Melanie Weatherall
Director and Owner
What is required to travel to the EU and NI?
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for all cats travelling to the EU and NI. A current EU pet passport issued in the UK is no longer valid for travel. Please keep your cat’s passport as it contains records of your cat’s rabies vaccines.
What are the requirements before issuing an AHC?
- Microchip
- Current rabies vaccine (cats need to be a minimum of 12 weeks of age before they can receive their first rabies vaccine)
- You must wait at least 21 days after your cat has received their rabies vaccine before you can travel
- Health check by a vet to issue the AHC within 10 days of travel
How much does an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) cost?
An Animal Health Certificate costs £283.50* for one cat, the cost for additional cats is £85.06*. Up to 5 cats can be included in one Animal Health Certificate. This includes the consultation and health check of your cat(s) and completion of the paperwork to allow your cat to travel within the EU and NI.
What other costs are involved?
A microchip is £36* and will only need to be implanted once. A rabies vaccination costs £60* – this will need to be repeated according to the manufacturer’s recommendation – usually every three years – to allow continual travel.
How long does it take to process an animal health certificate?
An animal health certificate can be issued ten days prior to travel (i.e. you will have 10 days to use it to leave this country). The AHC will not be issued on the day of your appointment and we ask that you allow us a minimum of 4 days to process the paperwork.
How long is the animal health certificate valid for?
Animal health certificates can then be used for travel between EU countries (including the UK) for up to four months from the date your animal enters the EU.
What information or paperwork do I need to supply before getting an AHC for my cat?
- Pet owner’s details
- Your pet’s description
- Rabies vaccination details – your cat will need to have been vaccinated at least three weeks prior to the AHC appointment and have had a rabies vaccine within the past three years
- Intended country of entry into the EU – each AHC has to be issued in the language of the country in which you first enter the EU, not in the language of your destination country
How old does my pet have to be to get their AHC?
The EU Regulation requires pets to be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. Whilst some EU countries will allow young, unvaccinated pets to travel (subject to certain conditions) the UK does not permit this. This means no pet can enter the UK unless they are 15 weeks old (12 weeks and 21-day wait).
Who can apply for an AHC?
The owner, as named in on the animal health certificate. The owner must be aged over 16. Pets must be accompanied either by their owner or by a person authorised in writing by the owner.
How many pets can one person apply for animal health certificates for?
The owner or authorised person can only be accompanied by a maximum of five cats. You cannot take more than 5 cats to an EU country or NI unless you are attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. In this case you will need written evidence of registration for the event when you travel.
Who can issue an AHC?
An AHC can only be issued by an Official Veterinarian, which is a vet that has been authorised by the government.
How can I book my appointment to get my AHC?
Please call us to book your appointment so that we can book you with the most appropriate vet at the most appropriate time to allow adequate time to process the paperwork. You can call us on 01865 243000 (Botley) or 01865 950700 (Marston).
Can I return to the UK with my cat?
Your cat must have one of the following documents when returning to the UK:
- an existing EU pet passport (issued in the UK or EU)
or - the EU health certificate issued in the UK used to travel to the EU
or - a UK pet health certificate (issued outside the UK for travel into the UK)
What if I am travelling outside of the EU or NI?
If you wish to travel with your cat to another country outside of EU/NI, different rules will apply. Depending on the country additional documentation or blood samples may be required. Please see https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-a-noneu-country for government guidelines on which countries this is applicable to.
Travel Outside of The European Union (EU) or Northern Ireland (NI)
What is required to travel with my cat outside of the EU and NI?
An Export Health Certificate (EHC) is needed to travel with your cat outside of the EU and NI. You will also need to complete an export application form (EXA) if you are in England, Scotland or Wales.
How do I apply for a EHC/EXA?
Please visit the Gov.uk website here.
What is involved in applying for an EHC?
The process varies slightly depending on your destination and origin. Please follow the guidelines on the Gov.uk website here.
Any other requirements to travel with my pet?
