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Pet Travel

Steps for how to travel to the EU & Northern Ireland

Pet Travel Information for Clients

Following the UK leaving the EU on 31st December 2020 we are no longer part of the original Pet Travel Scheme and Pet Passports can no longer be issued in Great Britain. Instead, if you wish your pet dogs (including assistance dogs), cats or ferret to travel to an EU country and Northern Ireland they will require an ‘Animal Health Certificate’ (AHC). Unlike the old Pet Passport system, these certificates are valid for a specific length of time and only cover a single trip, so you will need a new AHC each time you travel to the EU and Northern Ireland with your pet.   

At Bath Vets, we want to help our pet owners be prepared for pet travel to an EU country and Northern Ireland. This means making sure you are clear on the new pet travel requirements and understand the steps you need to complete in advance of your travel dates. 

Bath Vets no longer routinely offer AHC at any of our surgeries. Our priority is to focus on healthcare. Other veterinary providers such as Virginia Richardson or PassPets have set up dedicated businesses delivering competitive pet travel services.

Vee The Vet - www.veethevet.co.uk

PassPets - https://www.passpets.co.uk/

We still provide rabies vaccinations, any required blood tests for travel and offer support for Export Health Certificates which are required for non-EU travel.  

If you are struggling to find an AHC provider, it may be possible for Bath Vets to assist but please be aware we are unable to compete financially with AHCs offered by specialist pet travel companies.

Any pet travel enquiries should be sent to contact@bathvetgroup.co.uk and a member of our team will be in touch within five working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pets can I travel with?

How many pets can I travel with?

You are permitted to travel with up to five pets per trip, please check the UK government website if you are intending to travel with more than five pets.

Is my pet’s current UK issued pet passport still valid for travel?

Is my pet’s current UK issued pet passport still valid for travel?

No. Your pet’s UK issued pet passport is only valid for entering into the UK from an EU country or Northern Ireland up to its expiry date. You can no longer use an existing UK passport to travel abroad.

My pet is from an EU country, is their pet passport issued in the EU/NI valid?

My pet is from an EU country, is their pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland still valid for travel?

Providing your pet’s Rabies vaccination is kept up to date and all future Rabies vaccines are administered and entered in their pet passport whilst in an EU county and Northern Ireland, an EU or Northern Ireland issued pet passport is valid for travel from the UK to an EU country or Northern Ireland. Our Official Vets are not able to enter Rabies vaccinations into EU passports.

How long is my pet’s AHC valid for after the date of issue?

How long is my pet’s AHC valid for after the date of issue?

  • 10 days for entry into an EU country and Northern Ireland
  • 4 months for onward travel within the EU
  • 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

What happens if I wish to be away from the UK for longer than 4 months?

What happens if I wish to be away from the UK for longer than 4 months?

Your pet’s AHC will become invalid if they do not return the UK within 4 months of departing the UK. If 4 months’ elapses, your pet will require an EU or Northern Ireland issued pet passport to be able to return to the UK (or their old UK issued pet passport if still in date).

What are the Rabies vaccination requirements?

What are the Rabies vaccination requirements?

  • Your pet needs to be at least 12 weeks of age to have a Rabies vaccination
  • The Rabies vaccination cannot be given at the same time as other vaccinations
  • Your pet will need regular Rabies booster vaccinations to keep your pet up to date for travel
  • The Rabies vaccination we use at Bath Vets is licensed for a Rabies booster every three years

Does my pet require tapeworm treatment for travel?

Does my pet require tapeworm treatment for travel to an EU country and Northern Ireland or to return to the UK?

  • If you are travelling directly to Finland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway or the Republic of Ireland, your dog (including assistance dog) will require a tapeworm treatment to be administered by your vet and documented on the AHC under the Echinococcus treatment section
  • The tapeworm treatment must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in the specific countries mentioned above
  • Dogs returning to the UK (from any EU country other than Finland, Republic of Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland) also require tapeworm treatment in the 24 -120 hours prior to re-entry
  • Cats and ferrets do not require tapeworm treatment as a condition of entry to any UK or EU country

Where can I check for the most up-to-date information?

Where can I check for the most up-to-date information?

The government website is a good source of up-to-date information. Please click this link to visit the government website https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

Please check the rules of the country you are travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Updated February 2025