How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?

Animal Health Certificates for European travel start from £195 when booked at least 10 days in advance. Returning clients receive a discounted rate of £165. Bookings made less than 10 days before travel incur an urgent fee due to the expedited processing required. This includes full veterinary examination, microchip scanning, certificate completion and signing, and expert guidance on travel requirements.

How far in advance should I book my pet's travel certificate?

We recommend booking at least 7 days before your travel date to ensure we can fulfill your appointment and complete all necessary documentation on time. The actual health certificate examination must be done within a specific timeframe before departure, typically within 10 days for European travel. Contact us as soon as you know your travel dates for guidance on the complete timeline for your specific destination.

What's the difference between an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) and Export Health Certificate (EHC)?

Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) are specifically for pet travel from the UK to European countries (EU member states, plus Norway, Switzerland). The process requires rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, microchipping, and a veterinary examination within 10 days of departure. Export Health Certificates (EHCs) are required for travel from the UK to countries outside Europe (except the USA). These certificates can be more complicated, often requiring additional preparations such as blood tests, extra vaccinations, and longer preparation timelines.

Do you offer home visits in London?

Yes! We provide convenient home visit services throughout London. We come directly to your door to perform all necessary examinations, microchip scanning, and certificate completion—saving you time and reducing stress for your pet. Our appointments are quick and efficient, typically lasting no more than 20 minutes.

Does my pet need a rabies vaccine to travel?

Yes, for most destinations. Rabies vaccination is a standard requirement for international pet travel. For European travel, vaccination must be at least 21 days before departure. For USA travel, while not required by the CDC for entry, we strongly recommend vaccination at least 30 days before departure as most US states require current rabies vaccinations. Your pet must be microchipped before receiving their rabies vaccination for it to be valid for travel purposes.

How long is an Animal Health Certificate valid for?

Your Animal Health Certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for departure from the UK. This means you must leave the UK within this 10-day window. For your return journey to the UK, your pet can re-enter as long as their rabies vaccination remains valid (typically up to 3 years), or for a maximum of 4 months from the date the AHC was issued—whichever comes first.

Animal Health Certificates in West London: What Does It Actually Cost in 2026?

14 Jun

Written By Federico Baggi

If you're travelling to Europe with your dog or cat, you'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) - and the price varies more than most people expect.

We often get asked the same question: "How much should I be paying for an AHC in London?" The honest answer is: it depends on who issues it, where, and how much notice you give. This post breaks it all down - including our updated pricing.

What Is an Animal Health Certificate?

Since the UK left the EU, British pet owners can no longer use the old EU Pet Passport for European travel. Instead, every trip to an EU country (plus Norway, Switzerland, and a few others) requires a fresh Animal Health Certificate, issued by a DEFRA-approved Official Veterinarian within 10 days of departure.

The certificate confirms your pet is microchipped, up to date with their rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel), and in good health to travel. Without it, your pet cannot legally enter most European countries.

How Much Do AHCs Cost in London?

Prices across London range widely — from around £120 at the lower end to over £250 at some central London practices, particularly those that bundle the AHC into a broader consultation fee or charge for home visits as standard.

Factors that affect the price include:

Location of the appointment — home visits cost more than in-clinic appointments
How much notice you give — urgent or last-minute requests typically carry a surcharge
Whether additional services are included — rabies vaccination, microchipping, blood tests
The specific vet practice — there is no fixed national price for AHCs

Our Updated Pricing: AHCs from £139

We've recently updated our pricing to make the process more accessible for pet owners in and around West London.

Animal Health Certificates issued in our office in Stanwell Moor (The Mill, Horton Rd, Stanwell Moor, TW19 6BF) now start from £139, when booked at least 10 days before your travel date. This includes:

Full veterinary examination by a DEFRA-approved Official Veterinarian
Microchip scanning
Certificate completion and signing
Guidance on travel requirements for your destination

Returning clients also receive a 10% discount on their next AHC.

For clients who prefer a home visit, or who need an appointment at short notice, we provide a personalised quote — just get in touch.

Why West London Pet Owners Use Us

Our office is based in Stanwell Moor, just off the M25 near Heathrow — making it particularly convenient for pet owners in West London, including Hounslow, Ealing, Richmond, Twickenham, Uxbridge, and Hayes, who are often travelling from Heathrow anyway.

We've helped over 2,000 pets travel internationally, and our Official Veterinarians are fully registered with DEFRA and the RCVS. We also offer home visits across London for clients who prefer the convenience of it.

What to Watch Out For When Comparing AHC Prices

Not all AHC services are the same. When comparing prices, it's worth checking:

Is the vet a DEFRA-approved Official Veterinarian? Only OVs can legally issue AHCs. Not every vet in a practice holds this authorisation.
Is the price for the certificate alone, or does it include the clinical examination? Some practices quote the certificate fee separately from the consultation.
Are urgent fees clearly stated? If your travel date is less than 10 days away, expect a surcharge at most providers.
Do they offer expert advice on your specific destination? Requirements differ between countries — a good AHC provider will flag anything you might have missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new AHC every time I travel to Europe? Yes. Unlike the old EU Pet Passport, AHCs are single-trip documents valid for 10 days from the date of issue.

How far in advance should I book? We recommend booking at least 14-21 days before your travel date. This gives time to arrange the appointment and ensures you qualify for our standard pricing. If your trip is sooner, contact us and we'll do our best to help.

Can I get an AHC and rabies vaccination at the same appointment? Not if it's your pet's first rabies vaccination — the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before the AHC is issued. If your pet is already vaccinated, the AHC appointment is all you need.

Do you cover the whole of London? We issue AHCs in our office in Stanwell Moor and offer home visits across London. If you're outside London, get in touch and we'll let you know whether we can reach you.

Book Your AHC

If you're planning a trip to Europe and need an Animal Health Certificate, request a quote here or visit our prices page for full details.

We aim to make the process as simple as possible — so you can focus on the trip, not the paperwork.

Get a Quote

Federico Baggi https://ahclondon.co.uk