2026 Animal Health Certificate Changes: What UK Pet Owners Need to Know
Updated September 2026
If you're travelling from Great Britain to the European Union with your dog, cat or ferret, there have been some important updates to Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) in September 2026.
The certificate itself has been updated, and the official guidance for completing AHCs has also been revised. There has also been an important change to how long an AHC can be used after your pet has entered the EU.
What has changed with Animal Health Certificates in 2026?
The main points for pet owners are:
A new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) template has been introduced.
Updated official guidance has been issued for Official Veterinarians completing the certificate.
An AHC remains valid for 10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU.
Once your pet has entered the EU, the AHC can be used for up to 6 months for onward travel within the EU.
An AHC can also be used for up to 6 months for re-entry into Great Britain, provided your pet continues to meet the relevant health and rabies requirements.
How long is an AHC valid for?
This is an important distinction.
Your AHC must be issued within the required period before you enter the EU. It is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU.
After your pet has entered the EU, the same certificate can generally be used for up to 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for returning to Great Britain.
This means that an AHC does not simply "expire" 10 days after it is issued. The 10-day period relates specifically to entry into the EU.
Do I need a new AHC for every trip?
Yes.
If you return to Great Britain and later travel from Great Britain to the EU again, you will normally need a new Animal Health Certificate for the new journey.
An AHC is not a permanent travel document for your pet.
Are the rabies requirements changing?
The basic rabies requirements for travelling from Great Britain to the EU remain important.
Your pet must be correctly identified with a microchip and have a valid rabies vaccination.
For a first rabies vaccination, you must normally wait at least 21 full days before travelling. However, the vaccine's authorised product information should always be checked, as the required waiting period may be longer than 21 days.
If your pet receives a booster vaccination before the previous rabies vaccination expires, a new 21-day waiting period is normally not required.
What about the new AHC template?
The EU introduced an updated Animal Health Certificate template in 2026, and the UK has subsequently updated its guidance and templates for Official Veterinarians.
For pet owners, the important point is simple: make sure your AHC is prepared using the current requirements for your journey.
The certificate contains a number of mandatory details, including your pet's identification, rabies vaccination information and the declaration required for non-commercial movement.
Don't forget the requirements for returning to Great Britain
If you're travelling with a dog, remember that tapeworm treatment may be required before returning to Great Britain.
Where required, the treatment must be administered by a vet and recorded correctly in the pet's documentation. The treatment must be given between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before your pet's scheduled arrival in Great Britain.
If you want to know more about this, here is our little and comprehensive guide.
Need an Animal Health Certificate?
At AHC Specialists, we provide Animal Health Certificates and Pet Travel Documents for pets travelling to any destination abroad.
We check your pet's identification, rabies vaccination and travel details and prepare the documentation required for your journey, following the latest guidelines. Because we do this everyday, you know you are in good hands!
If you're planning to travel with your dog, cat or ferret, it's worth arranging your AHC well in advance — particularly during busy holiday periods.
Planning your pet's trip?
Contact us to arrange your Animal Health Certificate.
