Pet Travel from the UK to the EU and Northern Ireland

To travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet will need: 

  • Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip. This microchip should be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered. Please ensure your pets microchip is up to date with your current contact information. 

  • Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is a 21-day waiting period after the primary rabies vaccination before your pet can travel.

  • Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This must be issued by an Official Veterinarian who is certified to complete travel paperwork. This document includes information on the point of entry into the EU, the owner’s information, pet’s details - including: up to date microchip details and rabies vaccination information. AHC can only be issued within the 10 day period prior to entering the EU. It is valid for four months of onward travel within the EU then returning to the UK. If you are visiting the EU for longer than four months you will need an EU based vet to issue updated paperwork prior to returning to the UK.

  • Tapeworm Treatment: Between 24 and 120 hours before returning to the UK from the EU dogs must be treated with a tapeworm tablet. The treatment must be administered by a veterinarian, and the details recorded in the AHC.

    If you are travelling to any of the following countries from the UK you will also need a veterinarian to administer a tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arriving at your destination and have it recorded in the AHC :

    • Finland

    • Ireland

    • Malta

    • Norway

    • Northern Ireland.

  • Approved Route: Pets must travel into the EU on an approved route. This typically means using an authorised transport company and entering the EU through an approved point of entry.

  • Check for Updates: Regulations can change, so it's crucial to check the UK Government website prior to travel. You can view all updated information here. 

When making an appointment for an Animal Health Certificate please ensure you have done the following:

  • Provided the clinic with your up to date contact information including: full name, address, phone number, email. 

  • Provided the clinic with the correct information for your pet including: pet’s name, breed, coat colour, date of birth and microchip number.

  • Provided proof of microchip registration with up to date contact information.

  • Provided the clinic with your date of travel (and arrival in the EU if it is a different day to travel) and the point of entry into the EU. ie. If you are travelling to Spain but arriving into the EU via France on a ferry, your point of entry is FRANCE. 

  • Provided the clinic with proof of rabies vaccination if not administered at Hill City Vets.

Safe travels for you and your furry friend!

For any questions or assistance with the EU Pet Travel Scheme, feel free to contact Hill City Vets. We're here to make your pet's journey safe and stress-free.

Contact Us | Learn More about APHA

Please be aware it is the owners responsibility to provide Hill City Vets with all correct and up to date information about their pet in order to issue this certificate. If we have to reissue an AHC due to an error in provision of information there will be an administrative fee for this. Please be aware if AHCs have to be reissued this may delay your travel plans.