Animal Health Certificates in the UK: costs, timing and a stress-free home visit guide

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Planning a spring or summer trip to the EU with your pet? The rules changed after Brexit, and the paperwork can feel confusing, especially if you have been told your old EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for GB-issued pets. The good news is that an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is straightforward when you know the steps and give yourself a little time.

Vets 2 Your Pets makes the process calmer and simpler. An Official Veterinarian (OV) can visit you at home to check your pet, give or update vaccines such as rabies if due, and complete the AHC in person. That means no stressful journeys or crowded waiting rooms, and a clear plan from start to finish.

Below you will find exactly what an AHC is, which pets can get one, the timing rules that matter, what the document includes, typical cost components, and how to book a home visit.

What an Animal Health Certificate is, and who needs one

An Animal Health Certificate is the travel document GB-based pet owners need to bring a dog, cat or ferret into the EU or Northern Ireland. It replaced the use of GB-issued EU Pet Passports. If your pet’s passport was issued in the EU or Northern Ireland and remains valid, it may still be accepted for travel, but most GB-issued EU Pet Passports are no longer valid for entry to the EU.

You will need an AHC if:

You and your pet are ordinarily resident in Great Britain and you are entering the EU or Northern Ireland.
Your pet is a dog, cat or ferret. Other species have different rules; ask for advice if unsure.

Each AHC is single-use for entry but covers onward travel within the EU and return to GB within set validity windows. If you plan multiple trips, you will need a new AHC for each outward journey.

For more detail on our travel support, you can read about our Animal Health Certificate service on our pet travel page.

Timing rules you must follow

Getting the order and timing right avoids last-minute stress. Here is what to check.

Microchip first: Your pet must be microchipped before any rabies vaccination used for travel. If your pet already has a microchip, ensure you have the number and the date it was implanted.
Rabies vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is essential. If your pet has never had rabies, or the previous vaccine has lapsed, you will need to wait at least 21 full days after the vaccination before you can enter the EU.
Boosters: If rabies boosters have been given on time and are still valid on the date of entry, there is no new 21-day wait.
Tapeworm treatment for certain countries: Dogs entering countries such as Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway need a tapeworm treatment recorded in the AHC in a specific window before arrival. We will confirm the timing when you book.

Your AHC appointment with an OV must take place within 10 days before you enter the EU. We recommend booking your home visit as soon as your travel dates are firm so vaccine checks, any booster, and documents can be lined up.

How long is an AHC valid for?

You have 10 days from the date the OV signs the AHC to enter the EU.
Once in the EU, the AHC is valid for up to 4 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry into GB, provided rabies vaccination remains valid and tapeworm rules are met where required.

What the certificate includes

An AHC is a multi-page, EU-format document completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian. It includes:

Owner and pet identification details, including species, breed, sex, and date of birth.
Microchip number and implantation or read date.
Rabies vaccination details, including vaccine manufacturer, batch number, and validity dates.
Any required tapeworm treatment entries for destination countries that need it.
The OV’s official stamp, signature, and certificate issue date.

The AHC is printed and signed in hard copy. It cannot be completed entirely online or signed digitally because the rules require an in-person examination and physical signature from an OV.

Costs explained, and why prices vary

Prices can vary by region and by what your pet needs on the day. Typical components include:

OV consultation and examination at home.
Rabies vaccination if due.
Document preparation and completion of the AHC.
Travel fees where applicable. Vets 2 Your Pets commonly applies a travel charge of 83p per mile beyond approximately 10 miles from the attending clinician, but please ask for a personalised quote for your postcode.

Because the combination of services differs from pet to pet, the most accurate way to budget is to contact the team for a tailored estimate. You can also learn more about the animal health certificate cost and what influences it.

How to book a stress-free home visit

Booking early is the simplest way to avoid last-minute problems. Here is how it works with Vets 2 Your Pets:

Check that your destination and entry date are set.
Contact our team with your postcode to confirm coverage and book a home visit with an OV.
Gather your documents. Bring any proof of microchipping and previous rabies vaccination records.
During the visit, the OV will confirm your pet’s microchip, examine your pet, give any due vaccines, and complete and sign the AHC.
You will receive the printed certificate ready for travel.

Most home visits for AHCs take around 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many pets you have and whether any vaccines are needed.

If you are new to home visit care and want a wider view of what we do, explore our mobile vet services and how we bring routine care to you, including boosters and repeat prescription reviews.

Common myths, cleared up

AHC vs Pet Passport: For GB-resident pets, the AHC replaces the GB-issued EU Pet Passport for EU entry. An EU or Northern Ireland-issued passport can still be valid, but a GB-issued passport does not replace an AHC for EU travel.
Why prices vary: Costs reflect whether rabies is due, how many pets are on the booking, document time, and any travel distance.
Online-only AHCs: Not possible. The law requires an in-person examination and a physical signature from an Official Veterinarian.

Helpful extras you can arrange at home

Many owners combine their AHC visit with routine care so everything is up to date before travel. If your dog is due its annual vaccinations or you need a written prescription for ongoing medicines, we can help during the same appointment where clinically appropriate. You can read more about dog and cat vaccinations delivered at home or how we handle pet prescriptions and prescription home delivery when suitable.

Quick FAQ

How do I get an Animal Health Certificate in the UK?
Book an appointment with an Official Veterinarian. With Vets 2 Your Pets, an OV visits your home, checks microchip and rabies status, examines your pet, and completes and signs the AHC within 10 days of EU entry.

How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost in the UK?
Costs vary based on consultation, whether rabies is needed, document time, and travel distance. Contact us for a personalised quote for your postcode and pets.

What does an Animal Health Certificate include?
Owner and pet details, microchip information, rabies vaccination record, any required tapeworm treatment, and the OV’s official stamp and signature.

Is an Animal Health Certificate the same as a Pet Passport?
No. For GB-resident pets, the AHC replaced the GB-issued EU Pet Passport for EU entry. Some EU or Northern Ireland passports remain valid if issued there and kept up to date.

How long does an Animal Health Certificate last?
You must enter the EU within 10 days of issue. It then covers travel within the EU and return to GB for up to 4 months, if rabies remains valid.

Can you get an AHC online?
No. An in-person examination and physical signature by an Official Veterinarian are required.

How long does it take to get an Animal Health Certificate?
The home visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Book it within the 10 days before EU entry and allow 21 days after any new rabies vaccination before travel.

Do I still need an Animal Health Certificate?
If you are GB-based and traveling to the EU or Northern Ireland with a dog, cat or ferret, yes, unless your pet has a valid EU or Northern Ireland-issued passport that the destination accepts.

Summary and next steps

With a little planning, your pet’s EU trip can be calm and compliant. Make sure your pet is microchipped, check rabies dates, and book your OV visit within 10 days of travel. Vets 2 Your Pets brings the entire process to your home, from vaccines to the final signature, saving time and reducing stress.

Ready to get started? Check we cover your postcode and request an Official Veterinarian home visit well ahead of your travel dates. If you need a tailored estimate, contact our friendly team for an Animal Health Certificate quote and timing plan that fits your itinerary.

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