Animal Health Certificates: An Overview
- ekmvetgroup
- Nov 4
- 5 min read
What an Animal Health Certificate is, and why you need one
An Animal Health Certificate, often called an AHC, is the official document that lets your dog or cat enter the EU and Northern Ireland from Great Britain. It replaced the old GB use of EU Pet Passports after Brexit. An AHC confirms your pet’s identity and rabies vaccination status, and it lists your planned journey details.
An AHC must be completed and signed by an RCVS registered Official Veterinarian. This is a specially authorised vet who can certify export health paperwork. Your regular vet may be an OV, or they may refer you to a provider who can issue the certificate.
If your pet has a valid EU passport issued by an EU vet, you do not need a GB issued AHC for EU entry. The EU passport remains valid provided the rabies vaccination entries are current and compliant. For GB resident pets without an EU passport, an AHC is required for each entry into the EU.
How to get an Animal Health Certificate fast
Book an appointment with an Official Veterinarian.
Gather the required documents.
Have the vet check your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination records.
The OV completes and signs the AHC, ready for your trip.
With The Pet Passport Co. you can arrange at-home Animal Health Certificates across England, seven days a week. We come to you, verify everything, complete the paperwork in a single visit, and hand it over so you are ready to travel. From £69.
When to get an Animal Health Certificate
Time it to your departure. An AHC must be issued within 10 days of entry into the EU. For half-term escapes, aim for 1 to 5 days before you travel. That gives you room for last minute tweaks without risking the 10 day window.
Rabies timing matters too. Your pet must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination that is at least 21 full days old on the day you enter the EU if it was a first vaccination or had lapsed. Boosters that are still in date do not need a fresh 21 day wait.
How long an AHC lasts
Valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the issue date.
Valid for onward travel within the EU and Northern Ireland for 4 months from issue, provided rabies cover remains valid.
Valid for a single return to Great Britain within the same 4 month window.
If you plan a second EU trip later in winter, you will need a new AHC unless your pet will travel on an EU passport.
What happens at an AHC appointment
Expect a simple, calm visit that focuses on checks and paperwork:
Microchip check, the vet scans to confirm identity.
Rabies record verification, the OV confirms dates, batch numbers, and that the vaccine is valid for your travel date.
Travel details confirmed, destination, country of entry, travel date, transport mode, and your contact details.
The AHC is completed and signed in front of you, then you receive the full pack to take to the border.
Many customers tell us the visit takes around 15 minutes. We can also liaise with your regular practice, with your permission, if we need any extra detail.
What your dog or cat needs to cross the border
Microchip, readable and verified at the appointment.
Rabies vaccination proof, with correct dates and manufacturer listed.
An Animal Health Certificate signed by an OV within 10 days of EU entry, unless your pet travels on a valid EU passport.
For dogs returning to Great Britain from EU listed tapeworm risk countries, a tapeworm treatment given by an EU vet 1 to 5 days before arrival in GB, required for dogs that have been in Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, or Norway exceptions may apply, always check current rules; most EU countries require this for GB return. Cats do not need tapeworm treatment for GB return.
Tip, keep everything together in a clear wallet. Border checks are quicker when documents are easy to hand.
Eurotunnel, ferry, and Eurostar adjacent routes, what to know
Pets must use approved routes. Always check your operator’s current rules before booking.
Eurotunnel, Folkestone to Calais, pets travel by car on the shuttle. You present your pet at the Pet Reception in Folkestone where documents and microchip are checked. Your Animal Health Certificate for Eurotunnel is the same AHC described above, there is no special version, plus your booking reference and any carrier specific forms.
Ferries, most major operators have designated pet check in points and require pets to stay in your vehicle or in a booked pet cabin or kennel. Arrive early for document checks.
Eurostar, pets are not permitted in passenger carriages. If you want a train based plan, you can combine car plus Eurotunnel or use pet friendly ferry foot passenger routes where offered. Some rail legs within the EU allow pets after you have entered via an approved route.
Carry water, familiar bedding, and puppy pads for delays. For Channel crossings, plan comfort breaks before check in and after arrival.
Where you can get an AHC
Your own vet, if they are an RCVS registered Official Veterinarian.
A dedicated pet travel provider with OVs who can visit you at home.
Mobile services are ideal for last minute trips, nervous pets, and families packing the car.
We cover locations across England with seven day availability and evening options in busy periods. Home visits keep your pet relaxed and save you clinic waiting time. https://www.thepetpassportco.co.uk/book-online
What the checklist looks like for a smooth half term getaway
Seven days out
Check rabies dates and microchip status.
Choose route and operator.
Book your AHC visit.
Three to five days out
Confirm destination address and first EU country of entry.
Prepare vaccination booklets and passport if applicable.
Pack pet travel kit, water, bowls, lead, crate or harness, waste bags, medication.
Day of travel
AHC pack in the glovebox.
Arrive early for pet check in.
Keep your pet cool, calm, and hydrated.
Return to GB
If required for dogs, arrange the tapeworm treatment with an EU vet 1 to 5 days before you get back to the UK. Keep the treatment entry stamped in your AHC or EU passport.
Do you still need an AHC if your pet has an EU passport
No, if your dog or cat holds a valid EU passport issued by an EU vet and the rabies vaccination is in date, you can use that passport to enter the EU from GB. Keep in mind that some GB based vets cannot update EU passport rabies pages, so plan boosters while you are in the EU or arrange an AHC if the booster will not be recorded in time for entry.
Why choose The Pet Passport Co. for last minute trips
Home visits across England, no clinic stress.
Official Veterinarian issued paperwork.
Seven day availability, including evenings in busy weeks.
Fast single visit completion, from £69.
Clear guidance and friendly support, first timers welcome.
Summary
You can plan a half term or early winter EU break with your pet without the panic. Book an Official Veterinarian, gather microchip and rabies proof, and time your Animal Health Certificate for within 10 days of entry. Use approved routes such as Eurotunnel and pet friendly ferries, arrive early for pet check in, and remember tapeworm treatment for your dog before returning to GB when required.
Prefer everything handled at your door? The Pet Passport Co. provides mobile, at home AHC appointments across England, seven days a week, with fast, single visit completion from £69. Book online and travel with confidence.
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