Travelling with a cat is an exciting experience for pet lovers, but it is also a very challenging endeavour as strict international pet travel rules and regulations have to be followed. If you want to take your cat outside of the UK, you will need a cat passport, which is officially part of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). And if you’re coming from outside the UK, you must have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
This article will walk you through exactly how to get a cat passport in the UK. from costs to requirements, through to tips and advice that’ll help you get peace of mind and ensure you don’t run into any problems in the process.
What Is a Cat Passport?
The cat passport is an official document that confirms your cat meets the health and vaccination requirements for international travel. It ensures your pet is fit to travel and complies with the regulations of the destination country, keeping your cat and the local ecosystem safe.
The passport for cat is even more important now for UK pet owners travelling to an EU country following Brexit, as requirements have tightened. Without it, your cat may not be allowed in or be quarantined, which is not only stressful for you but also for your pet.
Interested in traveling with your dog too? Check out our complete guide on
Steps by Step Process to Obtain a Cat Passport
Are you wondering how long does it take to get a cat passport? Well, the process usually takes a couple of weeks, depending on your vet’s schedule (and your cat’s vaccination status). Here, we describe the process to make sure your cat is ready to hit the road.
You will need to follow a set of steps as set out by the UK government and veterinary authorities to obtain a passport that allows your cat to travel. This is done through microchipping, vaccinating and documentation.
Let’s dive into the details:
1. Microchipping Your Cat
Your cat will need to be microchipped to be granted this passport. A microchip is a tiny electronic device that is placed under your cat’s skin and contains a unique identification number.
This is required for international pet travel and helps identify you as the owner of your cat if they get lost while abroad.
Check that the microchip is ISO-standard (11784/11785) and is registered with your contact information. Most UK vets can do this relatively straightforward process, and the fee for microchipping is usually between £10-£30.
2. Rabies Vaccination
One of the most important requirements for a cat passport is a rabies vaccination. Your cat needs to have a rabies vaccination no less than 21 days before your trip. If your cat is already vaccinated, be sure its vaccination is current, as expired vaccinations can void the cat passport.
A rabies jab costs on average between £40 and £80 from a vet, but it can be more expensive, depending on your location and where you take your pet. This is a major cost of a cat passport, so be sure to set aside some extra funds.
3. Obtaining Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
After microchipping and rabies vaccination, you can apply for a pet passport. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) grants Only Official Veterinarians (OVs) the authority to issue pet passports. Verify with your veterinarian whether they hold OV status or search for authorised veterinary practices through the GOV.UK website. You should bring your cat’s microchip registration and rabies vaccination records to the appointment. The vet will finish the passport document by adding your cat’s information, along with their health status and your contact details.
How much does a pet passport cost? The cat passport UK cost falls around £100 to £250, and it may vary depending on the vet and testing needed.
The UK-issued pet passports have lost their validity for EU travel since 2021. You will need a new EU pet passport from an EU vet for repeated EU trips or an AHC for single trips.
4. Tapeworm Treatment (If Required)
You may need to give your cat a medicine for tapeworms at the hands of a vet 24–120 hours before travel, in preparation for travel to some countries such as Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway. Not all vets will include this in the standard cat passport cost, so ask your vet about any additional costs you might face, which could be between £20-£40.
5. Check Destination Country Requirements
Every country has its entry requirements, so do your homework on your destination’s regulations. For instance, there may be more blood tests or health checks that are required in some countries. It does, always confirms with the UK government’s pet travel guidance or the embassy of the destination country to make sure there are no surprises.
Cost of a Cat Passport in the UK
Curious about how much a cat passport? The amount of the cat passport generally ranges between £150 and £350. This is inclusive of costs for microchipping, rabies vaccine, AHC, and other treatments as tapeworm control.
The cost of cat passport can vary depending on how much your vet charges, where in the UK you live, and if your cat already has a current microchip and vaccination (which is needed for the passport). Also, be sure to search for competitive vet prices to save money and make sure your cat’s current records haven’t lapsed to prevent unnecessary treatments.
Tips for a Smooth Cat Passport Process
Plan Ahead: Start the cat passport process at least one to two months before your trip to allow for vaccination waiting times and vet appointments.
Maintain records: Keep your cat’s microchip information, vaccination history and AHC in a file to assist at the border checks.
Choose a Reputable Vet: Always work with an OV (Official Veterinarian) with experience in animal travel (in case of air travel) to fill in all the necessary paperwork.
Explore Pet Transport Services: If you’re not doing the travelling yourself, look into pet transport services to take the anxiety out of moving your cat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Cat Passport
One common error is underestimating how long does it take to get a cat passport. Failing to account for the 21-day rabies vaccination waiting period can derail your travel plans. Another mistake is not verifying the destination country’s requirements, which may lead to additional costs or delays.
Additionally, some pet owners overlook the need for an AHC for each trip, as it’s not a reusable document like the old EU pet passport. Always double-check the validity of your cat passport UK documentation before departure.
Always Use a Professional Pet Transport Service
When you travel with a pet, things can get complicated, particularly when you cross international borders. Professional pet transport services such as Pet Taxi Express UK tailor your cat’s trip to be smooth and meet all of the legal requirements. From facilitating a vet visit, managing paperwork, and transport, our services save you time and stress.
Get in touch with us today to get started and rest easy knowing your cat’s travel is in professional care.
FAQs
How much is a cat passport in the UK?
The cat passport cost ranges from £150 to £350, with fees for microchipping, rabies vaccination and the animal health certificate that will usually be much cheaper. Fees will vary depending on the vet and other necessary treatments.
How long does it take to get a cat passport?
It should take 3-4 weeks to get a passport for cat travel, which includes a rabies vaccination waiting period and vet visits. Plan early to avoid delays.
What factors influence the cat passport UK cost?
The cat passport UK price will include vet fees, microchipping, vaccination for rabies, as well as other treatments such as tapeworm control.
