(Dogs, Cats and Ferrets)
Dogs, Cats and Ferrets can all travel to the EU with an Animal Health Certificate.
The process begins at 12 weeks for the rabies vaccination, but you can’t receive and Animal Health certificate until 3 weeks after the injection. Your Animal Health certificate needs to be issued within 10 days of travelling.
The Animal health Certificate is used to travel freely within Europe for 4 months from issue. For a full list of countries see DEFRA’s website PETS helpline on 0870 241 1710.
Ireland now also has a requirement for an Animal Health Certificate.
Please be aware that some countries also carry extra restrictions so we would always advise contacting DEFRA to check up to date rules before you travel.
You can take your pets to non EU countries by following their import and export guidelines, also provided by DEFRA. If your pet requires a flight we would strongly recommend using a third company carrier company such as Air Pets or PetAir.
They can only be issued for non commercial travel. Make an appointment at the practice and we will run through the current requirements:
****PLEASE BOOK APPOINTMENTS AT LEAST 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE****
No, you cannot use a UK issued Pet Passport. You may still be able to travel using an EU Pet Passport but please contact us for more information.
24-120hrs before re-entering the UK, whilst abroad, your pet (DOGS ONLY) must be treated for tapeworms by a vet and have his/her Animal Health Certificate stamped.
The current guidelines state that a pet does not need a rabies blood test to return to the UK or enter the EU from the UK.
Leishmania
Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease transmitted by sand-flies. Sand-flies are blood sucking insects mainly found in Mediterranean coastal areas. Disease is spread when the flies bite in order to feed. Symptoms include skin infections, weight loss, liver and kidney disease and possibly death. Symptoms can develop up-to six years following a trip abroad.
Heartworm(Dirofilaria Immitis)
This is primarily a disease of dogs and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is widespread around the world, but especially in Southern Europe. The immature worms are passed into the dog’s bloodstream via mosquito bites where they migrate to the major blood vessels and heart and can cause serious heart and lung problems.
Babesiosis
This is transmitted by certain ticks. These ticks are common in southern and central Europe and are now spreading further north. When ticks feed, saliva is injected into the host together with the Babesia organisms, which invade and multiply in red blood cells. Affected animals develop fever, anaemia, weakness, lethargy, weight loss and red or dark brown urine. Without treatment death can occur.
Ehrlichiosis
This is another disease spread by ticks and is widespread in southern Europe. Symptoms of this disease vary widely and may include fever, swollen glands, bleeding into the eyes, from the nose and into the skin. It can be diagnosed by a blood test and if caught in the early stages can be treated.
What are the best ways to prevent parasites spreading disease aborad?
| Region of travel | Risk Factors | Preventative technique |
| Northern Europe/Alps | Ticks | Credelio tablet (start 1 week before departure) |
| Southern Europe/Warm climates | Ticks
Sand-flies Mosquitoes |
Credelio Tablet (start 1 week before departure)
Scalibor collar (start 1 month before departure) Avoid taking your pet out in the evenings/night time when biting insects are most prevalent |