How Do I Get a Pet Passport in the UK? 2024 Expert Guide
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From 2000 to 2020, you could purchase a “pet passport” that would allow you to travel through Europe and Northern Ireland and back into the UK with your pet. However, since Brexit, owners no longer require a pet passport. Instead, if you plan to travel with pets such as a cat, dog, or ferret, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). To get one, your pet needs to meet specific criteria, and you need to have the proper documentation. Let’s look at exactly what you’ll need and how to get it.
What Do You Need to Travel With Your Pet?
You will need an AHC, which you can get from your veterinarian1. This will only be valid for one trip outside of the UK, and there are a few things you need to know for your pet to qualify for an AHC.
- At least 12 weeks old
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated for rabies (at least 21 days before you are due to travel)
Your pet will also need up-to-date tapeworm treatment to travel to Northern Ireland, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway.
How to Get an AHC
An AHC is signed by an official veterinarian (OV), so you must first check that your vet can issue one of these certificates2. If they can’t do this, they might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. The average cost is about £110, but it will vary depending on where you live and what your veterinarian clinic charges.
- Identification for you
- Microchip information
- Vaccination record
- Your pet(s)
You can add up to five pets onto this health certificate, and each will need to be checked by the vet to ensure they are healthy enough to travel.
The Animal Health Certificate
The AHC is valid for non-commercial cats, dogs, or ferrets, and once the vet has signed it, it is only valid for 10 days. However, it’s valid for 4 months once you use it to enter Northern Ireland or Europe. If you want to travel outside Northern Ireland or Europe, you will need documents specific to the country you are going to.
Also, regarding dogs traveling, you will need to organize tapeworm treatment from a vet around 24–120 hours before you return to the UK. Keep the documents proving you have done this with you.
What if You’re Traveling to a Non-EU Country?
For traveling to a non-EU country, you will need an Export Health Certificate (EHC), and if you’re in England, Wales, or Scotland, you’ll need to fill in an export application form (EXA). Each country has different ways to apply, and you can find more information about this process on the UK Government’s website.
Much like the AHC, your EHC will certify that your pet meets the relevant health requirements for the country you want to travel to. You’ll need an official veterinarian (OV), who you will nominate, and they will be sent the EHC to fill out. It’s essential to research before you travel because different countries will have different requirements or restrictions.
Final Thoughts
When traveling anywhere outside of the UK with your pet, there are a few things you will need to put into place before you can get the required documentation. Instead of a pet passport, your vet will need to issue an Animal Health Certificate, and your pet will need to meet specific criteria to get one. If you don’t have the right documents, your pet cannot travel with you.
Featured Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock
