Travelling to Europe with a Dog in 2025: Everything you need to know
- Dr Gemma Nash
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Planning a trip to the EU from the UK with your dog? This guide covers everything you need to know, from vaccinations to Animal Health Certificates, so you and your furry friend can travel to the EU and back stress-free.
This guide is frequently updated by our vets to ensure our advice is up to date. If you think something is incorrect or out of date, please contact us so we can update it.
1. Microchip and Rabies Vaccination
All dogs entering the EU must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination.
Microchipping is a legal requirement in the UK, so your dog likely already has one.
Rabies vaccination, however, isn’t routine in the UK. Unless your dog has travelled abroad before, it probably hasn’t had one—so book this early.
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) can be issued. Most rabies vaccines given in the UK are valid for 3 years.
At your vet appointment, your dog's microchip should be scanned before the vaccine is given to ensure the ID matches their records. You’ll receive a rabies certificate or vaccination card—keep this safe, as it's required for your AHC.
2. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
The Animal Health Certificate replaced GB pet passports after Brexit. It’s a 10–12 page document issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) confirming your dog:
Is microchipped
Has a valid rabies vaccination
Important timing:
Must be issued at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination
Must be issued less than 10 days of your departure to the EU
Your dog will need to be physically present for the vet to scan the microchip during the appointment. AHCs cannot be issued remotely.
💡 Tip: Local vets often charge over £200 per certificate. At PassPets, we charge £99 for the first dog and £50 per additional dog—and we specialise in pet travel.
If flying, check with your airline—you may also need a "Fit to Fly" certificate.
Unless you're heading to Ireland, Norway, Finland, or Malta, or flying, the AHC is all you need.
Validity: An AHC is valid for 4 months of EU travel from the date it's issued but is single-use—you’ll need a new one each trip.
3. Tapeworm Treatment Before Departure
(Only required if travelling to Ireland, Norway, Finland or Malta)
If you're travelling to Ireland, Norway, Finland or Malta, your dog must receive tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival. This must be:
Administered by any vet (doesn't need to be an OV)
Recorded in the AHC
You can combine this with your AHC appointment—just make sure it’s within the correct timeframe—or book it separately.
If you're NOT going to Ireland, Norway, Finland or Malta, tapeworm treatment isn’t needed before you go.
4. Crossing the Border
At the EU border, officials will:
Check your Animal Health Certificate
Scan your dog’s microchip
Depending on your travel route, you might need to visit a pet reception point, or border staff may inspect documents from your vehicle. Check in advance what your specific route requires.
5. Enjoy Your Trip!
Once inside the EU, your AHC allows travel to any EU country, plus Norway and Switzerland, for up to 4 months.
Planning a longer trip? You’ll need to look into getting either:
A GB Health Certificate, or
An EU Pet Passport (issued by an EU vet)
6. Tapeworm Treatment Before Returning to the UK
To re-enter the UK, your dog must receive tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival—unless you're returning directly from Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta.
It’s often cheaper and easier to get this done near where you're staying in the EU rather than close to the border.
On return, UK border officials will check that:
The treatment was given in the correct timeframe
It was administered by a vet and recorded on the AHC
Getting this wrong could delay your return or result in costly issues—so double-check your timings!
Need Help with Travel Documents?
At PassPets, we specialise in fast, affordable, and accurate pet travel documentation, including Animal Health Certificates. We’re often cheaper and more reliable than your local vet. To learn more about our services, head to our home page, email us at info@passpets.co.uk, or call on of our three clinics and speak to one of our lovely team (📍 Havant, London or Bristol).