For our clients who are thinking about travelling abroad with their pets (dogs, cats and ferrets), we have 2 specialist vets who can arrange the relevant documents and necessary injections to make this process as straight forward as possible. The following is a list of protocols we must adhere too...
The pet needs to be at least 12weeks old.
The pet needs to be Microchipped
The pet needs to be vaccinated against rabies.
You can not leave the UK for 21 days after that vaccination if it is a primary vaccination or if the previous rabies vaccine have expired. The vaccination will need to be kept up to date in order to avoid this 21 day waiting period after the first vaccination.
Within 10 days of your departure date you will need to book an appointment with your vet who must be an Official Veterinarian to arrange the final travel documents called an Animal Health Certificate. (AHC). Please give us plenty of notice for this appointment as not all vets are Official Veterinarians and we will not do these appointments on weekends.
You will need to take proof of you pets rabies vaccination to that appointment in the form of a vaccine certificate or a previously old pet passport.
Once we have issued the AHC you will need to leave the UK within 10 days and it is valid for 4 months of onward travel through the EU. It is only valid for a single trip to the EU and you will need a new one each time you travel.
We ask that you contact us 1 month before you travel so we can get all the relevant information from you regarding you trip so we can plan and prepare the necessary paperwork.
You can only enter the EU through a Designated Travellers Point of entry and you must travel using an approved route. Check the routes before you travel on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-approved-air-sea-rail-and-charter-routes-for-the-movement-of-pets
When you return to the UK you will need to get your pet treated for tapeworm by a veterinary surgeon 24 -120 hours before re-entry. You will need to take all your documents to that appointment for them to sign the appropriate section on the AHC.
Please note - You will need an AHC to travel to Northern Ireland now.
If travelling to Malta, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Finland you will need to get you pet treated for tapeworm before leaving the UK.
You can get more information if you visit the website - www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great We cannot be held responsible for quarantine, denial of entry, or costs incurred due to unfulfilled requirements for your pet.