Travelling with Your Pet – Animal Health Certificates (AHC)

Planning a trip to Europe with your pet? Following Brexit, UK-issued EU Pet Passports are no longer valid for travel to EU countries or Northern Ireland. Instead, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each journey.

At Medicor Veterinary Practice, we aim to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible.

What Is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

An AHC is an official document that confirms your pet:

  • Has a microchip

  • Has been vaccinated against rabies

  • Is fit to travel

Each certificate is valid for:

  • 10 days from the date of issue to leave the Isle of Man or UK

  • Up to 4 months for onward travel within the EU

  • Re-entry to the UK

Each AHC covers up to five pets. A new certificate is required for every trip.

How to Apply for an AHC

Once your travel plans are confirmed:

  1. Complete the DEFA AHC application form (available from our reception or downloadable online).

  2. Fill out the first page of the AHC checklist and return both documents to us.

  3. Attach a copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination, if already valid.

  4. We will submit your completed application to DEFA (Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture) on your behalf.

Please allow at least two weeks before your travel date for DEFA to process your application and issue your certificate.

Before You Travel

To qualify for an AHC, your pet must:

  • Be microchipped

  • Be vaccinated against rabies (at least 21 days before travel, and pets must be 12 weeks or older at the time of vaccination)

If you’re unsure about your pet’s rabies vaccination or microchip details, please book a pre-AHC appointment at least 4 weeks before travel, so our vet can confirm your pet’s eligibility and help you complete the paperwork.

Tapeworm Treatment

Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland must have a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet.

  • It must be recorded in the AHC.

  • It must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before arriving at your destination.

When to Book Your Appointment

The AHC must be issued by our vet no more than 10 days before your departure date.
At this appointment, the vet will:

  • Perform a health check

  • Sign and issue the AHC

  • Verify all documents are complete and compliant

Please bring:

  • Your pet’s vaccination record

At the EU Border

When entering the EU or Northern Ireland, you must travel through a Traveller’s Point of Entry (TPE) and present:

  • The Animal Health Certificate

  • Proof of microchipping, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment (if applicable)

  • Certified copies of all documents

Returning to the Isle of Man

Your pet will need:

  • A microchip

  • A valid rabies vaccination

  • Tapeworm treatment (depending on the country of return)

Helpful Documents

The AHC Application Form (to be completed and returned to us)

The Medicor AHC Checklist (helps ensure all details are correct, page one to be completed and returned to us before your AHC appointment)

EU Pet Travel Guide (with country-specific requirements)

How We Can Help

Our vets are Official Veterinarians (OVs) authorised to issue AHCs.
We’ll handle the paperwork, coordinate with DEFA, and ensure your certificate is ready in time for travel.

For questions or to begin your AHC process:
📞 Call us on +44 1624 663399
📧 Email info@medicorvet.com


Please start your application as early as possible to avoid delays.