Taking your pet on holiday outside of the UK

Travelling with pets can be an exciting prospect but requires some forward planning to make sure you are well prepared before starting your journey.

Animal Health Certificates

An Animal Health Certificate (or AHC) is now required to travel to EU countries. The AHC can only be completed by Government Certified Veterinary Surgeons. Milton Keynes Veterinary Group is fortunate to have several veterinary surgeons who are able to complete the paperwork required for travel, but it’s important that you allow sufficient time to book the required steps when you are arranging to travel.

Call us about a travel appointment for your pet

An hour-long appointment will be required at the surgery to issue the final paperwork so please speak to our client care team before booking. Providing your pet is up to date with their Rabies vaccination, we recommend contacting us with at least two weeks’ notice before your planned travel date. This gives us the best chance to complete your appointment within the required timeframe.

If your pet has not yet received their Rabies vaccination, or it has expired, then we recommend contacting us to book in at least two months before your planned travel date.

When you book in, our client care team will send over an information sheet with a section for you to complete and return ahead of your appointment. This will give our vet the key information they need to start filling in your AHC, so it’s vital this is filled in accurately.

Regulations for EU travel

Your pet must be microchipped
Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. You must wait 21 days from the date of the Rabies vaccination before the AHC can be completed and you can leave the UK (date of vaccination is day 0)
Your AHC is only valid for one visit to the European Union (EU) and for entry into the EU via the “point of entry” country you have stated (the AHC is dual language for that country only)
Your AHC is only valid for entry into the EU for ten days after the date of issue
Your AHC is valid for travel within the EU and your return to the UK for four months after the date of issue (if the animal remains in the EU for longer than four months then new paperwork will need to be issued by a vet in the EU to allow return to the UK)
Dogs returning to the UK are required to have tapeworm treatment administered by a vet one to five days prior to entering the UK and for that treatment to be entered in the table on the AHC

To ensure trouble-free travel it is essential that you familiarise yourself with current regulations by visiting https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad. If you have any questions, or would like to book a travel related appointment, please contact our client care team and we will be happy to help.

Call us about a travel appointment for your pet

Travel outside of the EU

Travel requirements for countries outside of the EU vary greatly depending on your destination, and these time schedules may increase. If you are planning to visit anywhere outside the EU, please make sure you contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate the additional measures required and help you plan correctly.

Diseases your pet may be at risk from whilst abroad:

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that targets the nervous system. It can be potentially fatal and also transmitted to humans. It is easily transmitted between animals and therefore is compulsory to have your pet vaccinated. There is currently no cure for Rabies and no test to confirm the disease. You can prevent your pet contracting the disease by vaccination as well as keeping your pet away from other dogs and wildlife in high-risk areas. The UK has officially been rabies-free since 1922.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a microscopic parasite which targets multiple organs of the body including the skin. It is transmitted by flies and can be transmitted to humans and is potentially fatal. The infection may take many months or years to become noticeable. Leishmaniasis can be diagnosed via a blood test; the condition can be difficult to treat and often incurable. To prevent this parasite, keep your pet indoors well before sunset and well after sunrise and you may condition using a fly repellent.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a microscopic parasite which targets red blood cells and is transmitted by ticks. This parasite can be fatal in some cases. Symptoms may include weakness and tiredness. In severe cases, the pet’s urine may become dark and gums may appear yellow in colour. This parasite can be tested for via a blood test. Current treatment is not readily available in the UK and in severe cases animals may require a blood transfusion.

Enrlichiosis

Enrlichiosis is a type of bacteria that targets the blood and is transmitted by ticks. The symptoms can include fever, depression, swollen glands and your pet may bleed easily when they have a minor wound. Swellings on the animal’s body may appear and in long term cases neurological issues may occur. Enrlichiosis can be diagnosed by a blood test and can be treated with antimicrobials, however severe cases can be difficult to treat. To prevent your pet from Enrlichiosis, it is advisable to use a preventative tick product whilst on holiday and it is recommended to treat your pet for ticks before returning to the UK.

Hepatozoonosis

Hepatozoonosis is a microscopic parasite which targets various internal organs in the body. It is transmitted to dogs by ticks which are swallowed when grooming. This parasite rarely causes disease on its own however if the animal suffers from another disease, the parasite will depress the immune system. Hepatozoonosis can be diagnosed via a blood test however it is a difficult condition to treat and may require drugs that are not readily available in the UK. Therefore, it is advisable to use preventive tick products whilst on holiday and it is recommended to treat your pet before returning to the UK.

Heartworm

Heartworm is a larval worm which develops and lives in the heart and lungs. The worm can take around 6 months to develop. It can be potentially fatal to the animal and is transmitted to animals by flies. Signs of heartworm can take several months or years to develop and may include breathlessness, unwillingness to exercise and coughing. In more severe cases, heart failure may be present and sudden death may occur. It can be diagnosed by a blood test and can be treated if discovered early. To prevent Heartworm, it is recommended to give your pet two treatments – one to prevent lungworm and one to repel mosquitos.

Tapeworm

Tapeworm is a microscopic parasite picked up within the environment and can be transmitted to humans and your pet is unlikely to show any symptoms. It is important to treat your pet regularly with a tapeworm wormer. It is a requirement that your dog is treated with a tapeworm wormer by the vet between 24-120 hours before returning to the UK.

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