How Much Do UK Pet Passports Cost In 2024? Requirements & FAQ
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Strictly speaking, since Brexit, the UK has not had an official pet passport scheme in place, but the government does require that pets have specific documents in place before they travel to or from the UK, and these can be considered a pet passport of sorts.
Exactly what documents are required depends on where the pet is travelling from but usually consists of at least a rabies vaccination, proof of microchipping, and an animal health certificate. Other certificates might be required to show proof of other vaccinations and tests.
Below, we look at the different possibilities, what your pet is likely to need, and some ways to save money, because you will likely have to pay between £125 and nearly £400 for all the required documents.
The Importance of a Pet Passport
A pet passport, or pet health certificate, enables you to be able to easily travel to and from the UK and other countries. Without a passport, your pet may have to be quarantined for several months before you can collect them. If you’re only planning on going on holiday for a few weeks, not having a pet passport effectively means that you won’t be able to take your pet with you.
Pet passports and certificates can be sought for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. The documents are time-limited and it may be necessary to get renewed documents before travelling back if you are on holiday. Similarly, if you travel to certain countries, you will need to get a certificate to show that your dog has undergone worming treatment within 5 days of your return journey.
How Much Do Pet Passports Cost?
Because there is no single pet passport available in the UK anymore, and because the certificates you need are dependent on where you are travelling to and from, the cost of getting these certificates can vary considerably.
The Essentials
There are a number of certificates that are considered mandatory regardless of where you are travelling to and from:
Rabies
Although now very rare in the UK, rabies is still found throughout the world. It is lethal to animals and can be transmitted to people. A rabies vaccination, and proof of that vaccination, are required before any pet is allowed to travel. The dog must have had its rabies vaccination at least 3 weeks before traveling. A vaccination costs around £30 but could cost as much as £60. The cheapest option is through a registered charity that offers discounted vaccinations to owners who receive certain benefits. It is possible to get the vaccination done for less than £20 in some cases. The same vaccination will cost around £50 to £60 at a veterinary centre, and if you are part of a wellness plan or preventive care plan, rabies vaccinations may be included, in which case they are part of the fee you already pay.
Microchipping
Microchipping is another essential component of the UK pet passport. Having your pet microchipped means that if it goes missing or is stolen, it can be traced back to you. Some rabies vaccinations require that a dog be microchipped for the vaccination certificate to be valid, so get your pet microchipped before you do anything else. Some charities offer microchipping for free, while vets charge between £10 and £20.
Animal Health Certificate
The final necessary part of a pet passport is an Animal Health Certificate. This must be administered by a recognized veterinarian, who will perform a basic health check and then complete the certificate. The certificate is only valid for 10 days from the date it is issued and will cost upward of £100, with the exact price determined by the vet you use.
Other Possible Pet Passport Requirements
Depending on where you are travelling, you may also need Bordetella and canine influenza vaccination fees. And some countries, including the UK, require current tapeworm treatment to be completed. Furthermore, if you’re travelling back to the UK from certain other countries, you may need to pay to have a Rabies blood test done.
| Essentials | £120–£200+ |
|               Microchipping |               £0–£20 |
|               Rabies Vaccination |               £20–£60 |
|               Animal Health Certificate |               £100+ |
| Possible Extras | £105–£185+ |
|               Bordetella Vaccination |               £10–£15 |
|               Canine Influenza Vaccination |               £15–£20 |
|               Worming Treatment |               £20–£30 |
|               Rabies Blood Test |               £60–£120 |
What About Pet Travel Insurance?
It is not required that you have pet travel insurance to be granted access to the UK or, as far as we know, any other country. However, it can be a good idea to get this policy. Your pet may be protected as part of their existing pet insurance policy but, if not, you can pay anywhere from around £10 to £200 for a month’s coverage.
And, none of the costs above are covered by pet insurance, although you may be able to find insurers that offer free microchipping when you sign up for a policy.
When Do I Need a Pet Passport?
Since the UK has left the EU, pet owners and visitors travelling with pets will require the necessary paperwork, sometimes still referred to as a pet passport when travelling. There are time limitations on many of the elements, so it is important you check and double-check all the information before attempting to travel. If you get it wrong, your dog or cat might end up being quarantined for several months and you won’t be able to get access to them during this time.
How To Save Money on Your Pet Passport
Some of the elements of the pet passport are unavoidable. Your pet needs to be chipped, needs to have proof of rabies vaccination, and needs an Animal Health Certificate. However, there are some ways you could potentially save on one or more of these elements.
Look at any existing pet insurance and pet travel insurance policies. Specifically, see if they include free microchipping, and where there is any preventive or wellness care included. If so, you could potentially save quite a lot of money.
If you are receiving benefits, find a charity that offers free microchipping and cheap vaccinations for those on the benefits you receive.
Do your research. Research the country you are travelling to or from and check their rules. There’s no point paying for a particular vaccination if your dog or cat doesn’t need it.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad with your pet can be fun, and if you’re moving abroad, it is essential. While the UK no longer has pet passports since leaving the EU, it does still have laws in place that dictate pets should have certain vaccinations and health checks completed before travel, and that they should be microchipped. If you try to travel to any country without the proper paperwork in place, you may be refused entry or your pet may be held in quarantine for several weeks or even months to ensure that it doesn’t suffer from a potentially dangerous condition.
The total cost of these procedures and getting the paperwork to prove them varies according to where you travel, as well as the type of animal you have, but can cost upward of £125.
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Featured Image Credit: Tikhonova Yana, Shutterstock
