Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for UK to EU pet travel: book at the right time, not too early or too late.
Enter your travel date. Get every date you need — rabies, vet appointment, tapeworm.
- No login, no account
- Dates stay in your browser
- Built-in 2-day safety buffer
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) timeline calculator
UK → EU pet travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets.
How the AHC timing actually works
Three rules trip up most first-time travellers. AHC Ready enforces all three and works backward from your travel date.
21-day rabies wait
Your pet must be microchipped before their rabies vaccination, then wait 21 clear days. Travel is first possible on day 22 after the jab.
10-day AHC window
The Official Vet can only sign the AHC within 10 days of travel. Book it too early and it becomes invalid. Book it too late and there is no time left.
Dog tapeworm windows
Dogs need a vet-given tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before returning to the UK, and before arrival in Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway.
The printable Trip Pack — £7.99
The free tool shows your dates on screen. The Trip Pack is the document you actually take to the vet and the border. See a full sample pack →
Dated timeline
Every date from today through your return, with the 2-day safety buffer built in.
Vet-prep sheet
Exactly what your OV needs to see and do at the AHC appointment, so nothing gets missed and you don't need a repeat visit.
Document checklist
Microchip record, vaccination card, AHC, tapeworm certificate: one list you tick off as you go.
No-questions-asked refund: email [email protected] within 14 days for a full refund. You don't need to give a reason.
Dated timelines by destination
Country-specific notes for the most-travelled routes.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book my AHC appointment before travel to the EU?
Your Official Veterinarian (OV) must issue the Animal Health Certificate no more than 10 days before you travel. AHC Ready recommends booking within an 8-day window before travel, which leaves a 2-day safety buffer.
How long after a rabies vaccination can my pet travel to the EU?
Your pet must wait 21 clear days after their rabies vaccination before travel. Day 1 is counted as the day after the injection, so travel is first possible on day 22 after the vaccination date.
Do dogs need tapeworm treatment for EU travel?
Dogs need a vet-administered tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before returning to the UK. Dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway also need it 24-120 hours before arrival there.
Is the AHC timeline calculator free?
Yes. The interactive timeline is free and shows your dated plan on screen. A printable, personalised Trip Pack PDF is available for a one-time £7.99.