Pet Travel

An animal health certificate (AHC) is an official document that confirms the health status of your pet. It is required when you travel with your pet to another country. The certificate states that your pet is fit and able to make the journey and has had the necessary vaccinations and parasite treatments for the country you are visiting.

It is a passport for your furry friend, and for travel to Europe it has replaced the EU pet passport scheme (which still exists but can no longer be used by British pet owners following Brexit). If you already have an EU pet passport then keep reading to see if you can still use it….

Animal Health Certificates can be issued for travel to many countries but we most often complete them for travel to the EU, so we will refer to the requirements for this below. The certificate (can be 10-12 pages long!) and includes information such as your pet’s identification details, vaccination records, and evidence of a recent health examination

At a veterinary practice! A vet has to have an official qualification to endorse these certificates, so not all vets can write them and sign them for you. Luckily, Rachel, Lois and Josie all have the additional qualification so you will always be able to get an AHC completed at Edhen Vets.

If you think you would like to travel with your pet in the future it is worth talking to us about timing and preparing your pet for travel.

We are able to accommodate emergency situations and last minute travel. Phew!

There are very specific timings that need to be adhered to when obtaining an Animal Health Certificate for pet travel. The certificate itself can be written up to ten days before you travel, so you need an appointment with the vet during this specific window. We also require a phone appointment or chat with you before this appointment so we can make sure we have everything we need to complete your certificate without any hiccups!

Your pet will often need a rabies vaccination to travel and this will take 21 days to become valid. A vet cannot sign your animal health certificate until your rabies vaccination is valid so the timing of this is important too.

You are able to transition through different countries of the EU on the same Animal Health Certificate for four months. Following this, you would need further documentation for onward travel across borders. An Animal Health Certificate will only last for a single trip from

the UK to the EU. Therefore, if you return to the UK and wish to leave again, you will need a new Animal Health Certificate.

It does not matter where your pet had its rabies vaccination; we can contact any other veterinary practice and collect the clinical notes to inform us that the correct checks and information were recorded on vaccination day. Even if you already have a certificate we still need to request the clinical notes to obtain further information. This process normally only takes a day or two but, if possible, we like to complete it a couple of weeks prior to issuing your certificate so as to have all the necessary information in plenty of time.

· Requirements vary by destination: Different countries, states, or even airlines may have varying requirements for pet travel. It is essential that you plan for this ahead of time and we can help you to be fully informed of what you need for your specific destination.

· Vaccination and health examination requirements: Your pet may need to be up-to-date on certain vaccinations or undergo specific health examinations before travel. The only vaccination required for EU travel is rabies. However, we can discuss with you other vaccines that are available for general health and welfare whilst travelling.

· Microchipping and identification: It is required for pets to be microchipped for identification purposes. We will always check that the chip is reading ok and make sure the number is correct on all of your documentation.

· Travel arrangements: Consider your pet’s comfort and safety during travel. Ensure you have appropriate carriers, bedding, food, and water for the journey. Also, familiarize yourself with airline or transportation policies regarding pet travel.

· Quarantine regulations: Certain destinations may have quarantine requirements for incoming pets. Be aware of these regulations and plan accordingly to minimize any potential disruptions to your travel plans (when travelling outside the EU).

· Keep copies of documentation: Make multiple copies of your pet’s health certificate and any other relevant documentation. Keep these copies with you during your journey, as they may be required at various checkpoints or upon arrival at your destination.

If your pet really doesn’t like travelling then there may be a case for considering whether it is necessary to put them through the journey. However, there are lots of things you can do to desensitise your dog to travel, like getting them used to being in a car or crate for longer periods and training them for the noises and sensations that might scare them initially. If you do not have this option because travel is necessary or at short notice with no time to

prepare or train your pet, we have a range of calming supplements and behaviour modifying drugs to help. However, you will need to bring your pet for a clinical examination so we can assess the best medication to prescribe.

Cats often feel stressed when travelling and there are a few options such as calming supplements, scents and medications we can use to ease their journey. A clinical examination by one of our vets and a discussion on the situation will help us to determine which option is best.

If you have a pet passport issued in the EU then this may still be valid for travel between the UK and EU. Unfortunately, UK vets are no longer allowed to sign any official EU documentation (since we are no longer in the EU) but you can still travel between the UK and the EU on your pet passport if it does not need any updating. For example, if your pet’s rabies vaccination is about to expire, a UK vet cannot add the new rabies vaccination to the passport. Therefore, if you travel to and from the EU often, make sure you know when your pet’s rabies vaccine will expire and get it updated whilst in the EU.

