---
title: "Travelling to the EU With Pets From the UK"
description: "Post-Brexit UK pet travel to the EU — Animal Health Certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment for dogs and approved routes."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/travelling-to-eu-with-pets-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/travelling-to-eu-with-pets-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Travelling to the EU With Pets From the UK

Since Brexit, UK pets travelling to the EU need an **Animal Health Certificate (AHC)** from an Official Veterinarian — not a UK-issued EU pet passport. Requirements include a **microchip, valid rabies vaccination** and, for dogs entering certain countries, **tapeworm treatment** 24–120 hours before arrival.

## Post-Brexit travel documents

According to GOV.UK guidance, Great Britain is treated as a Part 2 listed third country for pet travel. For each trip to the EU or Northern Ireland, dogs, cats and ferrets must travel with:

- An **Animal Health Certificate (AHC)** issued by an **Official Veterinarian (OV)** within **10 days** of travel
- Proof of **microchip** (implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination)
- A **valid rabies vaccination** (wait 21 days after primary vaccination before travel)

UK-issued EU pet passports are **no longer valid** for outbound travel from Great Britain. Some EU vets may issue or update EU pet passports for pets that remain abroad — check rules for your destination country.

The AHC is valid for **four months** for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain, provided rabies vaccination remains valid.

## Microchip and rabies vaccination

According to DEFRA pet travel rules:

1. **Microchip first** — the chip must be readable and implanted before the rabies jab (or on the same day)
2. **Rabies vaccination** — primary course followed by boosters as your vet advises; travel is not permitted until 21 days after a primary vaccination
3. **Keep records** — your vet enters dates on the AHC; booster timing must stay current for return travel

Puppies and kittens must meet minimum age requirements set by your vet and destination country — do not travel before they are legally and medically ready.

## Tapeworm treatment for dogs

Dogs travelling to **Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway** (and returning to Great Britain from the EU) need treatment against **Echinococcus multilocularis** tapeworm:

- Given by a vet **24–120 hours (1–5 days)** before scheduled arrival
- Recorded on the AHC with product name, date and time
- Must be an approved product containing praziquantel or equivalent

This rule does not apply to all EU destinations — confirm requirements for your specific country before travel.

## Ferrets and other species

**Ferrets** follow the same AHC, microchip and rabies rules as dogs and cats. Rabbits, birds, reptiles and other species have separate import and export regulations — they are not covered by the standard pet travel scheme.

## Planning your trip

According to GOV.UK and Blue Cross guidance:

| Step | Timing |
|------|--------|
| Check destination rules | Several months ahead |
| Rabies vaccination if needed | At least 21 days before travel |
| Book OV for AHC | Within 10 days of departure |
| Tapeworm (dogs, if required) | 24–120 hours before entry |
| Confirm carrier and route | Approved ferry, train or airline only |

Use **approved routes and carriers** — pets may only enter the EU through designated Travellers' Points of Entry (TPE). Eurotunnel, ferry operators and airlines each have their own booking rules and fees.

Allow extra time at check-in. Carry original documents — copies alone may not be accepted.

## Returning to the UK

Re-entry to Great Britain requires the same core rules: microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment for dogs. If your AHC is still within its four-month validity and rabies is current, you may not need a new certificate for return — confirm with your OV before travel.

For pets entering the UK from outside the EU, see [Importing pets to the UK — quarantine rules](/health/quarantine-imported-pets-uk).

## FAQs

### What replaced the EU pet passport for UK pets travelling to Europe?

Since Brexit, UK-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain. Dogs, cats and ferrets need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of each trip to the EU or Northern Ireland.

### What do I need before taking my dog to France or Spain?

A microchip implanted before rabies vaccination, a valid rabies vaccination, an AHC from an OV vet, and tapeworm treatment for dogs 24–120 hours before entry to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.

### How long before travel should I book the AHC appointment?

Book well in advance — OVs are limited and the certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Allow at least 21 days after a primary rabies vaccination before the pet can travel.

### Can I use an old EU pet passport issued in the UK?

No. UK-issued EU pet passports cannot be used for outbound travel from Great Britain. Pets may still need an AHC even if they hold an old passport.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Taking your pet abroad](https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad)
- [GOV.UK — Pet travel to and from Great Britain](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great-britain)
- [Blue Cross — Pet care advice](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25