Animal Health Certificate Services for Pet Travel to Europe
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for Dogs, Cats, or Ferrets Travelling from GB to an EU Member State
(Non-Commercial Movement)
Experience hassle-free pet travel to the EU with our comprehensive documentation services. Simplifying pet-friendly travel for you. Say goodbye to stress and hello to convenience with our affordable Animal Health Certificate service. Now offering Click and Collect for your ease. Please check available locations on the map below before applying.
What is Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
An AHC is a certified document issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) that allows your pet to travel from the UK to the EU. Here's what you need to know:
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AHCs replace Pet Passports for travel to the EU.
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The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue.
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It permits travel within the EU for up to 4 months or until the rabies vaccination expires.
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You can travel with dogs, cats, or ferrets, with a maximum of 5 pets per certificate.
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The AHC certifies that your pet meets EU travel requirements, including a working microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. It also confirms that you're traveling with your pet for non-commercial reasons, such as a holiday.
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The AHC is not for pets intended to be sold or given away in the EU.
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AHCs cannot be issued more than 10 days before travel, and 21 days must have elapsed since the rabies vaccination, unless it's a booster.
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The AHC is issued in English and the language of the country where you enter the EU.
Qualified Official Veterinarians for Compliance
Our Export Veterinarians, or Official Veterinarians (OVs), are fully qualified and experienced in facilitating the export of pets for both private and commercial purposes. With essential qualifications and expertise in export requirements, our OVs ensure compliance with international standards, maintaining the UK's reputation in trade controls. Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) required for pet travel to the EU can only be issued by qualified Official Veterinarians, guaranteeing that your pet's documentation meets all the necessary regulatory standards.
Why Choose HallMark for Your AHC Needs?
How Does It Work?
Make pet travel a breeze. As easy as it gets. In just a few clicks. Simplifying the process of travelling overseas with your furry companion.
STEP 1
Check Eligibility
Ensure your pet meets the eligibility criteria for obtaining an AHC.
Before completing the online form and booking, carefully read the AHC Requirements and our FAQs to ensure you have all the necessary information.
STEP 2
Complete Online Pre-Appointment Form
Fill out an online form with all relevant pet travel details and upload pet records.
STEP 3
Book Appointment & Make Payment
Choose your preferred location, date and time slot for the appointment
Make the payment to confirm your appointment.
STEP 4
Appointment Day
(Click & Collect)
Attend the appointment with your pet(s).
At the appointment, all information is verified, including scanning of microchip(s).
The AHC is issued once all checks are satisfactorily completed.
Where to Collect
Your Certificate
With qualified OVs nationwide, use our interactive map to find the nearest collection point. Schedule your appointment in advance for timely processing. This is updated regularly as we scale up our operations. Please schedule your appointment well in advance of your travel date to ensure timely processing of your AHC.
Not yet in your area? Please contact us for more information.
Apply Online
& Send Documents
Experience the convenience of our hassle-free AHC Click & Collect online service today. Get ready for your travel with ease!
AHC Requirements and FAQ
Before traveling with your pet, it's essential to understand the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining an AHC. Below, we provide answers to frequently asked questions and detailed information on AHC requirements to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your beloved companion.
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An AHC is an official document issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) that is required for travelling with your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) from Great Britain into the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. As of January 1st, 2021, Pet Passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to these destinations, necessitating the AHC.
The AHC is designed to facilitate pet travel and includes the following features:
•Validity: The AHC is valid for entry into the EU within 10 days of issuance by an OV.
•Duration: It allows for travel within the EU for up to 4 months from the date of entry.
•Single-use: Each AHC is a single-use document, valid for one trip only. A new AHC is required for each subsequent trip.
Important Considerations
•Exclusions: The AHC is not required for travel to the Isle of Wight or the Isle of Man.
•Bilingual Format: The certificate is provided in a bilingual format, with sections in English and the language of your EU port of entry (e.g., English and French for travel via the Eurotunnel).
•Worming Requirements: For dogs, the worming section of the AHC must be completed by a veterinarian before returning to Great Britain from any EU country, unless returning directly from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta.
For the latest information and guidance on pet travel requirements, please visit the official government website at www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad.
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To obtain an AHC for your pet, you must ensure the following requirements are met:
1.Microchipping:
Your pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination. The microchip reading should be included on the vaccine certificate or documented in the clinical notes to verify the pet's identity. It is acceptable for the microchipping and rabies vaccination to be done on the same day.
