Getting your pet to Europe shouldn't be stressful.

The ONLY AHC service offering a nationwide network of vets. Click on 'Find a vet' in the menu above to search the postcode list.

Animal Health Certificates (AHC) are time-sensitive and easy to get wrong. We combine pet travel expertise with a nationwide network of Official Veterinarian Practices, so you leave with the right paperwork, every time.

Appointments within two working days GUARANTEED if you're running short of time.

Book your AHC service See how it works
PetAir has never had a pet refused travel due to incorrect paperwork or timing
Pet, paperwork and travel case illustration
Animal Health Certificates from £199
Zero refusals due to incorrect paperwork
Expert timing checks tailored to your route
Nationwide Official Veterinarian Practice network across our practices
WhatsApp support from start to finish
Why us?

Confidence built into every step

Other AHC services can leave you travelling miles, spending any money you save on fuel, taking a day out of your life to get there and back, and hoping for the best that all your documents and timings are in order when you get to the appointment so travel plans don't have to be changed at the last minute.

PetAir's pet travel expertise

PetAir specialises in international pet travel and documentation. Their team knows what can go wrong, and exactly how to make sure it doesn't — including a flawless track record with every pet that's passed through their hands.

A nationwide network of Official Veterinarian Practices

Your AHC must be signed by an Official Veterinarian. We'll match you with the closest participating practice in our network that has Official Veterinarian Practice availability, based on your location and travel dates — no wasted journeys.

A checklist built around your trip

After payment, PetAir contacts you by WhatsApp to collect your pet's details, destination, and travel dates. You'll receive a tailored checklist with every deadline clearly laid out — no guesswork required.

Less stress, fewer surprises

We handle the complexity so you can focus on the trip. From pre-checking your vaccination timing to arranging your Official Veterinarian Practice appointment and confirming what to bring, every step is handled and confirmed.

See AHC pricing and info →
Dog ready for a vet health check
The process

How it works

Six straightforward steps from booking to border-ready paperwork.

01

Book your AHC service

Pay securely online. As soon as you pay, we'll send you a form to complete.

02

Tell us about your pet and journey

We'll ask for your pet's details, microchip number, vaccination history, destination, travel date and route.

03

We check your timings

PetAir reviews your information and confirms what needs to happen before your AHC appointment and by when.

04

We arrange your Official Veterinarian Practice appointment - guaranteed

We identify the closest available vet practice with an Official Veterinarian in our natioonwide network, check with yu that it's a convenient time and place, and book your in-person appointment.

05

Attend your appointment

Bring your pet and any required documents. The Official Veterinarian will examine your pet, check the details, and issue the certificate.

06

Travel with confidence

You leave with your Animal Health Certificate, knowing every detail has been checked by people who know pet travel.

See AHC pricing and info →
What's included

Everything you need in the one cost, nothing you don't

One service, one price, clearly defined — so there are no surprises at checkout or at the border.

  • PetAir review of your travel plans
  • Email support to collect your pet's details, whatsapp support for any questions
  • A tailored travel timing checklist with clear deadlines
  • Guidance on what documents are required
  • An appointment made for you at a conveniently located practice
  • Your Animal Health Certificate Official Veterinarian Practice appointment
  • The Animal Health Certificate itself, signed by an Official Veterinarian

Not included in this service

  • Rabies vaccination
  • Microchipping
  • Tapeworm treatment
  • Flea, tick or worming treatments
  • Additional health checks or clinical treatment
  • Travel bookings, flights, ferries or accommodation
  • Export Health Certificates for travel outside the EU
If your pet needs any of these, we can arrange an appointment at one of our practices or direct you to your own vet. The practice will confirm costs before carrying out any treatment.
See AHC Pricing & Info →
Cat ready for travel
Important information

Timing rules to know before you book

Animal Health Certificates are time-sensitive. Please review these rules before purchasing to make sure the service fits your timeline.

10
days

Already vaccinated against rabies

Your AHC appointment must usually take place within 10 days of entering the EU.

21
days minimum

Needs a first rabies vaccination

Your pet must wait at least 21 full days after their first rabies vaccination before an Animal Health Certificate can be issued.

24–120
hours before arrival

Dogs to certain destinations

Dogs travelling to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway need tapeworm treatment within a specific window before arrival. We'll include this if it applies.

5
day rule

Non-accompanied travel

If your pet is travelling with a designated third party, the owner must travel within 5 days before or after the pet's departure. Border authorities will require written authorisation and proof of the owner's travel tickets. If you can't be reunited within 5 days, a full Export Health Certificate is required instead.

