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The GB Animal Health Certificate: the document UK entry now requires

Last updated: September 9, 2026 — verified against GOV.UK and USDA APHIS.

Since the UK left the EU pet travel scheme, an EU pet passport is not accepted from US pets. Dogs and cats entering the UK from the USA travel on a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC), a one-time document that must be issued no more than 10 days before entry.

1 · VetMicrochip firstISO chip implanted before the rabies vaccination

2 · VaccineRabies, then 21 daysThe vaccination must be at least 21 days old on arrival in the UK

3 · Vet visitAHC issuedNo more than 10 days before entry. APHA-endorsed vet from the USA

4 · Dogs onlyTapeworm treatment24 to 120 hours before arrival, recorded on the certificate

5 · ArriveApproved routeTravel with an authorized carrier on an approved route

Passport vs AHC in practice

EU pet passport: for pets that live in the EU. Not valid for US pets entering the UK.
GB AHC: a single-entry document for pets entering the UK from outside. A new certificate is needed for each trip.
UK pets returning: the AHC also covers return travel to the UK within 4 months for UK pets travelling in the EU.

Plan the 10-day window

The certificate is issued by the vet and, from the USA, endorsed by APHIS. Both steps must fit inside the 10 days before entry, on top of the 21-day rabies wait and the 24 to 120 hour tapeworm window for dogs. If your flight moves, the certificate may need to be redone. That is the main reason UK-bound pet travel rebooks flights.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an EU pet passport and a GB Animal Health Certificate?

The UK left the EU pet travel scheme, so EU pet passports are not accepted from US pets. Pets entering the UK from the USA need a GB Animal Health Certificate instead.

How long before travel must the AHC be issued?

No more than 10 days before entry to the UK. The rabies vaccination must also be at least 21 days old.

Who can issue the AHC from the USA?

An APHA-endorsed veterinarian. From the EU, any official veterinarian can issue it.

How long is the AHC valid?

It is valid for 10 days from issue to entry, and covers return travel to the UK within 4 months for UK pets.

Dogs also need the tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival. Cats are exempt from that requirement.

Official sources

UK GOV.UK pet travel: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

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