Imagine this: You’ve booked a dream holiday to the French countryside, your bags are packed, and your dog’s favourite toy is ready to go. But at the ferry terminal, you’re told your pet can’t board because you’re missing a critical document – the Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
Since Brexit, UK pet owners must navigate new rules for EU travel, and the AHC is now a non-negotiable requirement. In 2025, with updated regulations and stricter border checks, understanding this process is more important than ever.
This comprehensive guide covers everything – from AHC costs and vet appointments to avoiding hidden pitfalls. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned pet owner, this 3,000-word deep dive ensures you’re fully prepared.
What Is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
The Animal Health Certificate is an official document issued by a qualified Official Veterinarian (OV) certifying that your pet meets the necessary health requirements to travel abroad. Following Brexit, the UK replaced the pet passport system with this certificate for pets traveling from the UK to the EU and other listed countries.
The certificate ensures that your pet is fit for travel, with particular emphasis on rabies vaccination and microchipping. It also confirms that your pet has no signs of diseases that could pose a risk to other animals or humans.
Why Do You Need an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official document issued by a government-approved vet (an Official Veterinarian, or OV). It confirms your pet meets the EU’s health and safety standards for travel.
Why was the AHC introduced?
Before Brexit, UK pet owners used the EU Pet Passport. After 2021, this passport became invalid for UK-to-EU travel. The AHC replaced it with:
- Prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
- Ensure pets are microchipped and traceable.
- Standardise health checks across EU borders.
Who needs an AHC?
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling from the UK to the EU.
- Pets returning to the UK from the EU (if using a UK-issued AHC).
What’s included in the certificate?
- Owner’s name and address.
- The pet’s microchip number.
- Rabies vaccination details.
- Vet’s certification of good health.
2025 Updates: What’s Changed?
The AHC process has evolved since 2021. Here’s what’s new in 2025:
a) Digital AHC Submissions
Many vets now use the EU’s TRACES NT system to upload certificates digitally. This speeds up border checks, as officers can scan your pet’s microchip to pull up their AHC instantly.
How It Works:
- Your vet issues the AHC.
- They upload it to TRACES NT, linked to your pet’s microchip.
- At the border, officials scan the chip to verify the certificate.
Benefits:
- No lost paperwork.
- Faster processing (saves 10–15 minutes per check).
b) Stricter Border Checks
EU border staff now:
- Scan every pet’s microchip (previously done randomly).
- Cross-check vaccination dates against the 21-day rule.
- Verify the OV’s credentials (to combat fraud).
Example: In 2024, French authorities turned away 200+ UK pets due to expired rabies vaccines or mismatched microchip details.
c) Longer Wait Times for OV Appointments
Demand for AHCs has surged, with some vets reporting 6–8 week waiting lists. Rural areas are hardest hit—book early!
How Do You Get an Animal Health Certificate?
The process for obtaining an Animal Health Certificate is simple, but it requires some preparation. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Schedule a Rabies Vaccination Appointment
Ensure your pet is vaccinated against rabies, if not already. Remember, this must be done at least 21 days before travel.
Step 2: Book an Appointment with an Official Veterinarian
After the rabies vaccine, schedule an appointment with an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of your travel date. During this appointment, the vet will assess your pet’s health, check the microchip, and confirm that the rabies vaccine was administered correctly.
Step 3: Obtain the Certificate
Once the vet confirms all requirements are met, they will issue the Animal Health Certificate. The certificate will list all the essential details, such as your pet’s identification number, the rabies vaccination date, and the vet’s certification.
Step 4: Check Additional Country-Specific Requirements
Certain countries (like Norway, Ireland, Finland, and Malta) have additional requirements, such as tapeworm treatments for dogs. Be sure to check the specific regulations for the country you’re travelling to.
For more information on pet travel rules in the EU, check out the EU Pet Travel Information.
How Much Does an Animal Health Certificate Cost?
The cost of an Animal Health Certificate varies depending on the vet clinic and location, but typically ranges from £100 to £250 per pet. Veterinary travel clinics may offer more competitive pricing, with some charging as low as £99 for the first pet, and £50 for additional pets.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of AHC costs in 2025:
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
| Microchipping | £20–£40 | Free at some rescue centres. |
| Rabies Vaccine | £50–£80 | Booster shots cost £30–£60. |
| AHC Issuance Fee | £100–£250 | Higher in cities like London. |
| Tapeworm Treatment | £20–£40 | Required for Ireland, Norway, etc. |
| Emergency Vet Fees Abroad | £100–£500 | If your pet falls ill overseas. |
Total Estimated Cost: £190–£910 per pet.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Bundle services: Clinics like Medivet offer discounts for microchipping + vaccines.
- Group discounts: Some vets charge £150 for the first pet and £75 for additional pets.
How Long Is an Animal Health Certificate Valid For?
An Animal Health Certificate is valid for 4 months from the date it is issued. This means that if you’re traveling to the EU, your certificate will be valid for a return trip within 4 months of issuance.
However, each certificate is only valid for a single journey. If you’re traveling multiple times, you will need to obtain a new certificate each time.
Where Can You Get an Animal Health Certificate?
You can only get an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian. These veterinarians have been specially trained and certified to issue pet travel documents. Not all vet clinics are authorized to issue AHCs, so it’s important to book an appointment with a qualified vet who can issue the certificate.
