Question 1

What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

Accepted Answer

An AHC is a legal document required for dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel from Great Britain to the EU and beyond. It confirms your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

Question 2

Is my pet's EU Pet Passport valid for travel?

Accepted Answer

As of 22/04/2026 the EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for travel for GB residents leaving the UK. 
It can be used as a proof of rabies vaccination for the issuance of an Animal Health Certificate.

Question 3

When should I arrange the certificate?

Accepted Answer

An AHC must be issued within 10 days before your pet enters the EU. We recommend booking your home visit at least three weeks before you travel.

Question 4

How long is an Animal Health Certificate valid for?

Accepted Answer

An AHC is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from issue. Once you enter the EU, it can be used for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, provided the pet's rabies vaccination remains valid. A new AHC is normally required for each new trip from Great Britain to the EU.

Question 5

What do I need to prepare before the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please have the following ready:
·       Your pet’s microchip number
·       Rabies vaccination record (must be given at least 21 days before certification)
·       Your pet’s previous vaccination documents
·       Your travel details (e.g. destination, dates)​

Question 6

Does my dog need tapeworm treatment before traveling?

Accepted Answer

Tapeworm treatment is required for dogs travelling directly from Great Britain to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway. The treatment must be given by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival.Different rules apply when travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Eligible travellers using a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document do not require tapeworm treatment for travel solely to Northern Ireland.Dogs returning to Great Britain from most European countries also require tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival. However, treatment is not required when returning directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.

Question 7

Does my dog need any vaccinations other than rabies?

Accepted Answer

The Rabies vaccination is the only one required for travel in the EU.

Please note that getting L4 and KC vaccinations on the same date as the Rabies vaccination may make it invalid for the purposes of travel documentation. If possible, please leave at least 2 weeks between these vaccinations.

Question 8

How long does the home appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Around 20 minutes. We check your pet, verify their records, and complete the certificate during the visit.

Question 9

Can you issue certificates for more than one pet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We can issue AHCs for multiple pets in one convenient home visit.

Question 10

Why are you so much cheaper than normal vets?

Accepted Answer

As we are a mobile service, we are able to pass the savings we make on minimal overheads onto you.

Question 11

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover a growing network of locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Visit our Locations page or use our postcode checker to see the home visit and collection point options available in your area.

Question 12

What if I’m unsure whether my pet is eligible?

Accepted Answer

We’re here to help! Contact us for free, no-obligation advice, and we’ll guide you through the process.

The Pet Passport Co.