What is the process of booking an online AHC?

1) Fill in the ‘Book your AHC’ form. You will then be redirected to book a preferred appointment date and time.

2) You will be contacted within 3-5 working days (normally sooner) to confirm your booking.

3) I will request your pet’s history from your vet to check their microchip and rabies vaccination details.

4) An invoice will be sent to you which is payable 14 days before your appointment.

5) Once payment is received your bespoke AHC will be prepared.

6) We will meet at our Edinburgh collection point to check your pet’s microchip and get you to sign the owner’s declaration. The person named on the certificate must be present to sign the certificate.

7) Happy travels!

When do I need an Animal Health Certificate?

If you are travelling with your dog, cat or ferret from the UK to the EU and Northern Ireland for non-commercial reasons (e.g. a holiday or relocating) then you need to arrange an animal health certificate. It must be prepared by an official veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of travel.

What vaccines does my pet need for travel and how do I prove this?

Your pet must be microchipped and have a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the AHC can be issued. After your pet has had their rabies vaccination I will contact your vet to send over their clinical notes which include details of your pet’s microchip and vaccine details. Your vet will get in touch to ask for permission to send this information to me.

This is the preferred method of proof - if you have details on a valid EU pet passport or other official documentation this may be accepted. Please get in touch if you are not sure.

What happens at the collection appointment?

We will arrange a collection time and location in advance. I will scan your pet’s microchip to ensure it matches the paperwork and get you to sign the owner’s declaration.

Do you give my pet a health check at the same time?

Despite the name, an animal health certificate does not require the official veterinarian to check the health status of your pet. If you are concerned about your pet’s health please contact your usual vet for a check-up before travel. Some airlines do require a ‘fit-to-fly’ certificate which can be performed if requested.

How long is my pet’s AHC valid for once in the EU?

Once you have crossed into the EU your AHC will be valid for 4 months for onward travel and re-entry into the UK. Please get section 8 signed by customs officials on entry into the EU. If you are in the EU for longer than 4 months your pet will need a GB Pet Health Certificate for re-entry into the UK.

Does my pet need any additional parasite treatments?

Echinococcus multilocularis is a tapeworm that is highly pathogenic and zoonotic, meaning that it can spread to humans. The UK, Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway are tapeworm-free so require a worming treatment to be given by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the country. This is then recorded on your animal health certificate.

I can give this tapeworm tablet at your AHC appointment and you must also arrange an appointment with a vet in your destination country before your return to the UK.

There are other diseases which are prevalent in certain areas of Europe that must also be considered such as heartworm, Leishmania and babesiosis. A monthly worm treatment (containing milbemycin e.g. milbemax) while away and for one month after return to the UK is recommended for heartworm prevention.

There are two options for tick and sandfly prevention (both of which can spread diseases): permethrin spot-ons (e.g. Advantix; apply at least 2 days before travel and reapply every 3-4 weeks) or flumethrin/deltamethrin-impregnated collars (e.g Seresto collar; apply 1-2 weeks before travel and lasts for up to 8-12 months depending on the product). Vaccination for Leishmania is available in Europe to reduce disease severity if travelling for a more prolonged period.