What Is A Pet Passport & How Do I Get One?
18.02.25 February 18, 2025 Owning a Cat

What Is A Pet Passport & How Do I Get One?

If you’re a UK-based pet owner planning a trip abroad with your dog or cat, you’ve likely come across the term “pet passport.” From the cost of a cat passport to the post-Brexit regulations affecting an animal passport, it can be a little confusing to understand the latest requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down what a pet passport is, how it used to work in Europe before Brexit, and what you’ll need to do now to ensure your pet has everything it needs to travel safely and legally. What Is A Pet Passport? A “pet passport,” sometimes also called a pet ID passport, is an official document that historically allowed pets—most commonly dogs, cats, and ferrets—to travel between various countries without needing lengthy quarantine periods. Before Brexit, a European pet passport was often sufficient for UK owners travelling to EU countries, provided their pet’s vaccinations, microchip details, and owner information were up to date. The Purpose of a Pet Passport Verified Identity: It contains your pet’s microchip number, name, and breed. Health Records: It includes proof of valid rabies vaccinations and other relevant health details. Owner Information: Shows the name, address, and contact information of the pet’s owner. By having a valid pet passport (or, in the post-Brexit world, the right certification), you minimise any travel-related stress for both you and your pet, making the journey smoother at border controls. Pet Travel After Brexit Since the UK left the EU, the European pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) is no longer valid for travel to EU countries. Instead, pet owners now need what is known as an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if they’re travelling from the UK to the EU or Northern Ireland. Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This is valid for a single trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU for four months, and return to Great Britain within four months. Every time you travel to the EU, you need a new AHC unless you already have an EU-issued passport from before Brexit (still valid if issued by an EU country). To get an AHC, you need to visit an official veterinarian (OV) who will check your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccinations, and general health. For more detailed information, you can consult the official guidelines on Getting an animal health certificate (GOV.UK). Do I Still Need a Pet Passport? If you have a pet passport issued by an EU country, you might still be able to use it—this includes documents issued in Northern Ireland. However, if your passport was issued in Great Britain, it is no longer valid for travel in the EU. You’ll need an AHC for your next trip. You can learn more about this on the GOV.UK website. For UK-based owners, think of the new Animal Health Certificate as the updated version of a pet passport. The purpose is the same—ensuring your pet meets all health requirements before crossing borders—but the format and paperwork have changed since Brexit. Applying for a Pet Passport (Pre-Brexit) vs. Now Before Brexit, you could easily apply for a pet passport online through certain veterinary providers or book an appointment with an official vet. You would bring your pet’s vaccination records and microchip details, and they would issue a passport that remained valid as long as you kept vaccinations updated. Today, the process is more or less replaced by obtaining an Animal Health Certificate if you’re travelling from Great Britain. You can’t simply apply for a pet passport online in the UK the same way you once could for EU travel, because the requirements have changed. However, you can still find online resources to guide you to an official vet, who is the only person able to issue the relevant documentation. How Much Does It Cost? One of the most common questions people ask is the cost of a cat passport or dog passport. While the pet passport scheme is no longer valid in the same way if it was issued in Great Britain, you can still get an EU-issued passport if your pet resides in an EU country or travels regularly there. However, for most UK owners, the main cost to consider is the Animal Health Certificate. The fee for an Animal Health Certificate can range from around £100 to £200+, depending on your vet’s pricing. Vaccinations & Microchipping Cost:  Rabies vaccinations typically cost around £15 to £60, tapeworm treatment is around £20 to £30 and a microchip insertion can be around £15 to £30 if your pet isn’t already chipped. Because these expenses can add up, it’s always a good idea to call around to different veterinarians to compare prices. Keep in mind you may also need boosters or treatments for tapeworm (particularly for dogs) depending on your destination. You will also want to make sure your pet is up to date with their regular vaccinations, flea and worming treatments - the cost of these varies between vets but a lot of practices have pet plans which include or subsidise the cost of these. What You Need to Travel with Your Pet The specific requirements vary based on where you’re travelling, but here are some general guidelines: Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped before any vaccinations for travel. Rabies Vaccination: This must be done at least 21 days before you travel Animal Health Certificate: Issued within 10 days of your trip if you’re heading to the EU. Tapeworm Treatment (For Dogs): Required when travelling to certain countries, administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival. Preparing Your Pet for Travel Travel can be stressful for animals, especially if they’re not used to long journeys. Whether you have a dog passport or a cat passport, there are a few steps you can take to make their trip more comfortable Carrier or Crate: Invest in a sturdy, comfortable pet carrier or crate that allows your pet enough room to turn around and lie down. Familiar Items: Put a favourite toy or blanket inside the carrier to help your pet feel more at ease. Gradual Acclimatisation: Let your pet get used to the carrier at home before the trip so they see it as a safe space. Frequent Breaks: If you’re driving, plan stops so your pet can stretch their legs, rehydrate, and relieve themselves. For more tips on travelling safely with your pet, check out the Travelling with Your Pet collection on our website, where you’ll find carriers, travel accessories, and other essentials designed to make journeys smoother. Final Thoughts While the European pet passport offered a convenient solution in the past, the post-Brexit travel scenario for UK-based pets now requires a bit more planning with the Animal Health Certificate. The good news is that the process is still straightforward, as long as you’re prepared. Make sure your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccinations are up to date well in advance of your travel date, and keep an eye on the latest guidance from GOV.UK to ensure your paperwork remains valid. With a little preparation, you and your furry companion can continue to explore new destinations together, worry-free. Want to learn more about travelling with pets?
Feel free to browse our Travelling with Your Pet collection for crates, carriers, and other travel essentials. Wherever your next trip takes you, we hope you and your pet have a safe and joyful journey!