2. Rabies Vaccination:
Your pet must receive a rabies vaccination administered by any veterinarian at least 21 days before your appointment to obtain the AHC. Proof of the rabies vaccination is required and can be in the form of a rabies vaccination card, certificate issued by your vet, an old pet passport, or your pet's clinical history from your vet. The proof of rabies document must include owner details, pet's details, vaccination details, and your vet's signature and stamp.
3. Documentary Requirements:
The documents you attach to your application must include the owner's full name and address, pet's details (date of birth and microchip number), rabies vaccination details (date given, name of vaccine, batch number, valid to date), and your vet's signature and stamp. You must bring the original documents to your appointment. Without the original documents, we will be unable to issue the certificate.
4. Itinerary Planning:
You need to know the first country of entry into the EU when booking your appointment for the AHC. You must enter the EU through a Traveller’s Point of Entry.
5. Routine Vaccinations:
While routine, annual vaccinations are not required for travel to the EU, it is advisable to keep them up to date. The only vaccination required for entry into the EU is a valid rabies vaccination. It is recommended not to administer rabies and other vaccinations together, as some are not licensed to be given concurrently.
6. Proof of Tapeworm Treatment (Only for Dogs):
If you are taking a dog directly to Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta, tapeworm treatment administered by a vet in the UK between 1 and 5 days before arrival in the destination country is required. Treatment must be recorded in the AHC. Dogs traveling to these countries must be treated for tapeworms by a veterinary surgeon not more than 120 hours (five days) and not less than 24 hours before entry. Tapeworm treatment is not required for cats or ferrets, and it is not necessary for dogs traveling to other EU countries.
7. Traveling with More Than 5 Pets:
A maximum of 5 pets are allowed on an Animal Health Certificate. However, if you are attending or training for a competition, sporting event, or show, you can take more than 5 pets to the EU. In such cases, you would need to provide written evidence of registration for the event to the Official Veterinarian issuing the certificate. Note that most UK ports do not allow more than 5 pets per vehicle. Therefore, if you plan to travel with more than 5 pets, it's essential to check with the relevant port before traveling.
By ensuring that all these requirements are met, you can facilitate the issuance of an AHC for your pet's travel needs.
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Health certificates are a broad term used to refer to certificates issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) certifying that an animal is fit to travel abroad. However, specific types of health certificates serve different purposes:
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This certificate is specifically required for dogs, cats, or ferrets to travel to the European Union (EU) on a non-commercial basis.
• Export Health Certificate (EHC): Required for dogs, cats, ferrets, and most other animals to travel outside the EU or to the EU on a commercial basis.
• Fit to Fly/Travel Certificate: Sometimes required by airlines or travel companies to certify that the pet is healthy enough to travel.
The terms "dog health certificate," "cat health certificate," "pet health certificate," and "pet travel certificate" are general terms that could refer to any of the above certificates.
At HallMark, our OVS certify the following:
• EHC: To export dogs, cats, and ferrets from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) to the EU or move them to Northern Ireland for commercial purposes (certificate 8454).
• AHC: For the non-commercial movement into a Member State from a territory or third country of dogs, cats, or ferrets.
Understanding International Movement
When it comes to international movements, all live animals are initially considered "commercial" animals. However, the Pet Travel Scheme (PeTS), officially known as EC Regulation 576/2013, allows most dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel under simplified rules for "non-commercial movement."
PeTS Rules Include:
• The animal's travel must be part of the registered owner's own journey.
• No change of ownership can occur during travel.
• A maximum of five pets from one household or owner may travel together (exemptions are available for travel to shows and training events).
• Owner and pets must travel within five days of each other.
Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the animal being considered as "commercial" rather than a "non-commercial" pet. PeTS is designed for private, family-type travel only and does not permit commercial activities such as breeding or pet delivery by couriers.
Since Brexit, British pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) can still access PeTS but must use an AHC if they do not hold a valid EU Pet Passport.
Understanding these distinctions ensures that you obtain the correct documentation for your pet's travel needs. For more information, please refer to official government resources or consult with an OV.
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If you're planning to travel to Ireland or Northern Ireland with your pet, here are some important points to consider:
Entry Requirements for Ireland:
• Paperwork and Treatments: Ensure your pet has the necessary paperwork and has undergone worming treatment.
• Microchip and Vaccination: Your pet must be microchipped and have a valid, up-to-date rabies vaccination.
• Worming Treatment: Particularly for dogs, ensure they have received the required worming treatment.
• Checks: Officials in Ireland are conducting checks on the paperwork for pet entry.
