Planning a holiday with your pet can be an exciting experience. Whether you are heading to another country for a long weekend, or taking a ferry for a family break, a little preparation can make the journey much smoother for you and your furry friend.
We know pets are part of the family, so it is only natural to want them by your side on your adventures. But travelling abroad with pets takes some forward planning, especially since the rules for taking dogs, cats and ferrets from Great Britain into the EU now include specific documentation, vaccination and timing requirements.
Start planning early
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is leaving pet travel arrangements until the last minute.
From April 2026, new EU rules state that pets will not be able to travel on an EU pet passport if the main residence is in GB, meaning an AHC (Animal Health Certificate), which is valid for 6 months, will be required for travel within the EU.
If you are travelling from Great Britain to an EU country with your dog, cat or ferret, you need to consider that:
- Your pet must be microchipped.
- Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them, and you need to wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination (or the last of the first course of vaccinations).
- If your pet’s rabies vaccine has lapsed, they must be re-vaccinated and will have to wait 21 days before travel. This is not needed if the rabies vaccination is kept up to date.
- Your pet must have a valid AHC that is issued no more than 10 days prior to entry into the EU. Your dog needs tapeworm treatment to be given 1-5 days before returning to Great Britain, and this must be recorded by an official veterinarian into the AHC.
- If travelling to Malta, Finland, Ireland or Northern Ireland tapeworm treatment is required 1-5 days before travel.
That means that it is always best to speak to your vet well in advance of your trip. Even if your pet has travelled before, it is important to check whether their rabies vaccine is still valid, whether a booster is due, and whether any extra treatment is needed for your specific destination.
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
For UK pet owners, the key document for EU travel is the Animal Health Certificate, often shortened to AHC.
An AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (a vet in private practice who is qualified and authorised by the Government) and can include up to five pets. Once issued, it is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, then for onward travel within the EU for 6 months, and for re-entry to Great Britain for 6 months, as long as it is still valid and you are travelling with the same pet.
It is important to note that if you have returned to the UK and wish to leave again, your pet will require a new AHC, even if it is within 6 months of the initial AHC issued.
Because of those time limits, timing matters. Book too early and the certificate may expire before you travel. Leave it too late, and you may struggle to get an appointment in time. If you are planning a holiday abroad, it is a good idea to get in touch with us as soon as you have travel dates in mind.
Airline travel with pets
If you are flying, always check your airline’s pet policy before you book. Airline rules can vary significantly. The International Air Transport Association notes that while many airlines carry pets, each airline and destination country have their own requirements for how pets travel and what paperwork is needed.
Before choosing to fly, think carefully about whether air travel suits your pet’s temperament. Some animals cope very well, while others may find airports, unfamiliar noises, smells and separation much more stressful. It is also worth checking crate requirements, temperature restrictions and check-in times well in advance.
A few good questions to ask before flying are:
- Is my pet comfortable travelling in a carrier?
- Will the journey be too long or stressful for them?
- Do I fully understand the airline’s rules and fees?
- Have I checked the entry rules for the destination country?
Ferry travel with pets
For many pets, ferry travel can feel calmer than flying, especially if you are taking your own car. But ferry operators also have their own rules, so it is important to check the details for your chosen route.
With DFDS ferries, for example, pet arrangements vary by route. Depending on the crossing, pets may stay in pet-friendly cabins, dedicated kennels, or, in some cases, remain in the vehicle. DFDS also notes that pets are generally not allowed in public areas unless they are registered guide dogs, and that pet-friendly cabins can be limited.
That is why it is worth booking early if you want a pet-friendly cabin and doublechecking what your pet will need on board. Bringing familiar bedding, water bowls, food and favourite toys can help your pet settle more easily during the crossing. Make sure you take enough food and water for the journey and check the latest pet travel guidance before setting off.
Travelling safely
No matter which route of travel you take, it is vitally important that your pet is transported safely and securely. This can include a seat belt harness, suitable carrier, crate or dog guard. It is also important that their welfare is maintained throughout the journey. This is covered by legislation on welfare guidance for pet travel, found here. If you have any queries or concerns about travelling safely with your pet, please do reach
out to our team for advice.
Tips to help your pet travel well
No matter how you are travelling, a few simple steps can make a big difference:
- Make sure your pet is comfortable with their carrier or crate before the trip. Let them explore it at home, add bedding that smells familiar, and build positive associations with treats and praise.
- Pack the essentials, including food, water, bowls, leads, poo bags, towels, any necessary medication and copies of your pet’s documents.
- Keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. Regular walks, mealtimes and rest breaks can help reduce stress.
- It may be worth considering the use of calming supplements, such as pheromone sprays and nutraceuticals for your pet. This can help your pet stay relaxed during the journey.
- If travelling by car, monitor your car’s temperature, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot or too cold, and use air conditioning or heating where necessary.
- If your pet suffers from travel sickness, we can provide you with an anti-sickness medication for your pet’s travels.
- Check rules before you travel. Some countries have extra requirements beyond the standard EU pet travel rules.
- Think about the return journey too. It is easy to focus on getting there, but your pet must also meet the rules to come back into Great Britain.
We are here to help
Travelling abroad with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but it is not something to leave to chance.
From rabies vaccinations and microchips to AHC appointments and travel advice, getting organised early is the best way to avoid last-minute stress.
If you are planning a trip and want to make sure your pet is ready, book an appointment with us.
