Pet travel
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official document required for pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) travelling from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) to the European Union (EU) or Northern Ireland.
How to Get an Animal Health Certificate
Book an appointment with us at least one month in advance of travel. We can then appoint an LVI Vet (Local Veterinary Inspector) to deal with your pet’s documents and to discuss the requirements for travel.
They will ensure your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination are up to date.
They will check your pet and issue the certificate, which is valid for one trip only.
Rabies Vaccination Requirements for an AHC
Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination.
The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel.
The vaccination must be administered by a Vet and recorded accurately in your pet’s medical records.
Booster vaccinations must be kept up to date to maintain travel eligibility.
Without proof of a valid rabies vaccination, your vet cannot issue an Animal Health Certificate, and your pet will not be allowed to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland.
We will check all these details when you see us to get your Animal Health Certificate.
What Does an LVI Vet Do?
As the pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all documentation is done within the correct time frame. Please refer to the www.gov.uk website for further information.
LVI Vets are authorised to perform a range of official veterinary services, including:
Issuing Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) for pet travel to the EU or Northern Ireland.
Export health certification for animals and animal products being sent abroad.
Rabies vaccinations and certification for pets travelling internationally.
An LVI Vet (Local Veterinary Inspector) is a UK-registered veterinary surgeon who has been granted official status by the government to carry out specific duties on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Rouken Glen Veterinary Practice understand that your pet is a loved member of your family and we treat them with the same care and compassion as if they were our own, supporting your pet’s long-term wellbeing.
We advise, diagnose and care for all pets at our modern, friendly practice.