By Megan Willis

Read more

If you’re a UK-based pet owner planning a trip abroad with your dog or cat, you’ve likely come across the term “pet passport.” From the cost of a cat passport to the post-Brexit regulations affecting an animal passport, it can be a little confusing to understand the latest requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down what a pet passport is, how it used to work in Europe before Brexit, and what you’ll need to do now to ensure your pet has everything it needs to travel safely and legally.

What Is A Pet Passport?

A “pet passport,” sometimes also called a pet ID passport, is an official document that historically allowed pets—most commonly dogs, cats, and ferrets—to travel between various countries without needing lengthy quarantine periods. Before Brexit, a European pet passport was often sufficient for UK owners travelling to EU countries, provided their pet’s vaccinations, microchip details, and owner information were up to date.

The Purpose of a Pet Passport

two dachshunds in a travel carrier
  1. Verified Identity: It contains your pet’s microchip number, name, and breed.
  2. Health Records: It includes proof of valid rabies vaccinations and other relevant health details.
  3. Owner Information: Shows the name, address, and contact information of the pet’s owner.

By having a valid pet passport (or, in the post-Brexit world, the right certification), you minimise any travel-related stress for both you and your pet, making the journey smoother at border controls.

Pet Travel After Brexit

Since the UK left the EU, the European pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) is no longer valid for travel to EU countries. Instead, pet owners now need what is known as an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if they’re travelling from the UK to the EU or Northern Ireland.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This is valid for a single trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU for four months, and return to Great Britain within four months. Every time you travel to the EU, you need a new AHC unless you already have an EU-issued passport from before Brexit (still valid if issued by an EU country).

To get an AHC, you need to visit an official veterinarian (OV) who will check your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccinations, and general health. For more detailed information, you can consult the official guidelines on Getting an animal health certificate (GOV.UK).

Do I Still Need a Pet Passport?

Cocker spaniel in the back of a car

If you have a pet passport issued by an EU country, you might still be able to use it—this includes documents issued in Northern Ireland. However, if your passport was issued in Great Britain, it is no longer valid for travel in the EU. You’ll need an AHC for your next trip. You can learn more about this on the GOV.UK website.

For UK-based owners, think of the new Animal Health Certificate as the updated version of a pet passport. The purpose is the same—ensuring your pet meets all health requirements before crossing borders—but the format and paperwork have changed since Brexit.

Applying for a Pet Passport (Pre-Brexit) vs. Now

Before Brexit, you could easily apply for a pet passport online through certain veterinary providers or book an appointment with an official vet. You would bring your pet’s vaccination records and microchip details, and they would issue a passport that remained valid as long as you kept vaccinations updated.

Today, the process is more or less replaced by obtaining an Animal Health Certificate if you’re travelling from Great Britain. You can’t simply apply for a pet passport online in the UK the same way you once could for EU travel, because the requirements have changed. However, you can still find online resources to guide you to an official vet, who is the only person able to issue the relevant documentation.

How Much Does It Cost?

dog in the boot of a car

One of the most common questions people ask is the cost of a cat passport or dog passport. While the pet passport scheme is no longer valid in the same way if it was issued in Great Britain, you can still get an EU-issued passport if your pet resides in an EU country or travels regularly there. However, for most UK owners, the main cost to consider is the Animal Health Certificate.

The fee for an Animal Health Certificate can range from around £100 to £200+, depending on your vet’s pricing.

Vaccinations & Microchipping Cost: 

Rabies vaccinations typically cost around £15 to £60, tapeworm treatment is around £20 to £30 and a microchip insertion can be around £15 to £30 if your pet isn’t already chipped.

Because these expenses can add up, it’s always a good idea to call around to different veterinarians to compare prices. Keep in mind you may also need boosters or treatments for tapeworm (particularly for dogs) depending on your destination. You will also want to make sure your pet is up to date with their regular vaccinations, flea and worming treatments - the cost of these varies between vets but a lot of practices have pet plans which include or subsidise the cost of these.

