Animo Vets - Animal Health Certificate

What Is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official document that allows your dog, cat, or ferret to travel from the UK to EU countries.

It confirms that your pet is healthy, microchipped, and has had the required rabies vaccination. The AHC must be issued by an official veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of travel.

You’ll Need an AHC If:

→You’re travelling from the UK to the EU with your pet

→ You don’t have an EU Pet Passport issued by an EU vet

→ Your pet is a dog, cat, or ferret

Important AHC Facts:

→ Valid for one single trip to the EU

→ Allows onward travel within the EU for up to 4 months

→ Valid for re-entry into the UK

→ Must be obtained no more than 10 days before travel

→ Up to 5 pets may travel on the same certificate

→ Your pet needs to be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before your appointment with the vet issuing the AHC

→ You will need proof of rabies vaccination

→ Be at least 12 weeks old

It's important for pet owners to plan ahead, as obtaining an AHC involves scheduling a veterinary appointment and ensuring all health requirements are met well before departure.

Ready to Apply for Your Animal Health Certificate?

STEP ONE:

Ensure your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before your AHC appointment.

STEP TWO:

STEP THREE:

Once we have this, we’ll send you an Animal Health Certificate application form to complete. This will include:

1. Your contact details 2. Your pet’s information 3. Your travel details (including destination and entry point)

Return the completed form along with proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination. (Not sure where to get it? You can request a copy from the veterinary clinic where the vaccine was given.)

STEP FOUR:

Finalising and Issuing Your Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Once we receive your completed application form and proof of rabies vaccination, we will use the information provided to prepare your AHC and We will then contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.

For a regular AHC we require at least 10 days after receiving all the necessary information and before the travel date.

During the appointment, we will:

1. See your pet(s) in person 2. Scan their microchip(s) to confirm identity 3. Review and witness you signing the official Owner’s Declaration

Once everything has been verified, we will Issue your Animal Health Certificate (AHC), go through the certificate with you to make sure everything is clear and answer any questions you may have about travelling with your pet

How much does an AHC cost?

The cost for issuing a regular AHC is £89* for the first pet and £29* for additional pets

(*If you collect the Animal Health Certificate yourself from a mutually convenient meeting in Morley (LS27 postcode area)

Repeat customers AHC from £69* for the first pet and £25* for additional pets, if no details have changed

(*If you collect the Animal Health Certificate yourself from a mutually convenient meeting in Morley (LS27 postcode area)

Urgent Animal Health Certificate (less than 10 days notice) - £150* for the first pet and £40* for additional pets

(*If you collect the Animal Health Certificate yourself from a mutually convenient meeting in Morley (LS27 postcode area)

Prefer the convenience of a home visit?

Home Delivery – Additional £60

Time to Come Back Home?

When your trip is over, it's important to make sure your pet meets all the requirements to return safely to the UK.

Your Animal Health Certificate (AHC) allows your pet to re-enter the UK within 4 months of issue.

You’ll need to arrange a tapeworm treatment for your return journey before you can bring your dog back to Great Britain from most countries.The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours before you arrive and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before you arrive