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Pet Travel Guides from Great Britain (2026)

 

Planning to travel abroad with your dog, cat or ferret?

Pet travel rules can vary depending on your destination, route and individual circumstances. Our 2026 pet travel guides explain the requirements for travelling from Great Britain to popular European destinations, including Animal Health Certificates, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment and returning home.

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Choose Your Destination

Select your destination below for travel requirements, timelines and practical guidance:

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Each guide includes:

  • Entry requirements

  • Animal Health Certificate requirements

  • Rabies vaccination rules

  • Tapeworm treatment where applicable

  • Travel timelines

  • Common mistakes to avoid

  • Returning to Great Britain

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What Do Most EU Pet Travel Routes Require?

 

For most dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU, you will need:

  • A microchip

  • A valid rabies vaccination

  • An Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

  • A suitable approved travel route

Additional requirements can apply depending on your destination.

Failure to meet the relevant requirements can result in delays, refused travel or additional checks at the border.

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How Long Does Pet Travel Preparation Take?

 

If your pet already has a valid rabies vaccination, an Animal Health Certificate can usually be arranged much closer to your travel date.

An AHC must be issued no more than 10 days before your pet enters the EU.

If your pet needs its first rabies vaccination, or its previous vaccination has lapsed, you will need to allow additional time. The required waiting period following a primary rabies vaccination is at least 21 full days and may be longer depending on the vaccine used.

We therefore recommend checking your pet's microchip and rabies vaccination records well in advance of travel.

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How Much Does Pet Travel Cost?

 

Costs vary depending on your veterinary practice, destination and method of travel.

Typical costs may include:

  • Rabies vaccination

  • Animal Health Certificate

  • Tapeworm treatment where required

  • Ferry, LeShuttle or airline charges

  • Additional destination-specific veterinary requirements

The Pet Passport Co. offers Animal Health Certificate appointments across a growing network of locations, with home visit and collection point options available.

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Common Pet Travel Mistakes

 

Common problems include:

  • Leaving rabies vaccination too late

  • Booking an AHC outside the permitted travel window

  • Using the wrong first EU country of entry

  • Missing required tapeworm treatment

  • Providing incomplete vaccination records

  • Using an unsuitable travel route

  • Relying on outdated pet passport information

Our destination guides explain what to check before you travel.

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EU Pet Passports vs Animal Health Certificates

 

Pet travel rules changed again in April 2026.

If your main residence is in Great Britain and you are travelling from Great Britain into the EU, you should obtain an Animal Health Certificate rather than relying on an EU Pet Passport previously issued to you.

EU Pet Passports are now intended for owners whose main residence is within the EU.

An AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian and is valid for initial entry into the EU for 10 days from the date of issue.

Once you have entered the EU, it can be used for onward travel and return to Great Britain for up to six months, provided your pet's rabies vaccination remains valid.

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Travelling to Northern Ireland?

 

Different rules apply if you are travelling from Great Britain only to Northern Ireland.

Eligible GB residents can use the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document rather than an Animal Health Certificate.

If you intend to travel onwards from Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland or another EU country, the normal EU pet travel requirements apply and you will normally need an Animal Health Certificate.

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Need an Animal Health Certificate?

 

The Pet Passport Co. provides Animal Health Certificate appointments across England, Scotland and Wales.

We offer:

  • Home visit appointments

  • Collection point appointments

  • Certificates issued by Official Veterinarians

  • Support with your pet's travel documentation

  • Guidance for first-time and experienced pet travellers

Visit our Locations page to find your nearest service or book your Animal Health Certificate online.

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Travelling through the Channel Tunnel?

Read our guide on what to expect when travelling with your pet via LeShuttle.

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