Where to Get an Animal Health Certificate in the UK: Vet Requirements, Costs & Turnaround Times

Where can you get an Animal Health Certificate in the UK, and what do you need to know before booking?

In the UK, you can get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet who has “Official Veterinarian” (OV) status. Since not all vets can issue them, it’s important to check in advance. Prices and turnaround times vary depending on the provider, your location, and how prepared you are with your pet’s documents. This UK AHC guide walks you through where to go, what vets need from you, how much it may cost, and how long it usually takes so you can avoid unnecessary stress.

Why Getting an Animal Health Certificate Feels So Complicated

The family’s bags are packed, the ferry’s booked, and the dog is staring at the lead, ready for adventure. Meanwhile, tension builds at the kitchen table. They’ve just realised they need something called an Animal Health Certificate. No one knows where to get one, what it costs, or if there’s enough time.

Since Brexit, travelling with a pet from the UK to the EU has changed. The old UK pet passports no longer work. Instead, pet owners now need a fresh AHC every time they travel. Online forums and mixed advice from different vet clinics only add to the confusion. Stories of pets turned away at borders don’t help.

The good news is that the AHC process is more structured than it seems. Once you understand the key steps and timelines, it becomes manageable. This UK AHC guide helps you cut through the confusion by covering where to get an AHC, what your vet needs, what it costs, and how to get it sorted on time.

What an Animal Health Certificate Actually Is (and Why UK Pet Owners Need One)

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a physical document issued by a vet who holds OV status. It proves your pet complies with EU rules for non-commercial travel. It contains your pet’s microchip details, rabies vaccination record, and confirmation of good health. You can think of it as essential pet travel paperwork for trips from the UK.

Is it the same as a pet passport?

No, it is not. UK pet passports issued before Brexit are no longer accepted for travel to the EU. If you live in England, Scotland, or Wales, you’ll need a new AHC for each trip.

Is it the same as an Export Health Certificate?

No, it is different. Export Health Certificates are used for permanent moves or commercial pet transport. The AHC is strictly for non-commercial travel, such as holidays or short visits.

Key facts:

• The AHC is valid for one outbound trip.
• It must be issued within 10 days before you arrive in the EU or Northern Ireland.
• It can include up to five pets.
• It must be signed and stamped by an Official Veterinarian.

Where You Can Get an Animal Health Certificate in the UK

Only Official Veterinarians (OVs) can issue AHCs. Here is a breakdown of where to look and what to expect.

1. Local Vet Practices

Some local practices have an OV on staff. Others do not. Call and ask if they can issue an Animal Health Certificate.

Pros: These clinics are convenient, familiar with your pet, and may already have its records.

Cons: Appointment availability can be limited. Some vets may not offer AHCs.

2. Specialist Pet Travel Clinics

These clinics focus on travel documents and often provide quick appointments.

Pros: They offer faster service and have more experience with AHCs. Many offer online booking.

Cons: These clinics may be more expensive and not available in all areas.

3. Mobile or Home-Visit Vets

Some vets will issue AHCs during a home visit.

Pros: These visits are ideal for anxious pets or owners who prefer convenience.

Cons: They can be more expensive because of travel time and fees.

4. Regional Pop-Up Clinics

Pet travel companies occasionally run short-term clinics for issuing AHCs. These are especially helpful for anyone needing a last minute Animal Health Certificate or who cannot get a local appointment.

Tip: Check DEFRA’s list of OV-approved vets or search online using terms like “AHC vets UK,” “vets that issue AHCs,” or “animal health certificate near me.” You can also contact vets that issue AHCs in nearby towns if local availability is limited.

An AI image of a pet travel expert displaying an AHC.

What Your Vet Needs Before They Can Issue an AHC

To issue an AHC, your vet must confirm that your pet meets EU requirements for non-commercial travel.

Checklist for your AHC appointment (AHC requirements UK vet):

1. Microchip: Your pet must have an ISO-compliant chip that can be scanned.
2. Rabies vaccination: The vaccine must be valid, and your pet must have had it at least 21 days before travel. (This may not apply if your pet has a valid booster with no break in coverage.)
3. Proof of ID and vaccination: Bring all original documents, including the vaccination card, previous pet passport, and microchip confirmation.
4. Travel information: Share your date of travel, destination country, and port of entry.
5. Health check: Your vet will confirm your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
6. Tapeworm treatment: This is required if you’re heading to certain countries like Finland, Ireland, or Malta.

How Much an Animal Health Certificate Costs (and Why the Price Varies So Much)

AHC prices vary depending on the provider, region, and how quickly you need it.

What you might pay:

• Local vets: £150–£250
• Specialist travel clinics: £99–£200
• Mobile/home visit vets: £200–£300 or more

What affects the cost:

• Last-minute appointments may cost extra.
• Mobile or weekend services tend to be more expensive.
• Adding multiple pets may raise the fee.
• Some providers charge for extras like printing or extra copies.

Ask before you book:

• Is the clinical exam included?
• Are there extra charges for paperwork?
• What is your cancellation or rebooking policy?

How Long an AHC Takes: Turnaround Times, Delays and Last-Minute Options

Rules you need to follow:

• The rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old before travel.
• The AHC must be issued within 10 days before you enter the EU or NI.

Suggested timeline:

• Four weeks before departure: If needed, book your pet’s rabies vaccination.
• Two weeks before: Start calling around for AHC appointments.
• Ten days or less: Book the appointment and have the certificate issued.

What slows things down:

• Not having the right documents
• Limited OV availability
• Mistakes in your pet’s paperwork
• Busy travel seasons

What you can do last-minute:

• Search for travel clinics that offer quick appointments
• Widen your search area
• Check for cancellations
• Consider using a mobile vet
• Use search phrases like “last minute animal health certificate” to find emergency providers

How to Choose the Right Place to Get Your AHC

Choosing the best provider depends on how much time you have, your budget, and what suits your pet.

Think about:

• If you have plenty of time and just one pet: Your regular vet might be fine.

• If you have multiple pets or urgent travel: A specialist clinic may save time.

• If your pet does not travel well or you’re home-bound: Try a mobile vet.

Ask before booking:

• Do you have an OV on staff?

• How long does it take to get the certificate?

• What should I bring with me?

Common Mistakes That Cause Travel Delays or Border Problems

What to watch out for:

• Rabies vaccine given too recently → Travel will be refused → Wait 21 full days after the jab.

• Wrong dates on the certificate → Entry may be blocked → Double-check your travel dates.

• Missing paperwork → AHC cannot be issued → Bring all original documents.

• Incorrect microchip number → Border issues → Vet should scan your pet during the appointment.

• No tapeworm treatment (when required) → Entry denied in specific countries → Check your destination’s rules.

When It’s Worth Getting Professional Help With Your Pet’s Travel Paperwork

Sometimes it makes sense to let someone else handle the paperwork, especially if time is short or you have more than one pet.

A professional service could help if:

• You are managing multiple pets

• You are booking close to your departure date

• You are not confident about what is required

Pet travel companies like Tailored Pet Travel can manage appointments, check documents, and help make sure everything is accurate and timed correctly.

Making AHCs Simpler for You and Your Pet

Getting an Animal Health Certificate is easier once you know the steps. Here is a quick summary:

• Check your pet’s rabies vaccine is valid and documented.

• Find a vet with OV status.

• Book the AHC appointment within 10 days of your travel date.

• Bring your documents and check country-specific rules.

If you would rather not manage it alone, companies like Tailored Pet Travel are available to help. This UK AHC guide is here to support you throughout the process.

Once everything is in place, your pet can settle in comfortably while your travel documents quietly take care of the rest.