Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: September 2026

Common questions about travelling with a pet between the UK and the EU. If yours isn't here, email us.

Documents

What documents does my dog or cat need to enter the EU from the UK?

You need three things: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The AHC replaces the EU Pet Passport that UK pets used to use – it expired after Brexit.

Can I still use an EU Pet Passport?

Not if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. You can't use a pet passport to enter the EU – even one issued in an EU country. If you use one instead of an AHC, your pet may be refused entry. You need an AHC for every trip. (Different rules apply if you live in Northern Ireland.) We explain what changed in The EU pet passport loophole is closed.

Do I need a new AHC every time I travel?

You need a new AHC for every trip from Great Britain to the EU. On that trip, the same AHC also covers onward travel between EU countries for up to 6 months after you enter the EU, and your return to Great Britain within 6 months of the date it was issued.

Microchip

Does my pet need a microchip?

Yes. Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip before or on the same day as their rabies vaccination. If the chip was implanted after the vaccination, the vaccination does not count and your pet will need to be revaccinated.

What microchip standard is required?

ISO 11784/11785 – this is a 15-digit chip and the standard used by UK vets. Most pets microchipped in the UK already have this. If your pet's chip isn't ISO standard, you may need to bring your own microchip reader – check with your travel company before you go.

Rabies vaccination

When does my pet need to be vaccinated against rabies?

The vaccination must be given after or on the same day as microchipping. After a first vaccination, you must wait at least 21 full days before travelling – some vaccines need longer, so ask your vet how long yours takes. If your pet is travelling with a valid booster (given on time, before the previous vaccination expired), there's no wait.

Can my puppy or kitten travel?

Only once they're old enough. Your vet can only give the rabies vaccination once your pet is at least 12 weeks old, and then there's a wait of at least 21 days – so the earliest a puppy or kitten can travel is around 15–16 weeks old. Spain doesn't allow younger, unvaccinated pets in. Check with your vet for your specific vaccine.

Does my pet need a rabies booster?

Your vet records when the vaccination is valid until. If it runs out before you travel, your pet needs a booster – and you'll have to wait at least 21 days again unless your vet confirms the booster was given on time. It also has to stay valid for your whole trip: if it expires while you're away, the AHC can't be used for onward travel or to come home.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

What is an AHC?

An Animal Health Certificate is an official document signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV). It records your pet's microchip and rabies vaccination, and it's what EU border control checks when you arrive from Great Britain.

When do I need to get the AHC?

Within the 10 days before your pet enters the EU – the day it's issued counts as day 1. If your pet needs a first rabies vaccination, the AHC can only be issued once the wait after that vaccination is over. Leave enough time to book an OV appointment – not all vets can issue AHCs.

Does every vet issue AHCs?

No. The AHC has to be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Check whether your vet can issue AHCs – if they can't, ask them to help you find an OV, and book early.

Does the AHC cover the return journey?

Yes. Your AHC is valid for re-entry to Great Britain for 6 months from the date it was issued, as long as your pet's rabies vaccination is still valid. Dogs also need a tapeworm treatment from a vet before coming back – see below.

Tapeworm

Do I need a tapeworm treatment to return to the UK?

Yes, for dogs. Dogs entering Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) must be treated against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before arrival. The vet records it in the 'Echinococcus treatment' section of your dog's AHC. If your trip is 5 days or less, you can have it done in Great Britain before you leave.

Does my cat need tapeworm treatment?

No. The tapeworm rule applies to dogs only.

Do I need tapeworm treatment to enter Spain?

No. Spain doesn't require it. A few countries do – Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland – but for Spain it's only needed for your return to Great Britain.

Planning your trip

How far in advance should I start preparing?

At least 4–6 weeks before travel if your pet has a valid rabies vaccination. If they are not yet vaccinated – or if their booster has lapsed – allow at least 8–10 weeks to account for the wait after vaccination and AHC booking lead times.

What happens if I miss a step or get the timing wrong?

Your pet could be refused entry at the border, held in isolation, or sent back to the UK at your expense. The rules are strictly enforced – this is the reason Border Pet exists.

Are the rules the same for all EU countries?

The AHC, microchip and rabies vaccination requirements are the same across the EU. Some countries add their own rules – for example, Spain has extra rules for dogs it classes as potentially dangerous. Border Pet flags these for your route as part of your checklist.

About Border Pet

Which routes does Border Pet currently cover?

Dogs travelling from the UK to Spain. Cats and more routes are coming. If you need a route that isn't available yet, let us know.

Is Border Pet free?

Yes – the route checker is free. We're also working on a full guide with your exact dates and more step-by-step detail. Leave your email on your results page and you'll get it free when it launches.

How do I know the information is accurate?

Border Pet is built from official sources: GOV.UK, APHA, and EU and Spanish regulations. Each step on your results page shows when we last checked it and links to the source. Pet travel rules do change, though – always confirm requirements with your Official Veterinarian before you travel. See our full disclaimer.