What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)? Your 2-Minute Guide ⏱️

Traveling with your pet can be a joyful experience, but it comes with certain responsibilities. One of the most important documents you’ll need when traveling from the UK to the EU (including Swtizerland) or Northern Ireland is the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Let’s break it down step by step so you can be travel-ready in no time!

What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)? 📋

The Animal Health Certificate is a document required for taking your pet (dog, cat, or ferret) to the EU or Northern Ireland. It serves as a replacement for the old Pet Passport, which is no longer valid for most UK travelers.

Key Facts About the AHC ✅

  • Purpose: Verifies your pet meets the health requirements for travel.

  • Issued Within 10 Days: It can only be issued within 10 days before your departure.

  • Single Use: It’s valid for a single trip to the EU, ongoing travel within the EU for up to 4 months, and returning to the UK.

  • Limited Validity: Once issued, the AHC is valid for up to 4 months.

How Do You Get an Animal Health Certificate? 📑

Step 1: Microchip Your Pet

Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip for identification. The microchip must be implanted before (or at the same time as) the rabies vaccination.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination 💉

Your pet needs an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

  • If your pet hasn’t been vaccinated before, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination before an AHC can be issued.

  • Keep the vaccination record safe—it’s a critical part of the process.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you are planning to get your pet vaccinated, please note that Rabies and routine vaccinations should not be given on the same day, as they may invalidate each other.

Step 3: Book an AHC Appointment 📆

Schedule an appointment with a certified Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of your planned departure. The vet will:

  • Verify your pet’s microchip.

  • Confirm the rabies vaccination is valid.

  • Complete and issue the Animal Health Certificate.

Special Notes for Travelers to Certain Countries ⚠️

If you’re traveling with your dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, or Norway, additional requirements apply. Your dog must receive a tapeworm treatment:

  • Administered no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before crossing the border.

  • The treatment must be recorded on the AHC by a veterinarian.

What About Non-EU Travel?

If you’re traveling outside the EU, you’ll need a different document called an Export Health Certificate (EHC). The requirements for an EHC vary by country, and things get more complicated. Please, get in touch if you are planning an Non-EU trip, and we will provide you with all the relevant information!

FAQs About Animal Health Certificates

1. How much does an AHC cost?
Prices vary depending on the vet and the service provided.

We pride ourselves not only for the quality of our work, but also for our competitive prices. You can view our pricing here.

2. Can I use one AHC for multiple trips?
No, an AHC is valid for one trip only. You’ll need a new certificate for subsequent journeys.

Why Choose Us? 🐾

Taking your pet abroad from the UK requires careful planning due to strict time requirements with the Rabies vaccination and the paperwork required. Additionally, the necessary travel documentation must be signed by vets with special qualifications. This can make the process challenging—even for your regular vet.

We specialise in pet travel documentation and happy to help ensuring a safe, smooth, and stress-free journey for your furry friend.

✅ Experienced & Trusted – We’ve helped countless pet owners with their travel preparations, ensuring all documents are in order.
💷 Affordable & Transparent Pricing – Our Animal Health Certificates have some of the most competitive rates in London. Click here to check our prices.
🚪 Convenience at Your Doorstep – We can even perform all the necessary checks at your home, reducing the risk of your pet getting sick by avoiding exposure to unwell animals at the vet.
📄 Expert Handling of Documents – We prepare these documents daily, so you can be confident everything is completed correctly.

Let us take the stress out of pet travel—so you can focus on the excitement of your journey! 🐾