Obtaining a Pet Passport: A Guide
In the wake of Brexit, the UK pet passport system for dogs has undergone significant changes. Here's what you need to know about the new system as of mid-2025:
For travel within the UK, the EU pet passport is no longer issued. Instead, dog owners need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip abroad or a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) for travel to Northern Ireland.
The AHC is issued by an official UK vet within 10 days of your trip, is valid for 4 months after your first travel using it, and costs on average around £110 but can vary by vet. It covers up to five pets and confirms that your dog meets health requirements such as microchipping and rabies vaccination, which must be done at least 21 days prior to travel.
For travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a new rule introduced in June 2025 requires a specific Northern Ireland PTD. This document is free and lasts as long as you own your dog. It is specifically for owners living in Great Britain traveling to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland residents do not need a PTD for travel to Great Britain or elsewhere.
For travel to non-EU countries, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is required, which involves an export application (EXA) and is more complex than the AHC.
When traveling with a dog to the EU or most countries, a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is necessary. For travel to Northern Ireland, a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) is required. No additional document is needed for travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
To get started:
1. **Ensure your dog is microchipped and vaccinated for rabies (at least 21 days before travel).** 2. **Book an appointment with an official vet to obtain the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or the Northern Ireland PTD if traveling there.** 3. **Check specific country requirements, as some may request additional vaccinations or parasite treatments.**
Remember, you do not have to go to your normal vet or the vet who gave all the vaccinations to get a Pet Passport, as long as you have proof of the jabs and dates given. Dogs must be microchipped before or at the time of the rabies jab. A photo of the dog must be added to the Pet Passport.
The cost for a UK Pet Passport in 2018 was approximately £156.64. The initial consultation, rabies and health exam, and Pet passport initial issue costed £36, £55.86, and £64.68 respectively in 2018. A tapeworm treatment is required for returning to the UK, to be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before return.
This system replaces the older EU pet passport scheme and reflects post-Brexit border and health controls. For more information, consult the official government websites for pet travel.
- If you're planning to travel with your pet within the EU or most countries, help your dog by ensuring it is microchipped and vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before travel.
- Lifestyle adjustments for pet owners might include booking appointments with official vets to obtain the necessary Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) for each trip, depending on your destination.
