Animal Health Certificates & Export Health Certificates

We have several OV65 vets, including one with the additional OV66 qualification who can support you in obtaining paperwork for travel abroad with your pets.

Travelling to Northern Ireland

If you are a GB resident you can travel to Northern Ireland under the NIPTS (Northern Ireland Pet Travel Scheme).

It allows for the smooth and straightforward movement of pet dogs (including assistance dogs), cats, and ferrets from GB to NI while ensuring that any pet movements into, the EU including the Republic of Ireland (RoI), remain subject to relevant EU legal requirements.

To bring your dog, cat, ferret, or assistance dog directly into NI from GB, you will need to ensure your pet is microchipped, apply for a free NI Pet Travel Document (PTD) and sign a declaration that you will not travel onward to the European Union (EU). There will be checks to confirm that your pet travel document matches the pet’s microchip. Full details of the NIPTS and how to apply can be found at:

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/great-britain-northern-ireland-pet-travel-guidance

If you are a GB traveller wishing to travel on to an EU member state from NI (including the Republic of Ireland), you cannot use the NI Pet Travel Scheme.

Travelling to Europe (including Ireland)

From 1 January 2021, a dog, cat or ferret travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the EU will need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian prior to travel.

Pet owners are advised to retain any GB-issued EU pet passport that are now not valid, as they may contain important information about vaccinations, treatments, etc.

To obtain an animal health certificate you will need to follow these steps:

You must have your dog microchipped
Vaccinate your dog against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated
Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
Visit your vet to get an Animal Health Certificate for your pet no more than 10 days before travel to the EU

The validity of Animal Health Certificates are as follows:

10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
A single trip for entry to the EU (a new certificate will be required for each entry into the EU)
Onward travel within the EU for four months after the date of issue
Re-entry to GB for four months after the date of issue

If your pet has an up-to-date subsequent rabies vaccination history, it will not need a repeat rabies vaccination before travelling again.

You’ll need tapeworm treatment if you’re travelling to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta. This will need to be administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours (one to five days) before arriving in any of these countries.

From 22 April 2026, new EU rules will apply to the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from third countries such as Great Britain (GB). Pet owners are advised to check the entry requirements with the relevant authority in the destination country before travel. An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026. EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.

Travelling outside of Europe

If you are moving abroad, or travelling outside of Europe, we strongly recommend you contact a pet travel agency to support your application, as the requirements, and timings, can often be complex.

If you require an Export Health Certificate as part of your application this is something you apply for via the government website. Once your initial application is completed the document is then forwarded to us via our government gateway account, to download, complete and authorise.

You can apply for an Export Health Certificate at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-export-health-certificate

Travellers are advised to check if any additional requirements are in place before they travel.

Further information can be found on the government website : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-and-from-great-britain

2 Branches, Same Standard Of Care

We are proud to announce that we have recently been awarded the RCVS Client Care Award, recognising our commitment to delivering exceptional care and service to our clients. This prestigious award highlights the high standards we maintain and reflects our dedication to providing the best possible experience for every client.

FAQs

How do I book an appointment?

To make an appointment please call your local branch - Hereford 01432 357222 or Ledbury 01531 633922 or, alternatively, you can use our online booking system here.

What do I do in an emergency?

We are operate our own 24 emergency service to ensure the best possible quality of care. If you are a registered client with an emergency when our practice is closed, please phone your normal branch number & follow the instructions. Hereford 01432 357222 or Ledbury 01531 633922.

Do you offer a pet health plan to help spread the cost of pet care?

Yes, Brookfield Veterinary Practice Pet Health Club provides you with a simple, money-saving way to give your cat or dog the regular preventive treatments he or she needs, all for a monthly Direct Debit payment. Find out more here.