We are here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

Doctors Tristan and Sarah are both Official Vets (OVs) and can provide AHCs and EHCs, Tristan is also an OV66, meaning we can also provide certification to export to Australia

Travelling abroad with your pet: a step-by-step guide

To export a dog from the UK to another country, you'll need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and potentially an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

You'll also need to ensure your dog is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and potentially treated for tapeworm, depending on the destination.

Requirements vary by destination, so thorough research is essential

Exporting your pet is a process that needs good planning; every country has different rules, and many require paperwork, vaccines, treatments or tests well in advance.

Here’s our guide to make sure it all goes smoothly:

Export Health Certificates (EHCs)

Export Health Certificates (EHCs) are official documents required when animals are being exported from the UK to another country.

An EHC confirms that the animal meets the health and welfare standards of the destination country.

Each country has specific requirements, and certificates must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV).

Animal Health Certificates (AHCs)

Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) are documents needed for pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) travelling from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland.

An AHC confirms that your pet is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and fit to travel.

AHCs are valid for entry into the EU within 10 days of issue, and then for onward travel within the EU (up to four months), as well as re-entry to Great Britain.

Each country has their own import/export requirements

How to prepare for exporting your dog or cat from the UK:

Important Notes

Every country is generally a bit different in terms of travel rules

Some countries require tests or treatments weeks or even months in advance

We can’t issue the certificate if the requirements haven’t been met on time

Please don’t delay: we strongly recommend beginning this process as early as possible

Australia has different rules, and vets need to be an OV66 - which Tristan is, please talk to us well in advance of your proposed travel date - at least 8 months for Australia

Travel to the USA also requires state-level involvement too

Ultimately responsibility rests with you as the owner for obtaining the correct documents, we will help as much as possible, but we are not liable if the incorrect information or paperwork as been provided

Our 3-Stage Travel Check List:

1 / To do before booking your first Travel Appointment

Before we can start your travel planning, you’ll need to register for government access, and get the right certificate.

It may seem like a lot of paperwork, that's why we've provided this easy to follow guide for you.

Please complete the following list before booking your initial export consultation with us:

1. Register for a Government Gateway ID
➤ Sign up here: https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-gov-uk-account

2. Create an account with Defra’s Export Health Certificate (EHC) system
➤ Visit: https://www.gov.uk/export-health-certificates

3. Find and request the correct Export Health Certificate (EHC)
• Use the EHC search tool for your destination country and species
• If you’re not sure which certificate you need, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA):
03000 200 301 or pettravel@apha.gov.uk

4. Get the import rules from your destination country
• Contact the official animal health authority in the country you’re travelling to
• For the USA, you may need to contact the state-level authority as well

Our in-clinic fee for an EHC is £350, and for an AHC is £175

If you require a discrete clinic visit, or a visit to your place of residence, to complete the certification, this can be arranged, please contact Dr Sarah directly.

2 / Book your Initial Export Consultation (45mins)

Once you’ve completed the admin above, we’ll book an appointment to go through everything and create your export plan.

Please bring the following to your consultation:

1. Your requested Export Health Certificate (EHC)

2. A copy of the import requirements from the destination country

3. Pet’s details (including microchip number and vaccination history)

4. Your planned travel date and route (including airline or travel company if known)

5. Any local vet certificates or forms you’ve been asked to complete

3 / Book your Pre-Travel Export Appointment

This is usually within 48 hours of departure (some countries allow a little longer).

This is when we can complete and sign the EHC.

During this appointment, we will:

Check your pet’s identity and microchip
Carry out the required clinical exam
Confirm vaccinations and parasite treatments are in date and compliant
Issue and sign the Export Health Certificate
Provide any supporting paperwork as required by the EHC