What You Need to Travel with Your Pet

The specific requirements vary based on where you’re travelling, but here are some general guidelines:

  1. Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped before any vaccinations for travel.
  2. Rabies Vaccination: This must be done at least 21 days before you travel
  3. Animal Health Certificate: Issued within 10 days of your trip if you’re heading to the EU.
  4. Tapeworm Treatment (For Dogs): Required when travelling to certain countries, administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

retriever in the boot of a car

Travel can be stressful for animals, especially if they’re not used to long journeys. Whether you have a dog passport or a cat passport, there are a few steps you can take to make their trip more comfortable

  • Carrier or Crate: Invest in a sturdy, comfortable pet carrier or crate that allows your pet enough room to turn around and lie down.
  • Familiar Items: Put a favourite toy or blanket inside the carrier to help your pet feel more at ease.
  • Gradual Acclimatisation: Let your pet get used to the carrier at home before the trip so they see it as a safe space.
  • Frequent Breaks: If you’re driving, plan stops so your pet can stretch their legs, rehydrate, and relieve themselves.

For more tips on travelling safely with your pet, check out the Travelling with Your Pet collection on our website, where you’ll find carriers, travel accessories, and other essentials designed to make journeys smoother.

Final Thoughts

While the European pet passport offered a convenient solution in the past, the post-Brexit travel scenario for UK-based pets now requires a bit more planning with the Animal Health Certificate. The good news is that the process is still straightforward, as long as you’re prepared.

Make sure your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccinations are up to date well in advance of your travel date, and keep an eye on the latest guidance from GOV.UK to ensure your paperwork remains valid. With a little preparation, you and your furry companion can continue to explore new destinations together, worry-free.

Want to learn more about travelling with pets?
Feel free to browse our Travelling with Your Pet collection for crates, carriers, and other travel essentials. Wherever your next trip takes you, we hope you and your pet have a safe and joyful journey!

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Here are our favourite catnip toys. 4. Incorporate Cat Tunnels and Beds A cat tunnel bed is a multifunctional item that provides both a space to rest and a structure to explore. Cat tunnels can satisfy a cat’s natural curiosity, giving them a chance to hide, pounce, and even nap in a cosy nook. For older cats, these tunnels can also encourage gentle exercise. We especially love the All For Paws Vintage Cat Tunnel as it even has play balls attached for extra fun! 5. Rotate Cat Toys Even the most exciting toy can become mundane if your cat plays with it every day. To keep your cat’s interest, rotate their toys weekly. Include different types like ball toys for cats, cat chew toys, and cat string toys to provide variety. 6. Set Up a Climbing Space Cats love to climb and perch in high places. A multi-level cat tree or shelving can create a vertical playground. Pair it with dangling cat feather toys or string toys to encourage your cat to climb and pounce. Our Malmo wall climbers are perfect for cats who love to climb, and create their dream assault course to make their dreams come true! 7. Engage in Puzzle Play Puzzle feeders are excellent for keeping your cat’s brain engaged. These interactive cat toys challenge your cat to think critically and work for their treats. It’s a great way to combine entertainment with feeding time. 8. Use Technology Laser pointers and automated toys are wonderful tools to entertain your cat. Laser pointers encourage your cat to chase and pounce, simulating a hunting experience. Just be sure to reward your cat with a physical toy at the end of play to avoid frustration. 9. Provide Window Perches While your indoor cat may not roam outside, they can still enjoy the view. Set up a window perch or ledge where they can observe birds, people, and other outdoor activities. For added stimulation, place a bird feeder outside the window to create a "cat TV" experience. 10. Engage All Ages Older cats may not be as energetic as kittens, but they still need stimulation. Cat toys for older cats, like soft chew toys or slower-moving interactive toys, can keep them entertained without overstimulating them. Top Cat Toys to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained The market is filled with toys designed to entertain cats, but these are our top picks for keeping your feline friend happy: KONG Catnip infuser: Perfect for cats who love catnip, this toy infuses the balls with catnip to keep them active and engaged. All For Paws Vintage Cat Tunnel: Ideal for exploration, hiding, and play. It even has play balls attached for added fun. Catit Senses 2.0 Circuits: These are the best interactive cat toys in our opinion. The range can all be used together to make the perfect interactive playground for your indoor cat. They are excellent for self-play and will keep your cat entertained for hours. KONG Cat Wubba Teaser Boa: There’s a reason this toy is such a hit. Cat Feather Toys are great because they mimic a bird in flight, making them perfect interactive play sessions. A bonus is that it’s infused with North American Catnip for an even more stimulating playtime. KONG Cat Active Tennis Balls: These Ball Toys for Cats are the perfect size for your favourite feline. Simple but effective, these rolling toys encourage your cat to chase and pounce helping to fulfil your cat’s chasing and hunting desires. Why Playtime is Important Regular play not only entertains your cat but also helps maintain their physical health. Activities like chasing a ball toy or pouncing on a feather toy improve muscle tone and agility. Additionally, playtime strengthens the bond between you and your cat, creating a happier home environment. Final Thoughts: How to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained Entertaining your indoor cat doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right combination of cat toys, interactive activities, and a stimulating environment, your feline friend will lead a happy, enriched life. Whether it’s a catnip ball, a cat tunnel bed, or a puzzle feeder, investing in quality toys and dedicating time to play with your cat ensures they stay entertained and healthy. Explore our full range of top cat toys, including interactive cat toys and catnip toys, at Lords & Labradors. Let’s make your indoor cat’s world as exciting as the outdoors!

    By Megan Willis

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