Animal Health Certificates at Ivy Lodge Vets
Planning to travel with your pet to the EU or Northern Ireland? At Ivy Lodge Vets, we provide Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) for your pets, ensuring they meet the legal requirements for travel. Since 1st January 2021, a valid EU pet passport issued in Great Britain is no longer acceptable for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. Therefore, before your dog, cat, or ferret can travel, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate.
What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
An Animal Health Certificate is a document that proves your pet meets the health requirements for travel to EU countries or Northern Ireland. It can only be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) and ensures that your pet is fit to travel and complies with the necessary vaccinations and treatments.
Requirements for an Animal Health Certificate
Before your pet can be issued with an AHC, they must meet several health requirements. These are essential to ensure they are safe and legal to travel abroad.
Initial Requirements:
- Microchipping: Your dog, cat, or ferret must be microchipped. This is mandatory for identification.
- Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. They must be at least 12 weeks old to receive this vaccination.
- Waiting Period: After your pet has received its primary rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travelling. This waiting period is important to plan ahead, especially when booking your travel and AHC appointment.
Applying for an Animal Health Certificate
When you apply for an Animal Health Certificate at Ivy Lodge Vets, you’ll need to bring your pet, along with their vaccination and medical records, including proof of rabies vaccination, to your appointment with the Official Veterinarian (OV).
To arrange an appointment for an AHC, contact us on 01708 373671. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure all necessary documents are in order.
Important Information About AHCs
- Travelling with Multiple Pets: If you are travelling with more than one pet, please note that each additional pet requires its own Animal Health Certificate. If you are travelling with more than five pets, special rules apply, and you may need an Export Health Certificate.
- Validity: The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland. Once in the EU, it allows travel between EU countries for up to four months.
- Age Restrictions: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination, and they must wait 21 days post-vaccination before travelling. Therefore, no pet under 15 weeks old can enter the UK.
- Event Travel: If you’re attending or training for a competition, show, or sporting event, and travelling with more than five pets, you’ll need to apply for an Export Health Certificate and provide written evidence of event registration.
Travelling Outside the EU
If your pet is travelling to a non-EU country, different rules may apply. You may need additional documentation or blood samples to meet the specific country’s entry requirements. For detailed government guidelines on pet travel to non-EU countries, visit www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad.
Pricing for Animal Health Certificates
The cost of an Animal Health Certificate at Ivy Lodge Vets is £220.50. This includes the consultation, but any additional treatments (such as rabies vaccination or worming) will incur additional charges.
For additional pets, the cost is £100.50 per pet, including consultation.
Why Choose Ivy Lodge Vets for Animal Health Certificates?
At Ivy Lodge Vets, we understand that travelling with your pet can be stressful. Our experienced team will guide you through the process of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate, ensuring your pet meets all the necessary requirements for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Contact Us Today
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, get in touch with us to book your Animal Health Certificate appointment. Call 01708 373671 to discuss the process and ensure your pet is ready to travel.