Please make contact with us via email, petsapp or phone to let us know where you are going and when. We will make you the necessary appointments and send you a form to complete by email.

· Acclimatise your pet to travel: Gradually introduce your pet to their carrier or crate before the trip. This will help reduce anxiety and stress during travel. Take short practice trips to get your pet accustomed to traveling in a vehicle if necessary. Perhaps get them to sleep in their crate whilst inside the car and build up the length of time they are in their crate.

· Pack essentials: Bring along all necessary supplies for your pet, including food, water, medications, a first aid kit, bedding, toys, and any comfort items. It’s also important to have copies of your pet’s medical records and identification documents.

· Maintain routines: Where possible stick to your pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible during travel. Familiar routines can help reduce stress and anxiety for your pet in unfamiliar environments.

· Make pit stops: If traveling by car, plan regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch its legs, relieve itself, and get some fresh air. This will help keep your pet comfortable and reduce travel-related stress.

· Monitor your pet’s behaviour: Keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour during travel. Signs of stress or discomfort may include excessive panting, pacing, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you notice any concerning symptoms, take a break and don’t forget you can phone us for advice 24 hours a day wherever you are in the world!

· Prepare for emergencies: Be prepared for unexpected situations by knowing the location of nearby veterinary clinics or pet-friendly accommodation along your route. Have a plan in place in case of emergencies or unforeseen delays.

· Acclimatise your pet to travel: Gradually introduce your pet to their carrier or crate before the trip. This will help reduce anxiety and stress during travel. Take short practice trips to get your pet accustomed to traveling in a vehicle if necessary. Perhaps get them to sleep in their crate whilst inside the car and build up the length of time they are in their crate.

· Pack essentials: Bring along all necessary supplies for your pet, including food, water, medications, a first aid kit, bedding, toys, and any comfort items. It’s also important to have copies of your pet’s medical records and identification documents.

· Maintain routines: Where possible stick to your pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible during travel. Familiar routines can help reduce stress and anxiety for your pet in unfamiliar environments.

· Make pit stops: If traveling by car, plan regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch its legs, relieve itself, and get some fresh air. This will help keep your pet comfortable and reduce travel-related stress.

· Monitor your pet’s behaviour: Keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour during travel. Signs of stress or discomfort may include excessive panting, pacing, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you notice any concerning symptoms, take a break and don’t forget you can phone us for advice 24 hours a day wherever you are in the world!

· Prepare for emergencies: Be prepared for unexpected situations by knowing the location of nearby veterinary clinics or pet-friendly accommodation along your route. Have a plan in place in case of emergencies or unforeseen delays.

A few diseases are common within the EU which dogs can pick up whilst abroad:

· Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It is a significant concern in many parts of Europe, and in most countries, vaccination against rabies is required for entry. We have discussed above the need for a rabies vaccination before you are able to obtain an Animal Health Certificate for travel.

· Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are prevalent in many parts of Europe. These diseases can be transmitted to pets through the bite of infected ticks. It’s essential to use appropriate tick prevention measures (which we can prescribe to you) and consider vaccinating your pet against Lyme disease if traveling to regions where it is endemic.

· Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies and is endemic in certain Mediterranean countries, including southern Europe. Dogs are the primary reservoir for the parasite that causes leishmaniasis. Prevention measures such as topical insecticides and protective clothing can help reduce the risk of transmission. You can also purchase collars that keep sand flies away from your dog.

· Heartworm disease is more commonly associated with tropical and subtropical regions but it can still be a concern in parts of Europe, particularly in areas with a high mosquito population. We can prevent heart worm with anti-parasitic drugs. Please ask us about this if you are travelling to an area where there are lots of mosquitoes.

· Canine influenza is caused by influenza viruses and occurs in dogs through the spread of respiratory secretions. While less common than other diseases, outbreaks have been reported in various European countries. Ensure your pet is vaccinated against canine influenza if recommended by your veterinarian.

· Parasitic infections from parasites such as fleas, ticks and intestinal worms are widespread in many parts of Europe. Maintain regular parasite prevention measures, including appropriate flea and tick control and deworming, to protect your pet from these parasites.