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European Cat Passports: Travel Certificates For Cats

 

As of 1st January 2021, travel to Europe with your cat now requires an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Travelling to Europe used to be undertaken using the Pet Passport scheme however with the UK departure from the EU the regulations have changed.  

The most important rules for taking our pets abroad are to protect the country from rabies and the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus Multilocularis. An AHC needs to be issues up to 10 days prior to travel, but to qualify for an AHC, proof of effective rabies protection is needed and this process can take up to 4 months to complete. Starting sooner rather than later is essential. 

Up to date information can be found here.

 
 

 

+ What is the process for leaving the UK?

To travel to an EU country there are several elements your cat needs:

  • A microchip
  • Be at least 12 weeks old
  • A rabies vaccination
  • Wait 21 days from the day after teh vaccination was administered before travelling to the EU
  • Be issues with an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) no more than 10 days before travelling
  • Enter the EU country through a designated “Travellers’ point of entry”

+ What’s the process for returning to the UK?

To return to the UK your cat must have one of the following documents:

  • An Animal Health Certificate issued in Great Britain and used to travel to Europe no more than 4 months prior to the desired date of return

+ How long does the process take?

All being well only two visits are required for this process: The first to insert a microchip (or read one if it is already there) and administer the rabies vaccination; the second to provide the AHC at least 10 days prior to travelling to the EU. We reserve the right to provide the AHC at least 2 working days from the initial consultation so as no mistakes are made.

Book Appointment

You can get an appointment at our practice by calling us or visiting our clinic.

Our Location:

James Horner Vets
Unit 4 Morrisons Supermarket
Coventry Road
Sheldon
B26 3PD

Our Hours:

Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 08:30 - 12:30
Sunday: Closed

Emergency Out of Hours
0121 712 7070