Planning a trip overseas in 2026? If your luggage has paws and whiskers, the vet visit could soon feel more like passport control. With updated UK and EU pet travel rules, especially the UK’s shift to Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) and separate arrangements for Northern Ireland, it’s vital to go into the clinic appointment fully prepared.
All information within this post is accurate as of 04 September, 2025
Vet Visit Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave
Here’s your no‑nonsense checklist for that all‑important vet visit:
1. Ensure Your Pet Is Microchipped
Your pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination or tapeworm treatment. This is a non‑negotiable requirement for travel.
2. Complete Rabies Vaccination (and Wait the Required Time)
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies jab, and not travel before it takes effect (usually 21 days after the primary dose).
Source: theca.org.uk
3. Tapeworm Treatment (Where Required)
For dogs traveling to Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland, tapeworm treatment is mandatory. This must be administered by a vet within 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before entry and must be recorded in the AHC or pet passport.
Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.html
4. Get the Correct Travel Document
- Traveling from Great Britain to the EU? You'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of departure. Source: https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/travelling-your-pets-europe-2025-08-06_en
- From 4 June 2025, GB residents traveling to Northern Ireland must register pets with DAERA and use its new digital pet travel portal. This replaces the need for a full Animal Health Certificate and simplifies repeat travel.
Source: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets
Did You Know? An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain is valid for:
- Entry into the EU within 10 days of issue
- Onward travel within the EU for up to 4 months
- Re-entry to Great Britain within that same 4-month window
Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccination remains valid for the duration of travel.
5. Bring Documentation to the Vet
⚠️ Important Change: UK-Issued Pet Passports No Longer Valid for EU Travel ⚠️
Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports can no longer be used for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. You’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian before each trip abroad.
EU pet passports issued in an EU country are still valid for travel, as long as rabies vaccinations are up to date.
Come armed with:
- Microchip details
- Vaccination history (rabies date, batch, and manufacturer)
- Previous pet passports or health certificates (if applicable)
You’ll need these to draft a valid AHC.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/getting-an-animal-health-certificate
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6. Talk Through the Timeline
Double-check the required lead times with your vet:
- Rabies: at least 21 days before travel
- AHC: must be issued within 10 days before departure
- Tapeworm (if needed): within window of 24–120 hours before entry (for certain EU destinations)
7. Confirm Vet is Official
Only an Official Veterinarian (OV) can issue the AHC. No further government endorsement is required for travel from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
8. Schedule the Clinic Visit
Given the tight timing, it's smart to book your vet visit early, especially if certification needs endorsement or if you need to send paperwork ahead of travel.
Why These Rules Matter
- Public and animal health protection — especially preserving the UK’s rabies-free status
- Strong enforcement — EU authorities are vigilant, with frequent crackdowns on illicit movement and forged documents
- Serious delays or refusals if paperwork is missing or out of date—effectively stranding your pet mid‑journey
Source: https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/pet-passport
Note: Traveling with Multiple Pets?
If you're planning to travel with more than five pets, special rules apply. Under UK and EU regulations, pet travel is considered non-commercial when:
- You're transporting five or fewer pets, and
- They are not intended for sale or transfer of ownership.
If you're traveling with more than five animals, you'll need to:
- Provide additional documentation
- Comply with commercial movement rules
- Possibly enter through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE)
Exceptions exist for certain activities like dog shows, competitions, or sporting events—but you must provide proof of registration and meet specific conditions.
Tip: If in doubt, check with your vet or the official guidance on GOV.UK Pet Travel Rules
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Final Word: Planning is Everything
Your pet's vet visit shouldn’t be a rabbit hole of red tape, but it needs precision. Use our checklist and book well ahead. And if the hassle outweighs the holiday—for your pet or your own sanity, don’t feel guilty about staying put and trusting a housesitter to step in.
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