Thinking of taking your pet abroad?

Pets travelling from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland will need an Animal Health Certificate.

Travel to the EU

Pets travelling from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland will need an Animal Health Certificate.

Your pet must:

• Have a registered microchip
• Have a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel
• Enter the EU via a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry
• Have an Animal Health Certificate written in the official language of the country they will enter the EU unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland
• Dogs travelling directly to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland or Malta must be treated for tapeworm no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive

The Animal Health certificate is:

• Valid for ten days from the date of issue
• Valid for a single trip into the EU• Valid for onward travel within the EU for four months or until the date of expiry of validity of the rabies vaccination whichever is sooner
• Valid for re-entry to Great Britain for four months after the date of issue provided rabies vaccination is kept up to date

We suggest that you discuss your travel plans with your vet at least one month before your intended travel plans to ensure your pet is prepared for travel.

Please contact us to advise on the steps required to ensure your pet is prepared for travel and ensure you have the required appointments booked for your pet. 

Note: Be sure to check the Government Website before you travel to ensure you have the most up to date information and for the guidelines on travelling out of the EU