Taking Your Dog From the UK to the EU

Since Brexit, each trip needs an Animal Health Certificate.

DogsUK → EUAnimal Health Certificate

Since Brexit, Great Britain no longer issues the EU pet passport, so most owners now need a fresh Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip — issued by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel, and typically costing £100–£200. GB is a Part 2 listed country, so there's no titer test. Once the microchip and rabies vaccination are done (plus the 21-day wait), the AHC is the main per-trip step. SerendiLoop turns it into a dated plan for your specific travel date.

The checklist, step by step

ISO microchip

🗓 As early as possible — before the rabies shot

Your dog must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785) before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination

🗓 At least 21 days before travel

Rabies vaccination given after the microchip, dog at least 12 weeks old. Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travelling.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

🗓 Issued within 10 days of travel

An Official Veterinarian (OV) in GB issues the AHC no more than 10 days before travel. Valid for entry to the EU for 10 days, then onward EU travel for 4 months and re-entry to GB for 4 months.

Good to know

Alternatively you can travel on an EU pet passport issued in an EU country. Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway require tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use my old EU pet passport from the UK?A pet passport issued in Great Britain is no longer valid for EU travel. You need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip, or an EU pet passport issued in an EU country.

How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost?It varies by vet, but typically £100–£200, and it's needed for each trip — book the appointment inside the 10-day window before you travel.

How long is the Animal Health Certificate valid?Valid for entry to the EU within 10 days of issue, then onward travel within the EU for 4 months and re-entry to Great Britain for 4 months.

Official sources

Get this as a dated plan for your trip

SerendiLoop turns this checklist into exact dates tied to your travel day, stores your dog's documents, and reminds you before anything expires.

Build your plan — free to start

This guide is for general information and is kept in step with official sources, but requirements change and can vary by case. Always confirm the current rules with the official authority for your route before you travel.

Other route guides

Taking Your Dog From the US to the EU Bringing Your Dog From the EU to the UK Taking Your Dog From the US to Canada Taking Your Dog From the US to the UK Taking Your Dog From the US to Australia Taking Your Dog From the US to Japan Bringing Your Dog From the EU to the US Bringing Your Dog From Canada to the US Flying With Your Dog: Cabin, Cargo & Crate Rules All guides