Entry Requirements for Northern Ireland:
• Current Checks: There are currently no checks on paperwork for pet entry via Northern Ireland due to the interim agreement for Pet Movement (Windsor Framework) between the UK government and the EU.
• New Travel Document: Under the interim agreement, pet movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland require a new travel document detailing the pet’s microchip number. A declaration stating that the pet will not be moving on to Ireland (Eire) or any other EU country may also be necessary.
• Potential Checks: Northern Ireland officials reserve the right to conduct checks if there are suspicions of illegal activity or welfare concerns.
• Stay Updated: Verify entry requirements closer to your travel date, as the interim agreement conditions may change.
It's essential to stay informed about the latest requirements and regulations for traveling with pets to Ireland or Northern Ireland to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to official government resources.
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To obtain an AHC, follow these steps:
1.Schedule an Appointment:
• Make an appointment with an Official Veterinarian (OV) approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
• Note that an AHC cannot be issued online or via post, as the OV must physically scan your pet's microchip during the process. Be wary of any companies offering online or postal services for AHC issuance, as they are likely fraudulent.
• You can arrange an appointment through our online booking system, which offers flexibility and convenience. Our interactive map on the website shows our nationwide coverage and the closest collection points.
2. Microchip Verification:
• The OV must personally see your pet and scan its microchip to verify its identification before issuing the AHC. A health check or examination is not mandatory for the AHC, but the microchip scan is essential.
3. Appointment Requirements:
• Both the pet owner or an authorised representative (with written authorisation) must be present during the appointment.
• You will need to sign a declaration confirming that the trip is for non-commercial reasons.
• The OV will then scan the microchip and issue the AHC.
4. Duration and Services:
• Our appointments typically last around 20 minutes, ensuring efficient processing of your AHC.
• We welcome all pet owners, even if they are not registered clients with our practice. Our service focuses solely on providing veterinary travel paperwork, so you can remain registered with your current veterinarian.
5. Planning and Scheduling:
• Once the AHC is issued, you have 10 days to depart on your trip. It is crucial to plan accordingly and schedule your appointment well in advance.
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The timeframe for obtaining an AHC may vary depending on the veterinarian's processes and availability. However, there are specific steps and requirements that must be met before an AHC can be issued. At HallMark, we've streamlined the process to make it as convenient as possible for pet owners:
1.Check Eligibility:
Ensure that your pet meets the eligibility criteria for obtaining an AHC. Before booking your animal health certificate with HallMark, carefully read the AHC requirements and our FAQ to ensure you have all the necessary information.
2. Complete Online Pre-Appointment Form:
• Fill out an online form with all relevant pet travel details and upload pet records.
3. Book Appointment & Make Payment:
Choose your preferred location, date and time slot for the appointment.
Make the payment to confirm your appointment.
4. Attend the Appointment:
• Bring your pet to the scheduled appointment, where our team will issue the AHC on the spot.
• Appointments typically last around 20 minutes, ensuring a quick and efficient process.
• We welcome all pet owners, even if they are not registered clients with our clinic. Our service focuses solely on providing veterinary travel paperwork, so clients can remain registered with their current veterinarians.
By following these steps and working with HallMark, you can expedite the issuance of your pet's AHC and ensure compliance with travel requirements.
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• Standard AHC Service (Collection Point Appointment - Click & Collect):
-Requires more than 2 days' notice.
-£90 for the first pet.
-Additional fee of £35 per extra pet.
• No Consulting Fees: We do not charge any consulting fees.
• Repeat Customer Discount: Repeat customers are eligible for a 10% discount on our standard fees, provided there are no changes in the pet's details.
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• GB-issued Pet Passport:
If you have a GB-issued pet passport, it is no longer valid for travel into the EU. However, it can support the information required on the AHC. You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead.
• EU-issued Pet Passport:
EU-issued pet passports are still valid if the latest rabies vaccination was administered by an EU vet and is still in date. If the rabies vaccination has lapsed or was administered by a UK vet, the passport would not be valid, and an AHC would be needed instead.
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GB Official Veterinarians (OVs) can only complete the tapeworm and clinical examination sections in EU pet passports. They are not allowed to update rabies vaccination entries in EU pet passports. Rabies boosters must be done in the EU, not in the UK.
If your pet requires a booster or needs to be revaccinated while in GB, it can receive this vaccination, but you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your pet to return to the EU.
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• Initial Rabies Vaccination:
After the first rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days before an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) can be issued.
