Travelling With Your Pet
Expert, stress-free pet travel support.
Travelling abroad with your pet can be exciting, but the rules and paperwork can feel confusing and time-sensitive. We’re here to make the process clear, compliant and stress-free. We’re proud to be highly unusual in having four Official Veterinarians (OVs) on our team, meaning we have OV cover every weekday, improving availability, reducing waiting times and giving you flexibility when deadlines matter.
Why choose Whiskers for pet travel documentation?
Many practices rely on a single OV, which can lead to delays or limited appointment availability. At Whiskers:
- We have four qualified Official Veterinarians
- OV appointments are available every day of the working week
- We can accommodate tight travel timelines
- You benefit from continuity of care within your regular practice
- We take time to check paperwork carefully to avoid costly errors
Pet travel essentials
Everything you need to know about certificates, passports and getting ready to travel.
For most pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is now required.
- An AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian
- It is valid for a single trip into the EU
- It must be completed within 10 days of travel
- Your pet must have a microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel
- Some destinations require tapeworm treatment within a specific time window
Following new trade discussions with the EU in May 2025, the government has confirmed its intention to bring back the pet passport system in 2026 or 2027. While exact details haven’t yet been finalised, passports are expected to function much as they did before:
- Pets must be microchipped
- A valid rabies vaccination must be recorded
- The passport will be valid for multiple trips, unlike AHCs
- Validity lasts as long as the rabies vaccine remains in date (usually up to 3 years)
- For dogs, tapeworm treatment will still be required before re-entering the UK (with some country-specific exceptions)
- Only Official Veterinarians will be able to issue pet passports
Pet travel rules can change, so we always recommend checking official guidance alongside speaking to us. We regularly signpost clients to GOV.UK, “Taking your pet abroad” and GOV.UK, “Bringing your pet into Great Britain”. These sources provide the most current, legally accurate information.
For more complex journeys, such as long-haul flights, non-EU destinations or multi-pet travel, some owners choose specialist pet travel services. Companies such as PetAir UK can manage logistics and airline requirements, handle customs and documentation checks, and reduce stress for owners navigating complicated routes and rules.
Customer Reviews
“It is a delight to use a practice that is truly local and independent. Nothing is too much trouble, appointments are always available, and their pricing is fair and transparent. Well done Whiskers, you’re all stars!”
Paula Nanson
Ready to book?
Planning a trip abroad? With four Official Veterinarians and cover every weekday, we can help you get the right paperwork in place, on time. Book your OV appointment today.
