expiry of the validity of the anti-rabies vaccination, if the rabies vaccination is due to run out whilst you are away we would recommend having a booster vaccination at least 21 days prior to your travel date)
Re-entry to GB for 6 months after the date of issue
Owners travelling with UP TO 5 pets; if you are travelling with more than 5 pets, please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

An AHC is NOT valid for:

Commercial movements, i.e. for the purposes of selling or re-homing animals

How to get an AHC:

Your dog, cat or ferret must be microchipped.
Your dog, cat or ferret must be vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days prior to the completion of the AHC. (they must be over 12 weeks of age for this vaccination), to complete the AHC we will need proof of vaccination.
If you are travelling to the EU via a territory or third country that is NOT listed in the Annex II of the Implementing Regulation (EU) no 577/2013, then a rabies serology blood test will be required. This will need to be taken at least 30 days AFTER the rabies vaccination and at least 3 months BEFORE travel.

Travel from the GB to EU listed countries that are tapeworm free (Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta): If you are travelling with a dog directly to one of these countries, he or she must have treatment against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) 1-5 days before arriving in one of these countries, the details of this must be entered on the AHC by the vet.

Travel from GB to EU using an EU issued pet passport

Some owners have used an address (holiday home or other address) within the EU to obtain an EU pet passport. As of 22^nd April 2026 these EU passports for GB residents will no longer be valid for travel. Pets belonging to owners resident in GB will now need an AHC even if they have a valid EU passport.

Returning to GB

Your pet must have ONE of the following documents when returning to Great Britain:

A valid EU pet passport (issued in the EU) – these are still valid to RETURN to GB.
The AHC issued in Great Britain used to travel to the EU—which you can use up to 6 months after it was issued.
A UK pet health certificate (for travel into GB only)
Dogs will need to be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering Great Britain, using an approved tapeworm treatment. (This does not apply if coming directly to the UK from Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta)

Your pet will not need this documentation if entering Great Britain from:

Northern Ireland
The Channel Islands
The Isle of Man
The Republic of Ireland

Your pet’s documents and ID chip will be checked upon entry to GB. You must travel using approved routes unless travelling from Norther Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. (Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK: Approved routes – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) )

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland under this scheme unless you are attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. If this applies to you please contact the practice directly to discuss the specific requirements for travel.

If you have further questions, please see the government website for advice:

Pet travel to Europe from 1 January 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet

If you are travelling to Northern Ireland (NI) with your dog, cat or ferret, but not entering the EU, the rules have been simplified.

You will still need to have your pet microchipped, then you can apply online for a “Pet Travel Document” (PTD). It’s free to apply online, will last for as long as you own your pet, and requires no veterinary certification by us.
There is no requirement for rabies vaccination or tapeworm treatment.
The PTD is only for travelling with five pets or less, and is not for commercial movements (including sale or re-homing of pets).
At the port, the official will check that the microchip number matches that on your PTD.

You can apply online at:

Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to Northern Ireland – GOV.UK

You can also ask for advice from the APHA via pettravel@apha.gov.uk or on 0370 241 1710 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

Please be aware that it is your (the client’s) responsibility to ensure you have valid, in date, accurate certificates and documentation prior to travel.

Orchard vets are happy to offer travel services such as providing Animal Health Certificates, Rabies Vaccinations, other vaccinations and Export Certificates however we cannot guarantee your own documentation which has not been issued by us, or that you have everything required to travel. You should refer to UK and government guidelines, including official guidelines of the country you are travelling to with your pet.

Everyone’s pet travel requirements will be different, and we cannot be held responsible for all eventualities. We will of course try and help as much as we can, however we accept no responsibility should any assumptions be incorrect.

Please also feel free to contact the practice at info@ovg.co.uk or on 01458 832972 and we can discuss your requirements.