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Monday - Friday 8.30am-6.00pm Saturday 9.00-12.00
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At our practice in Kensington, we have a wealth of experience in issuing these certificates for pet travel so we are well equipped to answer any questions you may have: whether you’re jetting off for the first time with your pet or just need a refresher before your next trip, you’ll have everything you need to know right here!
Your pet needs an Animal Health Certificate to travel from England, Scotland or Wales to the EU, Switzerland or Norway. It proves that your pet meets the necessary health and vaccination requirements, including up-to-date rabies vaccinations. The certificate ensures your pet complies with biosecurity rules and can cross international borders legally.
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is the new single-use documentation required for pets travelling to the EU. Pet passports are EU documents and therefore as a result of Brexit, vets in this country can no longer issue them. Pet passports are still issued in the EU and are valid for travel to the UK.
“At our practice in Kensington, we have a wealth of experience in issuing these certificates for pet travel.”
Animal Health Certificates can be issued for:
An AHC is valid for onward travel into the EU and Switzerland for 4 months from the issue date and then re-entry into Great Britain. After this, a GB import certificate will be necessary to re-enter the UK.
No, an AHC is a single-use document for travel, so if you have already re-entered Great Britain, you will need to get a new certificate for the next time that you travel.
If your pet’s Animal Health Certificate expires while you’re abroad, you’ll need to apply for a GB import certificate to re-enter the UK. The AHC is valid for four months from the date of issue, so it’s best to ensure that you’re returning within this timeframe.
Only the rabies vaccination is a requirement for an Animal Health Certificate. If your pet’s rabies vaccination isn’t up to date then they will need new vaccinations. You then need to wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you can get an AHC issued – so it’s important to check and plan in advance!
Yes, assistance and guide dogs are subject to the same rules for travel to the EU. They must have:
Both of the veterinarians at our practice are authorised to issue Animal Health Certificates and carry out procedures related to pet travel. Get in touch with our practice today to find out more or book an appointment for an AHC using the Petsapp widget.
The care and health of your pets is Kensington Veterinary Care's top priority. That is why we offer a comprehensive first opinion veterinary service for your furry friends.
Kensington Veterinary Care understand how special your pets are to you. That’s why we strive to provide only the highest quality veterinary care.
