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Pet Health Certificates

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Are you aware of the regulations permitting you to travel with your furry friends?

Since new regulations for travel to the EU and Northern Ireland came in post-Brexit, pet passports issued by the UK are no longer valid for travel into EU countries.

Instead, an Animal Health Certificate (EHC) is required which can be obtained no more than 10 days before you travel. This allows for one period of up to 4 months of travel in the EU and is used to return to Great Britain. A new certificate is required for every new trip to Europe.

We have a wealth of experience handling Animal Health Certificates to enable animals to travel

At Elm House Veterinary Centre, we have a wealth of experience handling the necessary paperwork for animals to travel.

If you have any questions about your holiday plans or booking an animal health certificate appointment acquiring a health certificate for your pet, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Animal health certificates are only something we can offer to our current, registered clients.

Register today with our online form.

FAQs

Can I Reuse My Animal Health Certificate, and Does My Pet Need a Rabies Vaccination to Travel?

Unfortunately, your certificate is valid for use for only one trip, and a new Animal Health Certificate is required for every new trip to Europe.

As before a valid rabies vaccination is required to travel, so ensure that your furry friend’s rabies vaccination history is up to date. You cannot travel for 21 days after the initial rabies vaccinations or a booster if it has lapsed.

If you are planning onward travel to Finland, Eire, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta, dogs must undertake tapeworm treatment one to five days before you arrive in these countries.

To complete the Animal Health Certificate, you must have proof of your pet’s microchip number date and your pet’s complete history of annual vaccinations.. Upon returning to the UK, dogs need to complete their tapeworm treatment not less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before your return to the UK.

This should be recorded on the Animal Health Certificate (except if you are coming from Finland, Eire, Northern Ireland Norway or Malta ).

For more information about pet travel to an EU country, visit the UK government website for official veterinarian guidelines. Please note these rules also apply to an assistance dog.

Do I Need Export Health Certificates to Travel?

If your pet is travelling more than five days before or after you, you will need an export health certificate to travel to the European Union, Northern Ireland or countries outside the EU.

Contact us for more information on whether you will need export health certificates.

Do you need to get an AHC appointment to replace your pet passport?

Contact us today for further information on travelling with your pets.

dog travelling on a plane in a pet carrier

Why Choose Elm House Vets for Your Animal Health Certificate?

Whether you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland with your dog, cat or ferret, you will no doubt have your pet’s best interests at heart, and rest assured, so do we!

With many years of proven high quality service, we have worked with pet owners for decades in our vet practice to ensure the safety of pets travelling abroad.

We offer reasonable prices and experienced and reliable staff who will ensure that your pet meets all the criteria for a safe and stress-free trip – whichever country you plan on visiting.

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Opening hours

Monday to Friday : 8:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Sunday: Closed