Can my pet travel to the EU alone? Here's what you need to know
- Vicky Hall
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
You might be wondering if your pet can travel to the EU on their own, or if you need to join them? The short answer is, 'yes', your pet can travel alone! But before you jump in, there are some important steps to consider. The Pet Travel Vet is here to make this journey easy and stress-free for both you and your furry friend!
Plan Yours and Your Pet's Travel Dates
First of all, when planning yours and your pet's travel, make sure you and your pet are to reunite within five days of your pet first arriving at their destination.
This is all part of the international pet travel rules, designed to ensure your pet isn't being transported for commercial purposes and that you're lovingly taking responsibility for your pet in a timely fashion.
Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An Animal Health Certificate or AHC is a document that is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV), like The Pet travel Vet. This document is issued within 10 days of your pet's departure date and is valid for one trip only to the EU. It is for dogs, cats and ferrets only. Travel with any other species needs alternative documentation.
For the full requirements your pet needs to have an AHC issued, please refer to my services page, explaining Microchipping, Rabies Vaccinations, and Tapeworm Treatments.
For convenience, The Pet travel Vet can issue you an Animal Health Certificate at your home providing you are in the service area. Get in touch with the Pet Travel Vet today for an AHC quote.
Gather Pet Courier Details
If your pet is being transported by a trusted pet courier, you must collect the courier's information to include it in the Animal Health Certificate. When arranging an AHC with an Official Veterinarian, make sure you have your pet courier's details so the OV can incorporate them into the AHC document.
The courier will also need to carry a letter of permission form and evidence that shows you will be reunited with your pet within 5 days, so make sure you provide the courier details of this, such as your travel tickets.
If Your Pet is Traveling with Someone Else
If you have planned for your pet to travel with someone other than yourself, such as a named friend or family member, you will need to provide the Official Veterinarian who is issuing your pet's Animal Health Certificate the name of the person travelling with your pet.
You will also need to provide the OV a written declaration that you authorise the named person to travel with your pet and that you will be reunited with your pet within 5 days.
Get in Touch! I'd love to hear from you
If you are still wondering about what you need for your pet to travel alone or if you have further questions about something else, please refer to my FAQ or get in touch and I will be delighted to offer you further advice.
If you would like to book me to issue you an Animal Health Certificate, please use the form on my contact page, and specify your location for an accurate quote.
Safe travels!
-Vicky
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