What exactly is a pet passport?

A pet passport is an official, standardized document (primarily for dogs, cats, and ferrets) that enables, simplifies, and regulates international travel, allowing pets to cross borders—particularly within the EU—without quarantine. It records essential identification, owner details, and vital health information, most notably a current rabies vaccination.

How do pet passports work?

These passports also include information about the owner, which could help authorities if the pet goes missing. The European Union (EU) has a pet passport scheme that makes it relatively easy for pet owners to take up to 5 dogs, cats and ferrets between its member countries, and also to Norway and Northern Ireland.

What is a pet passport?

A pet passport is a collection of official documents that confirm your pet meets the health and import requirements of the country you're traveling to. It typically includes details such as your pet's microchip number, vaccination history, parasite treatments, and veterinary health certificates.

How much will a pet passport cost?

The cost for an AHC typically ranges from £150 to £350, depending on the specific requirements. This includes a microchip (£10–£30), a rabies vaccination (£40–£70), and the AHC issuance by a vet (£100–£200) after a 21-day wait following the rabies shot.

How long does a pet passport take?

Pet passports can be issued within 24 hours Monday to Friday. However, after your pet has received their rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days to travel. Most people allow ample time to get their pets a passport, but it can be obtained in around 3 weeks to a month if needed.

Do Dogs Need Passports International Travel? Rules for Pets

What is the difference between a pet passport and a health certificate?

Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) are required for travel with any dog, cat or ferret. An AHC is not the same as a pet passport. The main difference between the two is that AHCs are only valid for one trip to the EU, whereas pet passports could be used as long as you kept them up to date with relevant vaccinations.

How do I get a pet passport online?

Apply online by filling in our online form giving your details and your pet's details. Send any supporting documents as scans or photos. We will confirm your application has been received, that all the information is valid and we will arrange a collection time. After payment we will issue your AHC.

Can a vet outside the EU issue a pet passport?

An EU Pet Passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian in a EU Member State (country within the EU) or other designated country that contains official health information related to a specific pet. An EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S.

Can pets get their own passport?

India does not issue “Indian pet passports.” This is the term typically used when referring to obtaining all the correct documents before traveling. Before entering India, you'll need a health certificate and potentially an import permit for your pet to enter the country.

What does a pet passport look like?

Appearance. The pet passport itself comes in multiple forms, sometimes a pink A4 sheet, sometimes a small blue booklet. It contains the microchip or tattoo number of the animal, the certification that the animal has had a rabies vaccination, and needs to be signed by an officially approved veterinarian.

Can I travel with my dog from the USA to Europe?

Microchip. Your pet must have a working microchip (also called a “transponder”) before getting its rabies vaccination for travel to the EU, and your veterinarian must always scan the microchip before giving your pet a rabies vaccination.

Can I travel with my dog without a passport?

You may need to show your pet's animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their: microchip. rabies vaccination.

Can I take my dog on a plane?

These rules are enforced: Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier. Non-collapsible kennels can't exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. Please contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.

Which animals can get an EU pet passport?

European Union (EU) Pet passports are issued for dogs, cats and ferrets only. Please check the country requirements for all other pets, such as birds, ornamental aquatic animals, reptiles, rodents or rabbits.

Are pet passport rules changing?

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on 19 May 2025, a new deal between the EU and the UK will include the re-introduction of EU pet passports. This should mean that for travel between the EU and the UK you can apply for a lifelong pet passport, rather than a one-off Animal Health Certificate.

How much does a pet passport cost?

An Animal Health Certificate costs £260 for one or two animals travelling on the same certificate. (This includes the time taken to review, prepare and finalise all documents. It does not include the cost of microchipping or rabies vaccination which must have been done at least 3 weeks previously).

How hard is it to get an EU pet passport?

Getting a pet passport is a simple and painless process that takes about a half hour. You do not need to apply for a pet passport. Simply find a licensed veterinarian and make an appointment after you have arrived in Europe.

How long are pet passports valid?

The pet passport will then remain valid for travel to and from the EU for as long as the rabies vaccination is valid - usually three years for most UK administered rabies vaccinations, however occasionally one year depending on the manufacturer of the rabies vaccination your vet uses.

How to complete pet passport?

What your pet passport must say

1. details of ownership - you must sign section I if your pet passport was issued on or after 29 December 2014.
2. description of animal.
3. marking or identification of animal.
4. vaccination against rabies.
5. details of the vet issuing the passport (for passports issued from 29 December 2014)

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

Total Cost ($335–$1,000)

Flying with your dog internationally will usually cost between $335 and $1,000, depending on the airline and the destination. This cost includes everything you need to fly with your dog, including the trip fee, the health certificate, and the proper crate.

What is the EU pet passport deal?

As part of a new UK-EU trade agreement, pet passports are set to make a return for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from the UK to the European Union or Northern Ireland. They replace the Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which was introduced after Brexit. The scheme has drawn criticism for being expensive and onerous.

What information is on a pet passport?

Most importantly a pet passport is used to ensure that a pet has met the certain medical criteria for the specific country that it is entering. This usually includes details on the range of vaccinations it has had, its worm treatment history, and blood and tick information.

Where to apply for a pet passport?

How do I get a pet passport? Rather than pet owners needing a GB-issued EU Pet Passport, owners need to obtain the AHC (Animal Health Certificate) from their pet's vet for each trip they take to a European country (including Northern Ireland).

How to have a pet passport?

To secure the pet passport, the dog must receive a rabies shot and/or a certificate denoting an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The vet will also fit the animal with an electronic microchip or tattoo that properly identifies the dog. Some countries also request proof of treatment for ticks and tapeworm.