Can I still use my old EU Pet Passport?

Pet Passports issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) before 1 January 2021 are no longer valid for EU travel. Owners must now obtain a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each outbound trip. Pet Passports issued in an EU member state (including Northern Ireland and Ireland) remain valid.

How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?

In 2026, UK Official Veterinarians typically charge £100 – £250 for an AHC, depending on the practice and the number of pets. The AHC must be issued within 10 days of departure and is valid for a single outbound trip plus onward EU travel for 4 months and the return journey to GB.

What timeline do I need to plan for?

Minimum: 21 days from rabies vaccination to departure. In practice we recommend 4–6 weeks to be comfortable, especially for first-time pet travellers. The AHC itself must be issued within 10 days of travel so we schedule it late in the planning window.

Does my pet need any blood tests?

For travel to EU listed countries from the UK, no blood test is needed. For travel to certain non-EU countries (such as Norway, parts of Asia, Australia), a rabies serology blood test may be required 30+ days after vaccination. We confirm per destination.

What happens if the paperwork is wrong at the border?

Eurotunnel and ferry operators refuse boarding if any required paperwork is missing or expired. This is why we check all documents before departure and remind clients of exact timing for rabies vaccinations and tapeworm treatment. We have never had a pet refused travel because of paperwork.

Do you handle the AHC paperwork for us?

We cannot issue the AHC ourselves — only a UK Official Veterinarian can — but as a DEFRA Type 2 authorised transporter we send a full pre-trip checklist 7 days before departure, remind you of the exact 10-day OV window, and verify every document before loading the vehicle. We also handle the tapeworm scheduling at destination for pets returning to GB.

Pet Passport UK After Brexit (2026) — AHC Rules, Costs, Timeline

Post-Brexit pet travel rules explained: the GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC), who issues it, how long it lasts, what it costs, and the complete timeline to travel from the UK to Europe with a dog or cat in 2026.

Pet Passport UK After Brexit — 2026 Rules

Brexit changed how UK pet owners travel to Europe. The pre-2021 EU Pet Passport is no longer issued in Great Britain. Instead, UK pets travel to the EU under a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This guide explains the new rules, costs, and timeline in plain English — plus how we handle the paperwork as part of our door-to-door pet transport service.

What changed in 2021?

GB-issued Pet Passports no longer accepted for EU travel
GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC) replaces the Pet Passport for outbound trips
AHC is valid for a single trip out of GB, 4 months of EU movements, and the return to GB
Pets issued an EU Pet Passport in an EU country can keep using it

Who issues an AHC?

Only an Official Veterinarian (OV) can issue a GB AHC. Most large UK veterinary practices have at least one OV on staff. Expect to pay £100 – £250 for the certificate, including the examination.

Required ingredients, in order

ISO 11784 microchip implanted
Rabies vaccination (after the microchip; 21+ days before travel)
AHC issued by an OV within 10 days of departure
Tapeworm treatment for dogs returning to GB (24–120 hours before arrival)

Full planning timeline

6 weeks before: microchip (if not already present) + rabies vaccination
3 weeks before: waiting period for rabies vaccination to take effect
10–7 days before: AHC appointment with your OV
Day before / day of return: dog tapeworm treatment at destination vet
Travel day: we arrive, verify paperwork, and depart

What our team handles for you

Pre-departure checklist 7 days ahead
Reminder for the OV appointment timing window
Full document review before loading the vehicle
Tapeworm treatment scheduling at destination for return journeys
Border presentation and paperwork handover