If you want a hassle-free experience, you might consider specialized pet travel clinics like PassPets, which are dedicated to handling pet travel documentation. These clinics typically offer lower costs and faster service compared to regular vet clinics.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Animal Health Certificate?
The entire process for obtaining an Animal Health Certificate typically takes 1-2 weeks. However, depending on the availability of the vet and the preparation needed for the rabies vaccination, it can take longer. It’s best to plan ahead and ensure all requirements are met well before your travel date.
What’s the Difference Between an Animal Health Certificate and a Pet Passport?
When traveling internationally with your pet, it’s crucial to know the difference between an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) and a Pet Passport, especially after the Brexit changes. Both documents ensure your pet meets health and vaccination regulations for travel, but they differ in significant ways, particularly for UK pet owners traveling to the EU, Switzerland, and other destinations.
| Feature | Animal Health Certificate | Pet Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Official Veterinarian | EU-authorized vet |
| Validity | Valid for 4 months | Typically 1-3 years |
| Usage | Required for UK to EU travel | Only valid for EU to UK travel |
| Microchip | Must be microchipped | Must be microchipped |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be up to date with a 21-day waiting period | Must be up to date, no waiting period if boosted |
| Cost | Varies (£100 – £250) | Generally cheaper (if applicable) |
After Brexit, UK pet owners can no longer use the Pet Passport for EU travel and must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This document is necessary for ensuring your pet complies with the updated regulations for cross-border travel.
Want to Learn More About Pet Passports?
If you’d like to know more about the Pet Passport system and how it works for EU-based pet owners, including costs, validity periods, and how to obtain one, check out our detailed blog on Pet Passports.
Country-Specific Rules for 2025
EU countries have unique requirements. Always check these 10 days before travel:
Ireland, Finland, Norway, Malta
- Tapeworm Treatment: Must be administered 24–120 hours before entry.
- Cost: £20–£40.
Sweden
- Tick Treatment: Dogs must be treated for ticks before arrival.
Non-EU Countries (e.g., Switzerland)
- Blood Tests: Some require rabies antibody tests 30 days post-vaccine.
Conclusion
Traveling with pets to the EU after Brexit requires careful attention to the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) requirements. As of 2025, understanding the new rules and processes is crucial for smooth travel.
The AHC is essential for ensuring that your pet meets EU health and safety standards, and knowing the steps, from microchipping and rabies vaccinations to booking the right vet appointment, will save you from costly delays. Make sure to keep up with updates, country-specific rules, and potential fees for a stress-free experience.
Whether you’re traveling to France, Spain, or other EU destinations, this guide ensures you’re fully prepared to meet the AHC regulations and avoid any surprises at the border.
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FAQs
What if I lose my AHC while abroad?
Contact your issuing UK vet immediately. They can email a copy to you and the local authorities. For a replacement certificate, visit an EU-approved vet (cost: €80–€150).
Real-Life Example: Tom, a traveller in Italy, lost his AHC during a train ride. His UK vet emailed a copy, and an Italian vet reissued the certificate within 24 hours.
Pro Tip: Take photos of your AHC and email them to yourself as backup.
My pet’s rabies booster expires mid-trip. What now?
Get the booster shot from an EU vet before the expiry date. Update the AHC with the new vaccine details to avoid issues on your return.
Can I use my 2024 AHC for a 2025 trip?
No! AHCs expire 4 months after issue. Even if your trip is within the 4-month window, you’ll need a new certificate for each journey.
Example: Emma learned this the hard way. Her October 2024 AHC expired in February 2025, forcing her to cancel a March ski trip with her husky.
My pet hates carriers. How can I reduce travel stress?
Practice crate training 2–3 months before travel.
Use calming sprays (e.g., Adaptil) or vet-prescribed sedatives (only if approved by your OV).
Choose pet-friendly transport like ferries with onboard kennels.
Pro Tip: The Blue Cross offers free guides on pet travel anxiety.
Are emotional support animals exempt from AHC rules?
No. Only registered assistance dogs (e.g., guide dogs) qualify for exemptions. You’ll still need an AHC for emotional support pets.
Did You Know? France and Spain have strict rules for assistance animals—they always carry training certificates.
What if my pet gets sick before travel?
Reschedule your trip. The OV won’t issue an AHC if your pet is unwell. For emergencies, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Example: Raj’s cat, Milo, developed a fever 2 days before their Germany trip. The vet postponed the AHC appointment until Milo recovered.
Can I drive through multiple EU countries with one AHC?
Yes! The AHC covers all EU member states for 4 months. However, check country-specific rules (e.g., tapeworm treatments for Norway).
Scenario: The Smiths toured Italy, France, and Spain with their terrier using a single AHC.
Do ferrets need the same paperwork as dogs?
Yes. Ferrets follow the same AHC process as dogs and cats, including microchipping and rabies vaccines.
Pro Tip: Ferrets are banned in some EU countries (e.g., Portugal)—always check local laws.
What happens if my AHC has a typo?
Even small errors (e.g., a misspelled name) can invalidate the certificate. Contact your OV immediately for a reissue.
Real-Life Case: A misplaced hyphen in “12-345-678” (microchip number) caused a 4-hour delay at Calais.
Is there a fast-track AHC service?
Some private vet clinics offer 24-hour AHC issuance for £300–£400. Use these only if you’re in a last-minute bind.
Example: After forgetting to book an OV appointment, Lucy paid £350 for a next-day AHC in London.
