Since Brexit, the old EU Pet Passport system no longer applies for travel from the UK to EU countries. Instead, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian (OV) for each trip. This has significantly increased the cost and complexity of travelling with pets.

Costs for Travelling From the UK to the EU

  • Animal Health Certificate (AHC): £100–£200 (vet's fee for the examination and paperwork)
  • Rabies vaccination (if not already current): £50–£70
  • Rabies blood titre test (required for some countries): £80–£120
  • Microchip (if not already chipped): £10–£30
  • Tapeworm treatment (required for dogs entering certain countries): £10–£20

Total cost for a single trip: £150–£250 if your pet is already vaccinated and microchipped, or up to £400 if everything needs to be done from scratch.

The AHC Process

  1. Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped (a legal requirement anyway)
  2. Rabies vaccination: Must be given at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip
  3. AHC examination: An Official Veterinarian (OV) must examine your pet and complete the AHC no more than 10 days before your travel date
  4. Tapeworm treatment (dogs only): Must be administered by a vet 1–5 days before entering certain EU countries (currently required for entry to Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway)

The AHC is valid for a single trip and covers entry to the EU for up to 10 days of travel between EU member states, after which you need a new one. If you stay longer than 10 days, you will need a new AHC for the return journey via the EU.

Returning to the UK

Returning to Great Britain from an EU country is simpler. You need your pet's microchip number, proof of rabies vaccination, and any tapeworm treatment certificate. No AHC is needed for the return journey, but you must use an approved route and transport company.

Do Old EU Pet Passports Still Work?

If your pet has an EU Pet Passport issued before 1 January 2021, it is still valid for travel from the EU to the UK. However, it is not valid for travel from the UK to the EU — you still need an AHC for that direction.

Tips to Save

  • Keep your pet's rabies vaccination current so you only need the AHC consultation, not the vaccine as well
  • Some vets charge less for AHCs than others — it is worth phoning around, especially if you travel frequently
  • Book the AHC appointment as close to your travel date as possible (but no more than 10 days before) to maximise the validity window

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency), Defra, VetCost practice data.