The most common misconception about moving a pet from the UK to Europe is that a pet passport is enough.
Before Brexit, it was. Since January 2021, the rules have changed significantly. If you are planning to move a
cat or dog with you, the documentation requirements are specific, the sequence matters, and getting it wrong
can result in your animal being turned back at the border or quarantined.
This guide covers what the UK rules require for moving dogs and cats to EU countries. Rules for other
animals — rabbits, birds, reptiles — vary by destination and are not covered here. For those, contact your vet
and the relevant embassy well in advance planning your move.
Microchipping — The Starting Point
Your pet must be microchipped before anything else. The microchip must be an ISO 11784/11785-compliant
15-digit chip. If your pet was microchipped before the rules changed and the chip meets the standard, it
remains valid. If not, it needs to be replaced or supplemented with a compliant chip.
The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination. If the vaccination was given before the chip
was implanted, the entire vaccination sequence needs to start again. This is the most common procedural
error in pet travel preparation — vets in the UK are aware of it, but it is worth confirming explicitly when you
book the appointment.
Rabies Vaccination
After microchipping, your pet needs a rabies vaccination. There is then a mandatory waiting period of 21 days
before the animal can travel. This waiting period begins on the day of vaccination, not the day you submit
documentation or book travel.
If your pet has been vaccinated previously and the vaccination is current (within the valid period specified on
the documentation), the 21-day wait may not apply. Your vet will confirm whether the existing vaccination
record satisfies the requirements for your specific destination. Different EU countries may have slightly
different requirements — France, Germany, and Spain accept the standard UK AHC, but it is worth confirming
with your removal company and vet for your specific destination.
The Animal Health Certificate — Replacing the Pet Passport
UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel from the UK to the EU. They have been replaced by the
Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This is the key document for any UK-to-EU pet move.
The AHC is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — a vet authorised by the Animal and Plant Health Agency
(APHA). Not all vets are OVs. You will need to find an OV practice, which may not be your usual vet.
The AHC is valid for ten days from the date of issue for entry into the EU, and for four months for onward
travel within the EU after entry. This means the certificate must be issued close to your travel date — typically
no more than ten days before you cross the border.
Plan the timing carefully: AHC issuing appointment is a firm bottleneck. If your vet OV is busy or you are
moving during a peak period, appointments can be difficult to secure within ten days of your crossing. Book as
early as possible.
Tapeworm Treatment (for Dogs)
This requirement applies specifically to dogs entering the United Kingdom — not to dogs travelling from the
UK to the EU. If you are moving to Europe with a dog, tapeworm treatment is not a requirement for entry into
most EU countries. It becomes relevant if the dog ever returns to the UK, at which point treatment must have
been administered one to five days before re-entry.
If there is any possibility the dog will return to the UK — for visits, if plans change, or if the move is temporary
— keep records of tapeworm treatment on an ongoing basis. It is easier to maintain than to reconstruct.
Travelling with Your Pet — Practical Logistics
Pets travel separately from the removal van. Your animal will travel with you — in your car, by ferry, or by
approved air cargo depending on your route and the animal’s size.
The Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel Le Shuttle) allows pets to travel in the car. Pets must remain in the vehicle,
and the AHC is checked at the Folkestone terminal. Book the pet’s place on the Eurotunnel crossing in
advance — it is a separate ticket.
Ferry operators generally allow pets, though policies vary: some require pets to remain in the vehicle deck,
others have designated pet cabins. Check the specific ferry operator’s policy before booking.
If you are flying to your destination and the animal is travelling separately as air cargo, the airline’s own pet
transport requirements apply in addition to the AHC and other documentation. Airlines set their own rules on
crate sizes, airline-approved carriers, and breed restrictions. Check these directly with the airline
What the Removal Company Handles and What It Doesn’t
The removal company transports your household goods. Your pet is not part of the shipment and travels
entirely separately. However, the timing of the move matters: if you are crossing by car or ferry and taking
your pet at the same time as your removal vehicle is collecting, you need to coordinate the logistics so you are
present for both.
Some clients move their pets a few days before the household removal. This can work well: you are settled in
the destination property with your pet before the furniture and boxes arrive, which is easier on the animal.
A Practical Timeline
Working backwards from your crossing date: the AHC must be issued within ten days of crossing. The rabies
vaccination must be complete and past its 21-day wait before crossing. The microchip must be implanted
before the rabies vaccination. For a straightforward first-time move, allow at least eight weeks from the first vet
appointment to your intended crossing date to account for the 21-day wait, AHC booking lead times, and any
complications.
If your pet has existing vaccination records that satisfy EU requirements, the timeline compresses — your vet
will advise. Either way, do not leave the pet documentation until the same week as the removal.
FAQ
Does my old EU pet passport still work for travel from the UK to Europe?
No. Since 1 January 2021, EU-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great
Britain to the EU. You need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian.
Can I get an AHC from my usual vet?
Only if your vet is an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised by the APHA. Not all practices are.
Ask specifically whether they can issue an AHC and book well in advance of your travel date.
What happens if my pet’s documentation is wrong at the border?
The animal may be refused entry and either returned to the UK or placed in quarantine at your
expense. This is an avoidable outcome — the rules are clear and the consequences of errors
are significant enough to justify using a specialist pet travel service if you are uncertain.situation.
Can JCL transport my pet?
Pets travel separately from household goods — with you, by ferry, car, or approved air
cargo. Your removal van carries your belongings
Moving abroad with a pet requires veterinary coordination that should start at least eight
weeks before your travel date. If you are planning an international move and need advice on
coordinating the pet travel timeline alongside the removal, ask us when you enquire.
