Official Veterinarian (OV) guidance • Based on GOV.UK / DEFRA / APHA requirements
For travel from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) to an EU country, your dog, cat or ferret generally needs an official Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland follows a separate pet travel scheme, including the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) route. UK-issued pet passports are not valid for entry to the EU.
1 15-Digit ISO Microchip Verification
Before any travel preparations begin, your pet must be fitted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip.
The microchip MUST be implanted and scanned before or on the exact same day as their rabies vaccination. If a rabies vaccine is given before the microchip is inserted, it is legally invalid for travel and must be repeated.
2 Rabies Vaccination & 21-Day Rule
Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination. For primary vaccinations, a strict 21-full-day waiting period must pass before entering the EU. Boosters given on or before expiry carry zero wait time.
3 Animal Health Certificate (AHC) Validity
An AHC for travel from Great Britain to the EU must be signed and issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). It is valid for EU entry for 10 days from the date of issue. Once you have entered the EU, it remains valid for:
- 10 days for entry into the EU.
- 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain, subject to the relevant conditions.
4 Dog Tapeworm Treatment on Return to GB
All dogs returning to Great Britain from continental Europe must receive an approved tapeworm treatment (containing Praziquantel) administered by an EU vet between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before entering the UK.
Ready to Book Your Pet's AHC?
Complete the booking details and email your required rabies vaccination and microchip documents to ahc4pets@gmail.com before your appointment.
Start Pre-Check & Booking →