APHA Official Veterinarian · Melbourne, Derbyshire

Animal Health Certificates for stress-free EU pet travel

Taking your dog, cat or ferret to Europe? Since April 2026 every trip needs an AHC. Get yours issued by an experienced, RCVS-registered vet — without the big-practice price tag.

  • Issued on the spot — walk away with your certificate
  • Evening & weekend appointments available
  • Clear, fixed pricing — no hidden consultation fees

Simple, transparent pricing

First pet £99
Each additional pet £45

Up to 5 pets per certificate. Pay securely online when you book — no deposit games, no surprises on the day.

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🎓 RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon ✅ APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian (OCQ(V)–CA) 🔒 Secure payment by Stripe

Three steps to travel-ready

The whole appointment takes around 30–45 minutes and your certificate is issued on the spot.

1

Book online

Pick a slot that suits you — including evenings and weekends — and pay securely online. Your appointment must be within 10 days of your travel date.

2

Free document pre-check

Send a photo of your pet's vaccination record after booking and we verify everything before you arrive — so nothing fails on the day. Then just bring your pet and the originals.

3

Leave with your AHC

Your Animal Health Certificate is completed, signed and stamped during the appointment. You're ready to travel — bon voyage!

What your pet needs before the appointment

Make sure these four things are in place — if you're unsure about any of them, email us before booking and we'll help.

Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination

Given after the microchip, with the first dose at least 21 full days before travel. Boosters in date? No waiting period.

Vaccination record

Bring the record showing the vaccine name, batch number and dates — we must verify it to issue the certificate.

Travel dates & destination

Your AHC must be issued within 10 days of arriving in the EU, so book your appointment close to your departure.

Fixed prices, no surprises

Big veterinary chains charge £150–£350 for an AHC. As a dedicated certificate service, we keep it simple and affordable.

Additional pets

£45 each

  • Up to 5 pets on one certificate
  • All pets seen in the same appointment
  • Travelling together on the same trip
  • Same careful checks for every pet
Book now

Every booking includes a free document pre-check — send us your pet's records in advance and travel with total confidence.

More ways we can help

Travel plans aren't always tidy. These services cover the awkward situations too.

Urgent & same-day AHC

From £149

Travelling within 48 hours, or refused at check-in? Contact us directly and we'll fit you in the same or next day wherever possible.

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Evenings & weekends

No extra charge

Out-of-hours slots are part of our normal calendar — not a paid extra like at many providers. Book whatever suits your week.

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Tapeworm treatment

£25 per dog

Required for dogs heading to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland. Administered and recorded in your AHC during the appointment.

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Document pre-check

Free with every booking

Send your pet's vaccination record after booking and we confirm everything is travel-ready before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

An Animal Health Certificate is the official document your dog, cat or ferret needs to travel from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It confirms your pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, and it must be issued by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian within 10 days of your arrival in the EU.

How long is an AHC valid for?

Your AHC is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU from the date of issue, then 6 months for onward travel within the EU and 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain.

You need a new AHC for each new trip that starts from Great Britain.

Can I still use my EU pet passport?

No. Since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports held by GB residents are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU. GB residents now need an Animal Health Certificate for every trip. Read more about the rule change.

What does my pet need before the appointment?

Your pet must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination given after the microchip was fitted. The first rabies vaccination must be at least 21 full days before travel. Bring your pet's vaccination record and your travel dates to the appointment.

How many pets can travel on one AHC?

Up to 5 pets can be included on a single Animal Health Certificate, provided they all travel with you on the same trip.

I'm travelling in the next couple of days — can you help?

Usually, yes. We offer an urgent same-day / next-day service from £149, subject to availability — including for owners who have been refused at check-in with incorrect paperwork. Call 01530 222888, or email hello@thecertvet.co.uk with "URGENT" in the subject line and your travel date.

Does my dog need a tapeworm treatment?

Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland need a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24 hours to 5 days (120 hours) before arrival.

Dogs returning to Great Britain also need a tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before re-entry, unless returning directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland.

Pet travel news

Rules change — we keep track so you don't get caught out at the border.

Travelling in the next few weeks?

Remember: your AHC must be issued within 10 days of arriving in the EU. Book your appointment now and travel with everything in order.

Book your appointment