So, how to get a pet certificate if travelling from the UK to Europe? Although it may be overwhelming to get all the paperwork done, it is pretty simple because you probably already have everything you need, like the microchipping and the vaccinations in date.
Before Brexit, you only needed a pet passport to travel to the EU. Now, pet passports have stopped being issued by the UK. Instead, you must book an appointment with a certified veterinarian to arrange the pet certificate.
We have travelled to Europe with our pets several times before and after Brexit. We have recently made a trip from the UK to the Czech Republic by car and have taken our pets.
The first time we travelled with our pets after Brexit, we had to request a pet certificate for three dogs, and yes, it was expensive. If we had to travel by car more often, it would be very costly.
There is a lot of information on the government website, but before you get all confused, I will summarize it and tell you about our experience of travelling to Europe with your pet.
To take your pet abroad to an EU country your pet will need…
1- Microchip.
2- Rabies vaccination in date
3- A Pet health certificate or a valid passport accepted in the country you are travelling to.
4- Tapeworm treatment if you are travel directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta.
Returning to Great Britain from the EU
Your pet will need tapeworm treatment no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before entering Great Britain. It needs to be signed by an official vet on the certificate or passport.
Getting a pet certificate
I will tell you about our experience with three dogs for the pet certificate. Make sure you check the rules regarding other animals.
You need to book an appointment with a veterinarian within ten days of your travel date. Ensure it is an officer veterinarian because they are the only ones who can sign the animal health certificate. Booking the appointment in advance will give you time to prepare everything.
You can add up to 5 dogs to an animal health certificate.
From the day that it is issued, your pet certificate is valid for:
– 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
– 4 months for onward travel within the EU
– 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain
So, basically, the Pet certificate is only valid for one trip, and you have to travel to the EU within 10 days and return to the UK within 4 months.
On the day of the appointment
– The vet will ask you a couple of simple questions (what countries are we travelling to and for how long, etc).
– Check the vaccination is in date.
– Confirm the microchip.
It took about one hour. We went for a walk while the vet was preparing the paperwork. The veterinarian will fill out everything needed, and then you only have to sign it at the end.
It’s about 12 pages in English and French, plus copies of the proof of vaccination.
You will be able to take the health certificate with you on the same day.
How much does it cost?
Price: It costs about 150£ for the first pet and 50£ each for any other pets. So in total, it was about 250£ for the animal health certificate.
Special tip:
While abroad, we decided to make passports for our 3 dogs. We managed to do it in the Czech Republic because that’s Tomas’s home town. It was about 60£ in total. So, next time, we will not need to request an animal health certificate. We will only need a tapeworm treatment 5 days before entering Great Britain.
Remember that your pet will need a new rabies vaccination whenever you get a new passport.
Finding a vet abroad who can do the passports for your pets will save you time and money on your next trips. We have never needed to do it, but in Belgium, you can find a couple of English-speaking certified veterinarians who can sort out your pet’s passports.