Travelling abroad with your Pet - What you need to know

Planning a trip with your dog, cat or ferret? Whether you're taking your pet on holiday or moving abroad, it's important to make sure they meet the entry requirements for the country you're visiting and can return to the UK without any problems.

Requirements vary between countries, so it's always best to start planning several months before you travel.

Our Veterinary team can help you prepare your pet for travel by providing:

• Microchipping 
• Rabies vaccinations 
• Travel advice 
• Animal Health Certificates (issued by our Official Veterinarian) 
• Health checks 
• Parasite treatments 
• Advice on destination-specific requirements

If you're thinking of travelling with your pet, please contact us as early as possible. Some countries require several months of preparation, and we'll be happy to guide you through the process to help ensure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Most countries require pets to:

•  Be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip
•  Have a valid rabies vaccination
•  Hold an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or other required documentatio
•  Meet any additional health requirements specific to the destination country

Some countries also require blood tests, parasite treatments or waiting periods before entry.

Since the UK left the European Union, UK issued Pet Passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain into the EU.

If you're travelling from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet will usually need an Animal Health Certificate.

An AHC:

• Is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV)
• Is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the date of issue
• Allows onward travel within the EU for up to four months (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first)
• Allows re-entry into Great Britain provided it is still valid

The certificate must be signed no more than 10 days before you arrive at EU customs. Once issued, it is valid for 4 months of onward travel within the EU and your return back to the 

UK.

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit chip.   

Crucially, the microchip must be implanted and read before or on the same day as their rabies 

vaccination. If the vaccine is given first, it will not be legally recognised.

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination before an Animal Health Certificate can be issued.  Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive their rabies vaccination. If this is their first

rabies vaccination (or if their previous booster lapsed), you must wait at least 21 days after 

the vaccination before they are legally allowed to travel.

Key points:

• Your pet must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) receiving the rabies vaccination. 
• You must wait 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination before travelling. 
• Booster vaccinations must be kept up to date to avoid restarting the waiting period. 

Dogs returning to the UK from most EU countries must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus   

    multilocularis) by a registered vet in Europe. This must be done no less than 24 hours and 

    no more than 120 hours (5 days) before your scheduled arrival time back in the UK. 

.

The treatment:

• Must be administered by a veterinarian. 
• Must be given between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before entering Great Britain. 
• Must be recorded in your travel documentation. 

This requirement does not currently apply when travelling directly from certain countries, including Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta and Norway, but it's always worth checking the latest guidance.

Before returning home, make sure your pet has:

• A valid microchip
• Valid rabies vaccination
• Correct travel documentation
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs where required)

Failure to meet the requirements could result in your pet being refused entry, placed into quarantine, or you may incur additional costs.

Entry requirements can change without notice, and every country has its own rules.

We recommend checking:

• The government website of your destination country
• UK Government guidance (GOV.UK)
• Airline or ferry company requirements

To ensure a smooth crossing, follow this strict legal sequence in the correct order:

1. Microchip your pet: Must be done first.

2. Get the Rabies vaccine: At least 21 days before travel.

3. Book your Animal Health Certificate appointment: Within 10 days of travel.  

4. Returning to UK: Tapeworm Treatment: Dogs only 24-120 hours before   

     arrival.

If you're travelling to countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa or elsewhere, the requirements can be much more complex.  Depending on your destination, your pet may need:

• Import permits
• Blood tests
• Additional vaccinations
• Health certificates 
• Export certificates
• Specific parasite treatments 
• Government endorsements

Some countries require preparations several months before departure, so early planning is essential.