April 2026 update:
DEFRA NOTICE: "From Wednesday 22 April new EU rules have come into effect covering how GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets. People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance.
The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.
There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.
Key updates include: GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU. EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU. This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU. To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.
Individual Member States may have specific pet travel requirements and pet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel.
GB residents are still able to use EU pet passports for their return journey to GB."
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-eu-rules-for-pet-travel-for-gb-residents
NOTE: it has not been confirmed that a rabies vaccination done outside GB and recorded in an EU passport can be used to complete the AHC. We are still waiting for their reply. 15/07/2026
Pets Travel Scheme January 2021 onwards
To travel into the EU and Northern Ireland from January 2021 onwards you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your dog, cat or ferret. Please read below for more information and the requirements in order to complete the AHC. Please also allow plenty of time prior to your travelling date to ensure that we can complete and provide you with an AHC to travel so your travel plans are not delayed.
Requirements for AHC for entry into the EU:
-Your dog, cat, or ferret must be microchipped
-Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies (they need to be at least 12 weeks of age to have the vaccination).
-The AHC cannot be completed until the 21days after the rabies vaccination. The day after the vaccination is day 1. You can then travel into the EU with a completed AHC. We recommend that the AHC appointment is booked for 5-7days prior to travel to ensure there are no errors when completing to document with the information provided that come light at the appointment and that is it then certified, copied and ready for collection in time.
-It is valid for 10days for entry into the EU. Once you have entered the EU, the AHC is then valid for six months after the date of issue, permitting travel between other EU countries during the same trip. It is then permitted for entry back into the UK, also within the 6month timeframe.
-An AHC can only be issued by an ‘Official Vet’ (OV). Please call to arrange as far in advance as possible so we can make sure an OV is available.
-You will need a new AHC for each trip that you take. Unlike a pet passport, the AHC is not valid for multiple uses.
-Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm before re-entry into the UK by a vet. The treatment must be approved for use in the country that it’s administered in and must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than five days before entering the UK. You do not need a treatment for your return journey if you’re travelling back from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
-If you are traveling to Ireland, Northern Ireland (unless you have a Northern Ireland pet travel document), Finland or Malta you will need an appointment at the vets within 1 to 5 days of travel for tapeworm treatment to be done. We recommend 3-4 days.
-There is no requirement for a blood test after the rabies vaccination. Should your rabies vaccination lapse, you will need to re-start the vaccination and wait 21 days for the AHC.
-Traveling is only allowed for five pets, different guidelines apply if more pets and you should contact the Pet Travel helpline (0370 2411710)
-If you are traveling through or to non-EU countries please contact the Pet Travel helpline to find out travel requirements for those countries.
-The fee for registered clients is £152.81 incl VAT, and £34.73 per additional pet. This needs to be paid when booking the appointment.
To apply for an AHC please complete the attached form below and email to reception@ardmorevets.co.uk or drop it off at the surgery in advance of your appointment.
Travel from GB to Northern Ireland only with no onward travel into Republic of Ireland or other EU countries:
You’ll need a Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) to take your pet dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) to Northern Ireland.
Your pet must be microchipped. They do not need rabies vaccinations or tapeworm treatment if you have a PTD. These rules also apply to assistance dogs. You can apply for a Northern Ireland pet travel document online. It’s free to apply and will last for as long as you own the pet.
For further information: www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-northern-ireland