Pet travel allows owners to travel with their animals for leisure or relocation while ensuring their health and safety and preventing disease spread and this process doesn’t have to be problematic.
Are you planning to take your dog abroad soon? If so, it is important to note that dogs need a passport to travel between countries, just like people. Although the procedure for getting a dog’s passport differs, the result is similar. Additionally, while we often call it as a “dog passport,” its official name is the Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which can only be obtained from an EU-registered veterinarian.
The required documents vary by destination, with different rules applying to EU and non-EU countries. The pet passport allows your pet to travel to the EU; however, please ensure that your UK vet does not fill it out, as this will render it invalid.
What Is a Pet Passport?
A pet passport simplifies pet travel between EU countries, provided the rules are followed. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) enables pets to travel within the EU without requiring quarantine. However, post-Brexit, traditional pet passports are no longer valid. The Animal Health Certificate is required for travel between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). If you’re travelling outside the EU, an Export Health Certificate is required for your dog.
If your dog has an EU or Northern Ireland passport, it can still be used. The Animal Health Certificate verifies rabies vaccination and required treatments; however, it is also essential to check the country-specific requirements. This certificate allows your dog to travel with you without requiring quarantine, and it may even be permitted in the cabin with you.
What is the AHC (Animal Health Certificate)?
To apply for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for travelling with pets to the EU (European Union) or NI (Northern Ireland), you must follow specific limitations and standards. Here are the details:
- This certificate is valid for one trip only. You must get a new one for every additional trip to Europe or Northern Ireland.
- The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is valid for 10 days from the date it’s issued, so make sure to use it within that time.
- Once the AHC is activated for travel to Europe and Northern Ireland, it lasts for 4 months or until the pet’s rabies vaccination expires, permitting a maximum stay of four months in these regions.
- The AHC is valid only for travel within the EU and Northern Ireland; additional documentation is needed for travel outside the EU.
- Pets must be returned to the UK within four months from the date the AHC was issued.
- The certificate is intended mainly for the travel of non-commercial pets, particularly dogs, cats, or ferrets.
- A maximum of five pets may be listed on the AHC, excluding those involved in competition, training, shows, or sporting events, which require guidance from a vet.
When Do You Require a Pet Passport?
Travelling with pets is increasingly popular, making it essential to understand the requirements for taking them abroad. A pet passport is key to ensure your pet meets health and safety standards for international travel.
Taking a Pet to Europe or Northern Ireland
You need to fulfil certain requirements when planning to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland with your pet.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC): You will require a new AHC for every trip to Europe or Northern Ireland, even if your pet has travelled there before. You must get this certificate from your veterinarian. This document is valid for 10 days to enter the EU or Northern Ireland, after which its validity increases to 4 months if you’re planning to travel onward within the EU.
Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped, and this should happen before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination: Your pet requires a legal rabies vaccination, and it’s essential that there should be a gap of at least 21 days between the vaccination and your pet’s travel date, particularly if it is their first travel or their vaccination is outdated.
Tapeworm Treatment (for dogs): If you travel to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta, your dog requires tapeworm treatment, which must be recorded in an AHC or a valid pet passport.
Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD): To travel to Northern Ireland, apply for a free PTD online, allowing you to travel with your pet without rabies vaccinations or tapeworm treatment.
Travellers’ Points of Entry (TPES): Enter Northern Ireland via a designated TPE, such as Belfast Port, Larne Port, or Belfast International Airport.
Taking a Pet Outside the EU
To take your pet outside of Europe, you will undoubtedly require an Export Health Certificate (EHC). This ensures that your cherished friend aligns with the health regulations of your destination country. You can ask a professional veterinarian or apply online to obtain an EHC certificate. You may encounter some difficulties, as each country has its distinct characteristics. The EHC will then be dispatched to your chosen vet for their signature.
Rules for Importing EU Pets into the UK
To transport a pet from the EU to Great Britain, you need legal documents, which include:
Documentation
- EU Pet Passport: A valid pet passport from the EU or selected other countries is required.
- Great Britain Pet Health Certificate: This certificate can be acquired for dogs, cats, and ferrets through a veterinarian.
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC): If you’re travelling between Great Britain and the EU, you might require an AHC.
Microchipping
The pet must have a microchip before receiving its rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination
Your four-legged friend requires a rabies shot and must wait 21 days after the shot before travelling.
Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs)
If the dog is travelling to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta, it must be treated for tapeworms with a vet-prescribed product between 24 hours and 120 hours prior to entry.
Declaration
You must fill out a declaration confirming that the pet is not on the market or transfer, is healthy, and was bred in captivity.
How Much Does a Dog Passport Cost?
In the UK, getting a pet passport for a dog, specifically an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), typically costs between £110 and £300. In some cases, the cost can exceed £350, depending on the dog’s specific needs and the destination of travel. This cost covers the AHC required for travel to the EU and some other countries, as well as fees for microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and possibly tapeworm treatment or other procedures.
AHC (Animal Health Certificate)
The certificate itself, required for travel to the EU, can cost £100 to £300.
Microchipping
If your dog is not already microchipped, the cost will increase by an additional £10 to £30.
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccinations are required for pet travel and can range from £40 to £70.
Tapeworm Treatment
If travelling to certain countries, such as Ireland or Finland, you will need tapeworm treatment, which can cost £20 to £40.
Additional Costs
Depending on your travel destination, you may want to consider extra costs for rabies titre tests, rabies boosters, or other vaccinations
