Proof of Rabies Vaccination for Pet Travel Health Certificates 🐾
When travelling abroad with your pet, whether you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for EU travel or an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for destinations outside the EU, you must provide proof of a valid rabies vaccination. This is one of the most important requirements for pet travel, and without the correct documentation, your journey could be delayed or cancelled.
At AHC London, we help pet owners prepare the right documents so their travel is stress-free and compliant with all regulations.
What Counts as Proof of Rabies Vaccination?
According to official guidance from the UK government, to meet the requirements for issuing a Health Certificate, your proof of rabies vaccination must clearly show:
Your pet’s microchip number (and possibly a note mentioning it being scanned before the vaccination)
Date of vaccination
Vaccine manufacturer and batch number
Name, signature, and practice stamp of the administering vet
Accepted forms of proof include:
Pet Vaccination Card or Certificate – Provided by your vet at the time of vaccination.
Pet Passport – Still valid if it contains the above details.
Vet Clinical History Printout – Signed, stamped, and linked to your pet’s microchip record.
(Sources: GOV.UK)
Why These Details Matter
Microchip link: Ensures the vaccination belongs to the correct animal.
Vet authentication: Signature and stamp prevent fraudulent records.
Batch number: Allows verification of the vaccine’s legitimacy.
Without these details, our Official Veterinarians cannot issue your Health Certificate.
Timing Rules for Rabies Vaccination ⏳
First rabies vaccination: at least 21 days before travel
Booster vaccination: must be given before the previous vaccine expires
Health Certificates must be issued within the required timeframe for your destination. For EU travel, your pet must have received its first rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the health certificate can be issued and before you travel, and the Certificate itself must be issued within 10 days of your entry into Europe.
Quick Pre-Appointment Checklist ✅
Before your Health Certificate appointment, ensure you have:
Pet’s microchip scanned and matched to records
Original rabies vaccination card/certificate or valid pet passport
Vet signature and practice stamp visible
Travel date confirmed and within vaccine validity 🗓️
Destination country’s requirements double-checked
Common Problems to Avoid ⚠️
Handwritten notes without a vet stamp — not accepted
Vaccination proof with no microchip number — invalid
Rabies vaccination proof is one of the most universal requirements for pet travel. Providing clear, correct documentation means:
Faster Health Certificate appointment
No last-minute travel cancellations
Peace of mind for you and your pet 🐶
Need Help with Your Health Certificate? 📄
At AHC Specialists, our experienced vets guide you through the process, check your documents in advance, and ensure your Health Certificate meets your destination’s requirements.
Book your appointment today and travel with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How soon after rabies vaccination can my pet travel?
For first-time vaccinations, there is a mandatory 21-day wait before travel.
Q2: What happens if my rabies vaccination proof is incomplete?
Your Health Certificate cannot be issued, and you may need to re-vaccinate your pet and restart the waiting period.
Q3: Does the rabies proof have to be in English?
It’s best to provide proof in English, or with a certified translation, especially for EHC applications.
Q4: Can a rabies vaccination be valid if given before microchipping?
No — the microchip must be implanted and scanned before the rabies vaccination to be valid.
