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Taking your dog or cat abroad from the UK
Since 22 April 2026, people who live in Great Britain can no longer use EU pet passports to take a dog, cat or ferret into the EU. You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet for each trip, issued no more than 10 days before you arrive in the EU. Your pet also needs a microchip and a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel.
General information for the UK, checked on 2026-09-23. It is not legal or veterinary advice. For your own situation, speak to a solicitor, your local council or a vet.
Before you travel to the EU
- Microchip: fitted before the rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination: at least 21 days before travel (your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated)
- Animal Health Certificate: from an official vet, no more than 10 days before you arrive in the EU
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs going to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, given 1 to 5 days before arrival
How long the certificate lasts
After it is issued, an AHC can be used for travel within the EU for 4 months, and for coming back to Great Britain within that time. You need a new certificate for each trip from Great Britain to the EU.
Coming back to Great Britain
Dogs usually need tapeworm treatment from a vet 1 to 5 days before arriving back in Great Britain, unless coming directly from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway.
Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Since 4 June 2025, pet dogs, cats and ferrets can travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with a pet travel document that lasts for the pet's lifetime, as long as the pet is microchipped with up-to-date details.
Northern Ireland residents
People who live in Northern Ireland can still use EU pet passports.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use an EU pet passport if I live in Great Britain?
No. Since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports can only be used by people who live in the EU (or Northern Ireland). Great Britain residents need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip.
How far in advance do I need an Animal Health Certificate?
It must be issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU.
When does my dog need a rabies vaccination before travel?
At least 21 days before travel, and after the microchip is fitted. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated.
Does my dog need tapeworm treatment?
For Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway, yes, 1 to 5 days before arrival. Dogs usually also need it 1 to 5 days before coming back to Great Britain.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Taking your pet abroad
- European Commission: Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
Related guides
- Microchipping law for dogs and cats in the UK
- Dogs: care, health, law and costs
- Cats: care, health, law and costs
- Heatstroke in pets, and what to do about a dog in a hot car
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.