Travelling Abroad With Your Pet: Health Certificates, Microchipping and What to Prepare

International pet travel is entirely possible — millions of owners do it every year — but the process involves more advance planning than a last-minute booking allows. Miss a deadline and your pet may not be able to travel, or may face quarantine at the destination. Start planning at least three to four months before your intended departure date, longer for some destinations.

Step 1: Microchipping

Microchipping is a legal requirement for pet entry into most countries and the EU. In the UK, dogs are legally required to be microchipped; cats are now included under UK law as of 2024. For international travel, the microchip must be an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit chip (the standard used in Europe and most of the world).

Crucially, the microchip must have been implanted before any required rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. If the order is reversed, the vaccination history may not be recognised. Check timing requirements for your specific destination.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

Most countries require a valid rabies vaccination. What "valid" means varies:

• Some countries (including EU entry) require that the rabies vaccination was given at least 21 days before departure.
• Some require a primary course and a booster — check whether a single vaccination is sufficient or whether your pet needs to have had a previous vaccination and a booster.
• Rabies vaccine must be recorded by the administering vet and appear on the official health documentation.

Step 3: Health Certificate or Pet Passport

For EU Travel (UK Residents)

Since Brexit, UK-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid. UK residents travelling to the EU with a pet need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — a vet specifically authorised to issue government health certificates. The AHC must be issued no more than 10 days before arrival in the EU and is valid for four months for onward travel within the EU, or one re-entry into the UK.

Find an OV through the APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) website or ask your vet whether they hold OV status.

For Other International Destinations

Requirements vary significantly. The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan all have different requirements — some significantly stricter than EU entry. Australia and New Zealand in particular have lengthy quarantine requirements. Always check the official government import requirements of your specific destination country, not third-party summaries, which can be out of date.

Step 4: Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

To re-enter the UK from EU countries, dogs must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) by a vet between one and five days before arrival. This treatment must be recorded in the AHC. This requirement does not apply to cats.

Step 5: Travel Arrangements

By Air

• In-cabin: Small pets (typically under 8 kg including carrier) may travel in the aircraft cabin on some airlines. Requirements and carrier dimensions vary by airline — confirm with your specific carrier well in advance.
• As checked baggage or cargo: Larger pets travel in a pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Requirements for crate size, ventilation, and documentation vary by airline.
• Pet-specific carriers: Some airlines do not carry pets at all. Others have seasonal restrictions (no pets in cargo during very hot or cold months).

By Ferry

Most major ferry operators between the UK and Europe allow pets in designated pet-friendly cabins or in vehicles. Book pet-specific cabin options at the time of ferry booking — these sell out.

By Eurostar or Train

Eurostar does not currently allow pets (other than assistance dogs). Rules on cross-border train services vary by operator.

At Your Destination

• Research the nearest vet to where you are staying before you arrive.
• Know the local emergency vet number.
• Carry a copy of your pet's health records and your pet's health certificate at all times during travel.
• Ensure your pet's ID tag has a phone number that works internationally.

What to Carry

• Health certificate or AHC (original, not a copy)
• Proof of microchip (often included in the health certificate)
• Vaccination records
• Pet insurance documents (confirm international cover)
• Enough medication for the trip plus extra in case of delays
• Emergency contact card with local vet details

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start planning international pet travel?

At least three to four months for EU travel. Six months or more for countries with quarantine requirements (Australia, New Zealand, Japan). The rabies vaccination timing requirements and the ten-day AHC window mean that leaving preparations to the last minute is genuinely risky.

What happens if my pet does not have the correct documentation at the border?

Your pet may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, or returned to the country of origin. Requirements are enforced and documentation is checked. Do not rely on border flexibility.