Depending on your destination, you may need to nominate an official vet who will be sent the EHC to check the paperwork. Additionally, each country has its own set of restrictions and requirements that must be adhered to – please ensure that you are compliant with all these requirements. Please contact the embassy of your destination country for a full list of requirements for travelling with your cat.
Any other information?
Please be aware that our staff will help you in any way that we can, but we are not familiar with the requirements for travel to every country, especially as these may change over time. It is therefore your responsibility to let our vets know exactly what you require when you are travelling with your cat. We can accept no liability for delayed travel if you do not provide us with the correct information required for your travel circumstances.
Travelling By Air:
Please check with the airline well in advance to find out how your cat may travel. The airline can direct you regarding specific guidelines for pet carrier dimensions and size. They will also provide instructions for required health records including vaccinations, health certificates, and more. Make your flight reservations for you and your pet as early as possible since airlines may restrict the number of pets allowed to fly. If possible, book non-stop flights with as few transfers and shorter layovers as possible to minimise the stress for you and your cat.
How do I prepare the pet carrier?
- Consider the interior of your pet carrier so that it will be comfortable for your cat
- Place the pet carrier in your living space as far in advance as possible of your travel date so that your cat becomes familiar with it
- Entice your cat to sleep or feel safe in the carrier by placing treats, food and a familiar bed or blanket in to the carrier
- Consider using Feliway pheromone wipes and spray in the pet carrier. This has been demonstrated to help decrease anxiety in cats.
On the day of travel include some clothing or bedding you’ve been wearing in the carrier while your cat gets acclimated. Line the carrier with disposable “Inco pads” or old towels that can be thrown away. The padding should be sufficient to provide a comfortable space for the journey. If appropriate, use Feliway before placing your cat inside. Place your cat in their carrier and cover with a blanket or towel. Affix a label directly to the carrier – tags can be torn off. The label should have your name, destination address and contact phone for both the new destination and for the original place of departure.
Will my cat need medications for anxiety and nausea?
Discuss with our vets if anti-anxiety and/or nausea medication is needed for your cat. You may want to give a dose prescribed by your vet ahead of your trip as a “trial dose” to make sure the medication has the desired effect. All pets react differently, and some may be more sedated, or some may become excited. It helps to determine the reaction before the day of travel to minimise stress on your cat and you.
Talk to your vet about any unexpected reactions before changing the dose as directed on the prescription label. If prescribed, give your cat their initial nausea and anxiety medication at least 1 hour before you leave your home. Our pets often know when we’re leaving, especially when we get our suitcases out, so chances are, your cat already knows something is happening on the day of travel.
Top Tips:
- Reconfirm travel arrangements the day before you leave to minimise the chance of unexpected changes.
- Bring printed copies of important paperwork with you as phones and electronic devices may run out of battery. Your cat’s medical records and a recent colour photo of your cat may also be helpful. Tape a copy to the side of the carrier and carry a set with you.
- Affix “Live Animal” stickers to the outside of the carrier if your airline does not provide them at the airport.
- For journeys of less than 12 hours feed your cat lightly about 2 hours prior to travel but don’t put food or water in the carrier (which is likely to spill). For longer journeys source bowls that can be fixed to the carrier for stability. If flying these may have to be airline approved.
- Attach a letter of instruction regarding feeding and watering your cat if your cat is travelling in the cargo area. Also attach a small bag of food. If there is a layover and the flight is delayed, or if you should be separated from your cat, the airline personnel will know how to care for your cat.
- Allow enough time; arrive at the departure points early so you are not rushed.
- Preorder familiar food and litter to have arrived at your destination before you arrive if possible, that way your cat has some familiar food and litter in their new environment.
Meet Our Veterinary Team in Oxford
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Need to see a vet in Oxford?
If your cat is ill, or you are concerned that they are just not quite right, or it is simply time for their annual vaccination review then book to see one of our cat-specialist vets. If you’re not registered with us, then you can register here or give us a ring on 01865 243000 (Botley) or 01865 950700 (Marston).