Pet Travel
Taking Your Pet Abroad
The rules around travelling abroad with your dog, cat or ferret have now changed and pet passports issued in the UK are no longer valid. New documentation is required for each trip your pet makes and be warned, it is costly. It can be confusing too, as non-EU countries have their own individual requirements, for example, some ask for your pet to be vaccinated against rabies, while others don’t.
Please note, we’ve made the decision not to prepare pet travel documentation at this stage as the rules are changing rapidly, but this page will give you guidance and pinpoint where you can get up to date advice from to travel with your pet. However, if you need to check your pet’s eligibility and arrange the necessary paperwork, this can be done by an Animal Health Certificate provider – a local example via can be found here*.
If you have a Pet Passport that was issued by an EU country, or in Northern Ireland, you can travel as before and do not need new documentation, as long as an EU vet has kept your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date. UK vets are not able to renew European passports, this must be done in their country of origin.
Please be aware that it is your responsibility to check before you travel for the documentation needed for your destination and to ensure that you apply for it within the required timescales.
If you are travelling with your pet or within five days of its departure to an EU country or Northern Ireland, you will probably need an AHC. Only OVs can issue these certificates and they must be issued within 10 days of your departure date. Once issued the certificate lasts for four months. The AHC requires that your pet must have been vaccinated for rabies, you must wait 21 days after this before you can travel.
The Export Health Certificate (EHC)
If you’re planning on travelling five days earlier or later than your pet to an EU country, you may need an Export Health Certificate or EHC to travel. You can check this with the APHA Centre for International Trade in Carlisle, by calling them on 03000 200 301 or email exports@apha.gov.uk with details of your trip. They will explain how an EHC works.
To be issued with an EHC you will need to nominate an OV or Official Vet (we are not offering this service currently) to check the EHC’s details against your pet’s health record and identification requirements. Once your nominated vet receives the EHC, it will usually be completed and given to you 48 hours prior to your pet’s departure.
Non EU Countries – the Export Certificate (EC)
If you are travelling to a non-EU country you should contact the APHA Centre for International Trade who will help you with this. You might also like to contact that country’s embassy. Most countries are signed up to export agreements that are laid out in a government produced Export Certificate. Each country has different requirements and timescales for preparation of the paperwork. The airline that you’re travelling with may also be able to help you and pet transport companies, if you’re using one, will have up to date details.
Again, you’ll need to nominate an OV to check your pet’s details and issue the certificate ready for your travel.
*Please note that this website may contain links to external websites that are not operated by us. We have no control over the content and availability of those sites and do not necessarily endorse or recommend the information, products, or services provided therein. We shall not be held responsible or liable for any loss or damage caused or alleged to have been caused by the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services available on or through any external sites linked from this website. Users access such external links at their own risk and discretion.