Travelling within 7 days? Please contact us before purchasing. We should still be able to help, and guarantee and appointment to get your certificate within two working days (Monday to Friday), but only if your pet's vaccinations and documents are suitable for compliant travel. You might also need to travel a bit further than your local Official Veterinarian Practice if they have no short-notice availability. A short-notice rate applies.
Pricing

Clear, fixed pricing

No hidden fees, no surprises. You'll know exactly what you're paying before you book — and your vet will confirm any additional clinical costs separately.

Most popular
Standard service
Standard AHC
Minimum 7 days' notice required
Animal Health Certificate £199
Additional pets £55 each

One Animal Health Certificate can cover up to five pets travelling together — dogs, cats or ferrets — provided they travel with the same owner on the same journey. For more than five pets or complex journeys, please contact us before booking.

Book standard service
Returning traveller
Loyalty discount
Same owner, same pet travelling again
1 pet £175
2 pets £230
3 pets £285
4 pets £340
5 pets £395
Used us before? WhatsApp us for your discount code
Urgent service
Short-notice AHC
Travel within 7 days — contact us first
Price on
request

Availability depends on vaccination status, document readiness and local Official Veterinarian Practice appointment slots. Whilst we can get appointments within two days, you might need to travel slightly further for the final appointment.

Contact us first

Vaccinations, microchipping, parasite treatment and any additional veterinary treatment are charged separately by the practice. All prices inclusive of the Official Veterinarian Practice appointment and certificate.

Is this the right service?

Who this service is for

Animal Health Certificates are typically required for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to EU countries or Northern Ireland.

Dogs, cats or ferrets travelling from Great Britain
Travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland
Holiday travel, short trips, or recurring visits
Returning travellers needing a new certificate per trip

Need something more complex?

If you're moving abroad permanently, flying your pet as cargo, travelling outside the EU, or need full pet relocation support, PetAir offers a wider range of services beyond Animal Health Certificates.

Speak to PetAir about relocation →

Why paperwork matters

Your pet's documents are checked at the border. If dates, vaccination records, microchip details or parasite treatment timings don't align, your pet may be delayed — or refused travel entirely.

FAQs

Common questions answered

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An Animal Health Certificate is the official document your dog, cat or ferret usually needs to travel from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It must be issued and signed by an Official Veterinarian Practice.

How long is an AHC valid for?

It is usually valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the date it is issued. It can then be valid for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain for up to 6 months, depending on your pet's rabies vaccination validity.

Can more than one pet go on the same certificate?

Yes. Up to five pets can usually be included on the same AHC, as long as they are travelling with the same owner, on the same journey, at the same time.

Does my pet need a rabies vaccination?

Yes. Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination before an AHC can be issued. If your pet needs a first rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 full days before the certificate can be issued.

Is this the same as a pet passport?

No. Great Britain-issued pet passports are no longer used in the same way for EU travel. Most pets travelling from Great Britain to the EU need a new Animal Health Certificate for each trip.

Does my dog need tapeworm treatment?

Dogs travelling to certain countries including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway need tapeworm treatment within 24 to 120 hours before arrival. PetAir will confirm whether this applies to your route.

Do I need to bring my pet to the appointment?

Yes. Your pet must attend the Official Veterinarian Practice appointment so their identity, microchip and fitness to travel can be checked in person.

Can I use this if I'm not registered at any of the practices in this network?

Yes. This service is available to all pet owners who need an Animal Health Certificate. You don't need to be registered at the practice that issues the certificate.

What if my pet can't travel because the timings don't work?

Please check before booking that your pet will have had a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and that it will remain valid for the duration of your trip. If your pet needs a vaccination that cannot be completed before your travel date, we'll explain your options clearly.

If PetAir are offering their expertise, does this mean I have to be flying my pet?

No. PetAir are global relocation experts for pets including the legal paperwork required. You can be travelling however you choose. If you're relocating abroad or would like your pet to travel by air, our specialist pet travel team can help you plan the next stage too. Book a pet flight with PetAir within 12 months of purchasing your AHC through this service, and we'll refund the full cost of your Animal Health Certificate as a discount against your PetAir travel booking.

Ready to travel with confidence?

Book your Animal Health Certificate service and PetAir will contact you by WhatsApp to begin your personalised travel checklist.

Book your AHC service — from £199 Contact us first