Frequently Asked Questions

We book up quickly, so the more notice you can give us, the better! We do have an urgent service, and may be able to provide a certificate at the last minute, but it is much easier (and less stressful for you) to give us at least 14 days notice before your intended travel date. 

Depending on availability, we may be able to issue certificates in this timescale, even on the same day. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements. 

In order to be eligible for an Animal Health Certificate, we need to make sure your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. We will ask you to contact your regular vets to send us your pet's clinical history which shows proof of rabies vaccination. Additionally, if you have a vaccination card for your pet, you can send us a copy of this too. Remember, if it is your pet's first rabies vaccine, then 21 full days need to pass before a certificate can be issued. 

During the appointment for delivery (or collection) of your certificate, the owner of the pet and the pet themselves must be present. We will scan your pet's microchip and the owner must sign the Owner's Declaration section of the certificate. Please contact us if the owner of the animal is not travelling with them (e.g. travelling with family member or pet transport service).

From the date your pet's certificate is signed, you must reach your destination within 10 days. The day the certificate is signed counts as day 1. From the date you enter the EU at your designated entry point, the certificate can then be used for onward travel within the EU for up to 4 months.

You are welcome to pay for your certificate before your appointment, however, it is only necessary to pay in full when you collect or we deliver for you. 

An Animal Health Certificate is valid for a maximum of 10 days before departure date. This means your appointment will be 10 days or less before you travel. 

When returning to the UK from the EU, your Animal Health Certificate can be used as long as you are returning within 4 months. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm before they return (unless returning directly from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway). This should be administered by an authorised veterinarian and the paperwork completed.

You are allowed to include up to 5 pets on a single Animal Health Certificate (only dogs, cats and ferrets). They must all have the same owner and be travelling together. If you have pets other than a dog, cat or ferret that you would like to take with you as well, please contact us. 

The name "Animal Health Certificate" is a bit misleading. Official Vets are not required to perform a clinical examination of pets in order to issue certificates, and so they do not give an indication of health status. The primary purpose of the certificate is to confirm your pet's identification and rabies vaccination status, in order to protect the country from the introduction of rabies. Some airlines or other modes of transport require "Fit To Fly" or "Fit To Travel" certificates, please contact us if you think you need one of these.