Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
If you are thinking of taking your pet dog or cat on a holiday abroad with you, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
We are happy to help as Official Veterinarian authorised to issue AHCs. However, this service is only available to clients who are already registered with the practice as otherwise we cannot meet the demand for AHCs.
To be able to issue an AHC for a dog or cat, they must be (a) be microchipped, (b) be over 3 months old, (c) must had have appropriate rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel.
Once the above has been done and your date of entry into Europe is fixed, you need to contact us so that an appointment can be made to check your pet and their microchip number to issue an AHC. This has got to be done about a week before the travel date, as the AHC is only valid for 10 days to enter the EU. We need a few days to prepared the AHC and we prefer you to have the certificate in your hand at least 1-2 days before travel.
AHCa are produced in two languages, i. e. English and the language of the country where you enter the EU. So you need to tell us precisely the date of your entry into the EU and the port of entry.
Once the certificate is issued, it is valid for entry into EU within 10 days from the date of issuing. It is valid for a period of four month to travel within EU.
In case of dogs, tapeworm treatment is required to be given 24 to 120 hours before re-entering the UK. A vet must certify that that they have given the mandatory worm treatment and must record this at the appropriate place on the AHC.
Travel to countries other than European nations can have very different requirements. The information on such requirements should be sought directly from the respective governmental agencies.
AHC is the minimum requirement for travelling abroad with a pet. There are many other things you can do to keep your pet safe and healthy while abroad and after returning back home. Pets can contract many diseases, from ticks and biting insects for example, whilst abroad. Please talk to us to seek advice regarding safeguarding the health of the pet travelling with you.
It is always best to keep yourself updated with any changes in regulations related to pet travel. You can do so by visiting; www.gov.uk/pet-travel
All enquiries please call 01257 463142 or make an Online Enquiry
