Our pet healthplan terms are being updated, effective from 12th February 2024. Please click here for more information.

If you’re planning on taking your pet to an EU Country after 1 January 2021, there’s some important information you need to know. 

Before your dog, cat or ferret can travel for the first time after this date, you’ll need to start taking the following steps four months before you’re planning to travel …

  1. Arrange for your dog, cat or ferret to be microchipped.
  2. Vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies - your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
  3. 'If your pet last had a rabies vaccination some time ago, it may be that the vet advises a booster before the blood test
  4. Your pet’s blood sample will be sent to an EU-approved blood testing laboratory.
  5. You will then need to wait three months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before you can travel.
  6. The vet will give you a copy of the test results and enter the day the blood sample was taken in an animal health certificate (AHC).

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to travel with your pet until you have a valid animal health certificate.

If the blood test result is unsuccessful, your pet will need a repeat vaccination and another blood test taken after a further wait of 30 days.

As long as you keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date, you will not need to repeat blood tests for further trips to the EU. However, you will need to get an AHC from your vet within 10 days each time you travel.

It is possible that as things progress, not all of this will be necessary but please ensure you give yourself enough time.

For more information or to make an appointment to start the process, please get in touch.

More information can be found here on the GOV.UK website >> https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad