Taking your Dog or Cat to Europe from the UK 🇪🇺

Planning to take your pet on a European adventure? Since Brexit, the rules for travelling with pets from Great Britain to the EU have changed. Whether you're heading off on holiday or relocating, it's essential to ensure your pet meets all the entry requirements.

What You Need Before You Travel

To take your dog, cat, or ferret to the EU (or Northern Ireland) from Great Britain, you’ll need:

  • A valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
    Issued within 10 days of travel, the AHC confirms your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. It's valid for:

    • 10 days for entry into the EU

    • 4 months for onward travel within the EU

    • 4 months for re-entry into Great Britain

  • Microchip
    Your pet must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) their rabies vaccination.

  • Rabies vaccination 💉
    Pets must be vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. Ensure the vaccine is up to date and administered after microchipping.

👉 Pro Tip: Double-check that the rabies vaccination will remain valid throughout your trip to avoid travel disruptions.

Note: Not all vets can issue an AHC—this service is only provided by Official Veterinarians (OVs). Click here if you want more information about what Animal Health Certificates are and about our convenient, at-home service.

Travel to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta?

These countries also require your dog to be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.

Returning to the UK

To bring your pet back into Great Britain, you'll need:

  • The original AHC (if still valid), a GB pet health certificate, or a valid EU pet passport

  • Proof of microchipping and rabies vaccination

  • Tapeworm treatment if returning from certain countries

Why Choose Us? 🐾

Taking your pet abroad from the UK requires careful planning due to the strict time requirements and the fact that 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 help ensuring a safe, smooth, and stress-free journey for you and 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 AHCs have some of the most competitive rates in London. Check our prices here.
🚪 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.

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