Pet Travel
Thinking of going on holiday with your pet abroad? What could be more exciting than having your companion join you on your trip away?
There is a lot of planning that has to go into this and regulations that must be followed to make this possible. We at Condorrat Vets are here to help you along with this process. Firstly, we would like you to familiarise yourself with the types of export scenarios.
Two types of Export scenarios:
- Animal Health Certificate
- Export Health Certificate
The most common place of travel is within the EU. Since we have left the EU if you wish to leave Great Britain, all pets MUST have an animal health certificate. This certificate has replaced the pet passport in Great Britain since we have departed from the EU in 2021.
What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
An AHC is a certificate that is provided by our inhouse Official Veterinarian (OV). This type of certificate is only valid for 4 months onwards travel once in the EU.
How (does) it works?
Once the OV has signed the AHC you have 10 days from that date to land in the EU. Once you land in the EU you have 4 months validity.
Who can use an AHC?
This is a certificate for Non-commercial movement of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets ONLY) for 5 pets or less. For example, if you’re taking your pet on holiday.
Who can’t you use an AHC?
This certificate is not valid for the sale or transfer of ownership of your pet abroad or if you travel with more than 5 pets.
Requirements for leaving Great Britain with an AHC;
- Must be microchipped (it must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination)
- Must have rabies vaccine 21 days prior departure.
- Must have completed AHC from your OV, which includes client declaration of understanding that the pet is not subject to sale or transfer of ownership.
What do we need to know from you?
- Where you’re planning to travel to?
- When you’re planning to travel?
- How are you planning to travel?
What is an Export health certificate (EHC)?
An EHC is a certificate valid for export of more than 5 pets (Dogs, cats, ferrets ONLY) going on holiday.
OR This certificate is valid and required for the sale or change of ownership of a pet going abroad.
OR This certificate is required if you’re planning on travelling to a non-EU country.
Travelling to a non- EU country can be challenging as these countries have extensive testing and treatment requirements which must be completed within specific timeframes. Please go to www.gov.uk/export-health-certificates to find all the relevant information that you will need.
Our in-house OV is Elisa Jackson. Typically, we can have these ready within 1 month but we always stress to give as much time as possible to avoid any delays.
