October Deadline for New Pet Travel Certificate
Pet owners planning journeys from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland this autumn should be aware of an important documentation deadline, with the transition period for the previous Animal Health Certificate (AHC) format ending on 30 September 2026.
From 1 October 2026, the latest version of the Animal Health Certificate must be used for relevant journeys. The new certificate was originally introduced alongside wider changes to EU pet travel requirements in April, with a transition period allowing vets in Great Britain to continue issuing the previous version until the end of September.
An AHC is required for most dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It contains important information including the animal’s identity, microchip details and rabies vaccination status, providing confirmation that the necessary animal health requirements have been met.
For pet owners, the October deadline shouldn’t make travelling abroad any more difficult. It simply reinforces the importance of checking the latest requirements and making sure the correct documentation is arranged before departure.
Pet travel regulations can change, while individual countries, airlines and routes may also have their own requirements. Having experienced help can therefore make organising an international journey considerably easier.
At My Pet Travel, keeping up with changing international requirements is part of what we do every day. Our experienced team can help with documentation, veterinary requirements, flight arrangements and the wider travel process, ensuring everything is organised at the right time.
If you’re planning an overseas journey with your pet, talk to My Pet Travel and let us make the process as safe, smooth and stress-free as possible.
