Travelling with your dog outside the EU, to the UK, or from countries like the US or Turkey requires a specific document — the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). It isn’t an alternative to the pet passport, but a separate, single-use document that must be issued before each trip. Learn all about the AHC right here.
Animal health certificate (AHC)
You don’t choose between a Pet Passport and an AHC — these are two different documents for different situations. The AHC is used in specific cases where a passport isn’t accepted or doesn’t apply.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly when you need the Animal Health Certificate, how long it’s valid, how much it costs, and what countries require it.
You can jump to section
- What it is ›
- Who needs it ›
- What countries require AHC ›
- How long it is valid ›
- Where and when to get AHC ›
- Animal health certificate price ›
- FAQs ›
What is the health certificate for dogs and other animals
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official pet travel document confirming your dog is healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated — especially against rabies. It’s required for travel to certain countries, like the UK or Norway and some others.
This is a one-time document that is issued before each trip abroad.
Difference between Animal health certificate and EU Pet passport
AHC andEU pet passport are two different documents.
The EU Pet Passport is a reusable document valid for multiple trips within the EU, as long as your dog’s rabies vaccination is up to date. It’s ideal for regular travellers based in the EU.
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC), on the other hand, is single-use. It’s needed mainly for entering the EU from the UK or travelling to non-EU countries like Norway or Switzerland.
Animal Health certificate | EU pet passport | |
VALIDITY | 10 days for entry, 4 months for EU travel | Long-term |
REUSABLE? | No | Yes |
USED FOR | Travel from the UK or non-EU countries to the EU | EU travel or to UK/Norway |
PRICE | ~€100–300 (per trip) | ~€20–60 (one-time) |
BEST FOR | UK or non-EU based travellers | EU-based travellers |
🐾 — Full guide: How to fly with dog — ✈️
Who needs travel certificate for dogs
You need a travel certificate if your dog is entering the EU from the UK or a non-EU country, or travelling to the UK from abroad.
It’s also required if your dog doesn’t have an EU Pet Passport or if the destination asks for proof of rabies vaccination and a vet check. The certificate must be issued before each trip and it can not be reused, meaning before every travel you need to get a new AHC.
Read about vaccination for dog travel here.
What countries require the AHC
If you’re travelling from the UK or a non-EU country to the EU, you’ll likely need an Animal Health Certificate or a similar health certificate. Here’s how it breaks down:
You need an AHC or third-country certificate when entering the EU from:
United Kingdom (UK), Turkey, Egypt, Morocco India, China, Thailand, Vietnam Russia, Ukraine, Serbia South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria Mexico, Brazil, Argentina Philippines, Indonesia, and most other non-EU countries not listed as “approved”.
You do NOT need an AHC
If you’re travelling from these “EU-approved countries” with a valid pet passport or EU-equivalent certificate:
- Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican, San Marino
- And also: United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates (if you fly with Emirates airlines, you can check our pet policy guide here)
— Pet relief areas at European airports — ✈️
How long is the dog health certificate for travel valid
The Animal Health Certificate is valid for 10 days to enter the destination country. Once you’re inside the EU, it stays valid for up to 4 months for travel between EU countries.
If you’re returning to the UK, the same certificate can be used for re-entry during this period. After that, you’ll need a new one for the next trip.
You can find more information about traveling to and from the UK with pet here.
Where and when to get the AHC for your pet
To get the Animal Health Certificate, you need to visit a vet who’s officially authorised to actually issue it — usually called an “OV” (official veterinarian) – not all vets can do this.
Also in this case timing is key: the certificate must be issued within 10 days before you enter the destination country.
🐾 — Complete guide: Flying with cats — ✈️
Animal health certificate cost
There’s no one fixed price for the Animal Health Certificate and the cost depends on the clinic and the country. It can cost anywhere between €80 and €300 per certificate.
The price usually includes a health check, document preparation, and sometimes rabies verification but again – it all depends on the vet.
— How much pet flight ticket costs — ✈️
FAQs about the AHC
What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?
It’s a travel document confirming that your dog is microchipped, vaccinated (especially against rabies), and fit to travel. It’s required for entry into the EU or UK from certain countries.
Who needs an AHC for their dog?
You’ll need one if you’re travelling from the UK or a non-EU country into the EU, or from the EU into the UK — unless your dog has a valid EU Pet Passport.
Is the AHC reusable for future trips?
No — each AHC is single-use. You need a new one for every international trip.
How long is the AHC valid for?
It’s valid for 10 days to enter the destination country and up to 4 months for travel within the EU.
How much does the AHC cost?
Prices vary by clinic and country. Expect to pay €80–300.
Can I use my EU Pet Passport instead of an AHC?
Yes — if your dog has a valid EU Pet Passport, you don’t need an AHC for travel within the EU or to the UK.