Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
Getting an animal health certificate
You need an animal health certificate for your dog, cat or ferret if you’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country or Northern Ireland.
You can add up to 5 pets to an animal health certificate.
When to get an animal health certificate
You must get an animal health certificate in the 10 days before you enter the EU as long as your pet either:
- has an up-to-date rabies vaccination already
- only needs booster doses to keep the vaccination up to date
If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you get an animal health certificate. Day 1 is the day after vaccination.
Tell your vet you need an animal health certificate when you take your pet to get vaccinated. This gives your vet time to prepare it.
How to get an animal health certificate
You must take your pet to your vet to get an animal health certificate.
The certificate needs to be signed by an ‘official veterinarian’ (OV). Check your vet can issue animal health certificates. If they cannot, ask them to help you find an OV.
When you visit your vet, you’ll need to take proof of your pet’s:
- microchipping date
- vaccination history
Your pet’s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:
- 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- 4 months for onward travel within the EU
- 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain
Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain.