Taking a pet to the EU: a 10-day certificate and a 21-day wait

A pet passport issued in England, Scotland or Wales is no longer enough to enter the EU: the animal can be refused entry on one. In its place a vet issues an animal health certificate, and it is valid for just ten days for entry. Here is what has to happen, and in what order.

What documents does a dog, cat or ferret need to enter the EU?

An animal health certificate from a vet. The GOV.UK rules cover dogs, cats and ferrets, including assistance dogs. Pet passports issued in England, Scotland or Wales cannot be used to enter the EU, and the pet may be refused entry if one is used. Northern Ireland and non-EU countries have separate rules that this guidance does not cover.

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How long is an animal health certificate valid?

Validity runs from the date of issue: 10 days for entry into the EU, 6 months for onward travel within the EU after entry, and 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain. A new certificate is needed for each separate trip. If the rabies vaccination expires during the trip, the certificate can no longer be used for onward travel inside the EU or for re-entry.

When do the microchip and rabies vaccination have to happen?

The pet must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination — otherwise it has to be vaccinated again. Before vaccinating, the vet needs proof that the animal is at least 12 weeks old. Travel must then wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination or after the last dose of the first course, with the exact wait depending on the vaccine type. A booster needs no wait if vaccine cover has not lapsed.

Which countries require tapeworm treatment for dogs?

A vet must treat a dog for tapeworm when travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is exempt if you hold a Northern Ireland pet travel document. The product must be approved for use in the country where it is given and must contain praziquantel, or an equivalent proven to be effective against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm.

How many hours before arrival must the treatment be given?

No less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days — 120 hours — before you arrive. GOV.UK gives this example: a treatment at 1pm on Monday allows arrival from 1pm Tuesday, but not after 1pm Saturday. In the "Echinococcus treatment" section of the certificate or valid pet passport the vet records the product name and manufacturer, the date and time of treatment, and adds their stamp and signature.

How many pets can travel, and where do you enter?

No more than 5 pets in a private vehicle, and up to 5 for a foot passenger. More are allowed only for competitions, shows or sporting events, or training for them, and then you need written evidence of registration. You must enter through a travellers' point of entry and be ready to show the animal health certificate or valid pet passport, with proof of microchip, rabies vaccination and, where required, tapeworm treatment.

Can someone else take the pet for you?

Yes, but only with the owner's permission, and only if that person travels within 5 days of the owner's own journey, before or after, to the same destination. The owner signs a declaration naming the person, who must carry that signed declaration and proof of the owner's travel dates. Separately, the vet provides a declaration to sign confirming the pet will not be sold or re-homed while abroad.