Since Brexit, the EU pet passport system no longer applies to pets travelling from the UK to the EU. Instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip. This has made travelling with pets significantly more expensive and complicated. Here is what it costs in 2026.

The Key Change Since Brexit

Before Brexit, UK pet owners could get an EU pet passport (around £60–£100, valid for life) and travel freely within the EU. Since 1 January 2021, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry to EU countries. You now need a fresh Animal Health Certificate for every trip.

Current Costs for Travelling with a Pet (2026)

  • Animal Health Certificate (AHC): £100 to £250 per trip
  • Rabies vaccination (if not current): £50 to £70
  • Rabies blood titre test (for some destinations): £80 to £150
  • Microchip (if not already chipped): £20 to £35
  • Tapeworm treatment (required for return to UK): £10 to £30

The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — a vet authorised by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency). Not all vets are OVs, and those that are may charge a premium for the additional paperwork involved.

Total Cost Per Trip

For a dog with up-to-date rabies vaccination and microchip, the minimum cost per trip is the AHC fee of £100–£250. For a pet that needs everything from scratch:

  • Microchip: £25
  • Rabies vaccination: £60
  • Wait 21 days after vaccination
  • AHC: £150
  • Tapeworm treatment (for return): £15
  • Total: approximately £250

The AHC is valid for 10 days for entry to the EU and for 4 months for onward travel within the EU. For the return to the UK, you need the tapeworm treatment administered 1–5 days before arrival.

What Affects the Price

Vet Fees for AHC

There is no fixed price for an AHC — vets set their own fees. The consultation involves checking your pet's microchip, verifying vaccination records, completing the multi-page certificate, and signing it as an Official Veterinarian. This takes 20–40 minutes, which is why fees are higher than a standard consultation.

Location

Vets near ferry ports and the Channel Tunnel tend to be experienced with AHCs and may offer competitive pricing due to higher demand. London and South East vets charge more generally.

Multiple Pets

Each pet needs its own AHC. Some vets offer a small discount for multiple pets processed in the same appointment.

How to Save

  • Keep rabies vaccination current: A lapsed rabies vaccination means starting again with a 21-day wait and the full vaccination cost.
  • Shop around for OV fees: AHC fees vary significantly between practices. Call several OV-registered vets for quotes.
  • Plan ahead: Last-minute AHCs may cost more if the vet needs to fit you in urgently.
  • Check if your destination requires a blood titre test: Most EU countries do not require this for UK pets, but some non-EU destinations do. Unnecessary testing adds £80–£150 to your costs.
  • Consider pet-friendly UK holidays: The cost of AHCs makes overseas travel with pets significantly more expensive than pre-Brexit. A UK holiday avoids these costs entirely.

Will It Get Cheaper

The UK government has been negotiating with the EU for a veterinary agreement that could simplify pet travel, potentially reintroducing a passport-style system. However, as of March 2026, no agreement has been reached. The current AHC requirement remains in place for the foreseeable future.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: APHA, DEFRA, VetCost practice data.