• Rabies Booster:
If a rabies booster is given before the previous vaccine expires, no waiting period is necessary.
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Validity periods vary by vaccine brand and country of administration. For example:
• Nobivac, Canigen, or Versiguard Vaccines: Administered in the UK, these vaccines are valid for 3 years.
• Rabisin Vaccines: Valid for 1 year, unless it is a booster given before the previous Rabisin vaccine expired, in which case it is valid for 3 years.
• EU-administered Rabies Vaccinations: Typically valid for one year.
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Once issued, the AHC remains valid for specific durations, as outlined below:
• Entry to the EU: The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue (signature date) for entering the EU.
• Onward Travel Within the EU: After entry into the EU, the AHC remains valid for up to four months for traveling within the EU and returning to the UK.
• Re-entry to GB: The AHC is valid for re-entry to the UK for up to four months from the date of issue.
• Rabies Vaccination Expiry: The AHC's validity is contingent upon the rabies vaccination status. If the rabies vaccination expires before the end of the four-month period, the AHC becomes invalid.
It's important to note that if you leave the EU during the validity period of the AHC (for example, to return to the UK), you would need another AHC to re-enter the EU.
Your pet will not require a repeat rabies vaccination each time an AHC is issued as long as the vaccination status remains up to date.
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You can travel with a pet that isn't registered to you with written permission from the owner. The pet must be reunited with the owner no more than 5 days from the date of movement.
Requirements if You Are Traveling with Someone Else's Pet:
• Written Permission: You must have written permission from the owner authorising you to travel with their pet.
• Declaration: You must sign the declaration section of the AHC and provide written confirmation from the owner.
If You Are Not Accompanying Your Pet:
You can still obtain an AHC under certain conditions:
• Reuniting Within 5 Days:
If you will be reunited with your pet within 5 days of their travel date, you can still obtain an AHC. Provide proof of travel arrangements, such as flight, ferry, bus, or train tickets, to the vet. Alternatively, your pet can travel with an authorised person designated by you, such as a friend. Written permission from the owner and proof of travel arrangements must be provided.
• Traveling with a Pet Transport Company or Named Person:
Provide details of the transport company to the vet before the AHC appointment. Documentation proving your reunion within 5 days must be carried.
Provide a written declaration authorising the named person to travel with your pet to the vet. Documentation proving reunion within 5 days must be carried by the named person.
• Commercial Move or Reunion Beyond 5 Days:
If you will not be reunited with your pet within 5 days of their travel date or if the move involves a change of ownership, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) will be required instead of an AHC.
Please ensure you provide all necessary documentation and comply with the outlined requirements to facilitate the issuance of the AHC.
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Note that certain Member States have informed that the movement into their territory of animals less than 16 weeks old is not authorised.
For example, you cannot travel to France with puppies or kittens unless they have been vaccinated against rabies, and at least 21 days have passed since the vaccination.
Puppies and kittens must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccination, so the earliest age a puppy or kitten can travel is at 15 weeks of age.
In addition, if a young pet is authorised for travel out of GB, it will not be able to return until it has received an anti-rabies vaccination. In practice this means your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to enter GB.
As a breeder, you cannot send a puppy or kitten across the Channel to its new owners in the EU. This would be considered a commercial export and requires a different form, known as an Export Health Certificate (EHC).
Currently, Eurotunnel does not accept commercial animal transport from Folkestone to Calais, although it is permitted from Calais to Folkestone under specific conditions (LeShuttle). For ferries, Irish Ferries does allow commercial pet transport on the Calais-Dover route, provided all necessary requirements are met (AlStrays).
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For Dogs:
• Vet Visit: If you're returning to the UK with a dog, you must visit a vet in the EU between 1 and 5 days (24 and 120 hours) before your planned arrival in the UK.
• Timing: It's advisable to schedule the treatment appointment around the midpoint of this timeframe to avoid complications.
• Tapeworm Treatment: During this visit, the vet will administer tapeworm treatment and record it in the AHC.
• Border Presentation: Upon returning to the UK, you'll need to present the AHC with the tapeworm treatment recorded at the border.
Note: This requirement doesn't apply to dogs returning directly from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta, as they would have already received tapeworm treatment before departure.
For Cats and Ferrets:
• No Additional Requirements: There are no additional requirements for cats or ferrets returning to the UK. Cats and ferrets do not require the worming treatment before returning to the UK.
• AHC Presentation: Simply ensure you have the Animal Health Certificate ready to present at the border upon return.
