Planning to travel with your pet from the UK to Europe? Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything ready. Missing a single item can result in your pet being refused entry – so tick off every box before you go!
4+ Weeks Before Travel
☐ Microchip Check
- ☐ Confirm microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15 digits)
- ☐ Have vet scan chip to ensure it's readable
- ☐ Update contact details on microchip database
- ☐ Note: Microchip must be implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination
☐ Rabies Vaccination
- ☐ Check vaccination is current (not expired)
- ☐ If first vaccination: pet must be 12+ weeks old
- ☐ If first vaccination: 21-day waiting period required
- ☐ If booster: no waiting period if within validity
- ☐ Ensure batch number, date, and vet signature recorded
10-14 Days Before Travel
☐ Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- ☐ Book appointment with Official Veterinarian (OV)
- ☐ Bring: pet's vaccination records
- ☐ Bring: microchip details
- ☐ Bring: your passport/ID
- ☐ AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel
- ☐ Check all details are correct before leaving vet
1-5 Days Before UK Arrival (Dogs Only)
☐ Tapeworm Treatment
- ☐ Treatment must contain praziquantel
- ☐ Must be given 24-120 hours before UK arrival
- ☐ Must be administered by a vet
- ☐ Record in pet passport/AHC with DATE and TIME
- ☐ Vet stamp and signature required
- ☐ Note: Cats and ferrets are EXEMPT
Travel Equipment Checklist
☐ Pet Carrier/Crate
- ☐ Appropriate size (pet can stand, turn, lie down)
- ☐ Secure latches/locks
- ☐ Good ventilation
- ☐ Waterproof base/absorbent padding
- ☐ Familiar bedding/blanket (smells like home)
- ☐ Label with your contact details
☐ Travel Supplies
- ☐ Collapsible water bowl
- ☐ Fresh water supply
- ☐ Pet's regular food (enough for journey + delays)
- ☐ Food bowl
- ☐ Treats for rewards
- ☐ Poo bags/litter supplies
- ☐ Lead and collar with ID tag
- ☐ Harness (for car travel safety)
- ☐ Favourite toy for comfort
- ☐ Kitchen roll/cleaning supplies
- ☐ Any regular medications
Documentation Checklist
☐ Essential Documents
- ☐ Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – original, not copy
- ☐ OR EU Pet Passport (if pet is from EU country)
- ☐ Proof of rabies vaccination
- ☐ Tapeworm treatment record (dogs only)
- ☐ Your passport/travel documents
- ☐ Eurotunnel/ferry booking confirmation
- ☐ Pet insurance documents
- ☐ Vet contact details (home and destination)
Travel Day Checklist
☐ Before Leaving Home
- ☐ Light meal 3-4 hours before departure (not too full)
- ☐ Final toilet break
- ☐ Check carrier is secure
- ☐ All documents in accessible location (not in boot)
- ☐ Water and treats within reach
- ☐ Phone charged for updates/emergencies
☐ At Eurotunnel/Ferry Terminal
- ☐ Arrive 60+ minutes before departure
- ☐ Declare pet at check-in
- ☐ Have documents ready for inspection
- ☐ Pet Reception check (UK arrival)
- ☐ Keep pet in carrier during crossing
Emergency Contact List
Save These Numbers:
- Your UK vet: ________________
- Destination vet: ________________
- Pet insurance emergency line: ________________
- APHA (Animal & Plant Health Agency): 03000 200 301
- Eurotunnel Pet Travel: 0844 335 3535
- PetVoyageUK: +44 7892 807912
Printable Summary
Quick Reference Checklist
☐ Microchip (ISO compliant, readable)
☐ Rabies vaccination (current, 21+ days if first)
☐ AHC (within 10 days of travel)
☐ Tapeworm (dogs: 24-120 hours before UK)
☐ Carrier (secure, comfortable)
☐ Supplies (food, water, lead, toys)
☐ Documents (AHC, passport, booking)
Let Us Handle the Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed? PetVoyageUK takes care of everything on this checklist for you. Our professional pet transport service includes:
- ✓ Document verification before travel
- ✓ Tapeworm timing coordination
- ✓ Climate-controlled vehicles
- ✓ Experienced, caring drivers
- ✓ Door-to-door service
Get your free quote or WhatsApp us to discuss your pet's journey.
Questions? Call +44 7892 807912 – we're happy to help you prepare!
The 30-Day Countdown Plan
Day -30: Documentation Audit
Pull out your pet's vaccination record and confirm rabies booster validity. If the rabies booster expires before your travel date, schedule a re-vaccination this week so the 21-day window completes safely. Confirm the microchip is ISO-compliant by visiting your regular vet.
Day -21: Identify Your OV
The Animal Health Certificate must be issued by an Official Veterinarian. Not all practices have an OV; some refer out at a markup. Identify a local OV-registered practice and provisionally book your AHC appointment for 5–7 days before travel.
Day -14: Behavioural Conditioning Begins
Start short familiarisation drives if your pet is unaccustomed to long vehicle journeys. Introduce pheromone diffusers (Adaptil/Feliway) at home. Begin acclimatising the travel crate or carrier as a normal household object.
Day -10: AHC Earliest Date
The AHC can be issued from 10 days before travel. Earlier is invalid; later risks last-minute clinic availability problems.
Day -7: Documentation Master Folder
Compile a single travel folder containing the AHC, microchip number documentation, vaccination record, vet contact details, your destination address and contact, your pet's regular medication notes, and a colour photo of your pet.
Day -2: Final Vet Check
If your pet has any health conditions, a final wellbeing check confirms readiness. For dogs, ensure the tapeworm treatment timing is correct — it must be given by a vet within 1–5 days of GB re-entry, NOT the outbound journey.
Day -1: Final Preparation
Reduce evening meal volume by 30%. Trim claws if needed (overgrown claws can catch on crate ventilation). Wash and dry the travel bedding. Charge any tracking device or smart collar. Prepare a small thermos of fresh water for the journey.
Day 0: Travel Day
Light breakfast 4 hours before collection. Final hydration. Final toilet break. Final calm play session. Place pet in carrier or transport zone with the door comfortably open until collection. Hand over the documentation folder to the driver if using a professional service.
What People Most Often Forget
- Spare medication for the duration of the trip plus a 3-day buffer.
- The destination country's vet contact in case of emergency.
- Confirmation that pet insurance covers travel abroad (most UK policies do not as standard).
- An updated emergency contact card on the carrier.
- A small container of the pet's regular drinking water for the journey (some pets refuse unfamiliar water).
Related Guides
You Might Also Be Interested In