Family getaways are now just as much about fur-babies as they are about toddlers. However, travelling with pets outside of the UK can feel confusing and at times, overwhelming too.

Pet travel rules from the UK and ID requirements when travelling with pets

It’s always best to check the latest government guidance when travelling with a pet, especially if your pet travel plans involve travelling to Europe from the UK. However, these are the main requirements to meet:

Pet travel essentials - pet passports:

A UK pet passport is no longer valid for pet travel to the EU or Northern Ireland (even if it hasn’t technically expired). A European pet passport however is still valid when travelling with a pet on the other hand, but only if:

• It was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland, and

• Your pet’s rabies vaccinations and booster schedule are up-to-date

If you don’t have a valid European pet passport, you’ll need new identification certificates for each trip.

Pet travel essentials - Animal Health Certificates:

For travel from the UK to the EU, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of departure. An OV is a UK-licensed vet who has received additional government-approved training to carry out specific duties on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), so plan ahead as this might not be available at your regular vet.

An animal health certificate is single-use and valid for up to 4 months for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain. They typically cost between £100–£200 and must be issued up to 10 days before travel.

For travel outside of Europe from the UK, the process is different and usually more complex. Instead of an AHC, you’ll need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and possibly a third country veterinary certificate, depending on your destination. Specific requirements, such as blood tests, parasite treatments, or quarantine may also be compulsory, so check the guidance on the UK Government’s pet travel website to be clear on the exact rules in advance.

Pet travel essentials - microchipping:

Your pet must also be microchipped before travel, and the chip number must be recorded correctly on the AHC and EHC. This microchip must be readable by standard scanners and implanted before the rabies vaccination otherwise, the vaccination may not be valid for travel. 

Pro tip: It’s a good idea to have your vet scan the chip during routine checkups to ensure it’s working properly as dogs on planes can’t travel without this.

Vaccinations and Medication requirements when travelling with a pet

To travel with your pet, rabies vaccination is a legal requirement. Ferrets, cats and dogs on planes, trains, ferries must meet the following criteria: 

• At least 12 weeks old

• Microchipped before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine

• Vaccinated at least 21 days before travel

Booster jabs must be kept up to date and administered before the expiry date listed by your vet to avoid restarting the waiting period. You’ll need to show proof of this vaccination on your AHC or EHC.

For Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland specifically, dogs also need vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before entry. The treatment must contain praziquantel (or equivalent) and be certified on your pet’s travel documents.

Entry requirements for the UK when travelling with a pet

Pet travel essentials - tapeworm treatment:

There are subtle differences in the rules when leaving and entering the UK to be aware of. For example, before re-entry to Great Britain, most dogs must receive vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24–120 hours before arrival, unless returning directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, or Norway. This means your dog won’t require treatment when travelling to Spain or France for the UK, but they will need it for their return trip. 

Pet travel essentials - rabies test when returning from certain countries:

When travelling with a pet from non‑EU or “unlisted” countries, a rabies blood test (titer) taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 calendar months before travel may also be mandatory, but as this varies from country to country, it’s imperative to check the UK government’s pet travel website.

Also remember that you must enter the UK through designated entry points whether returning from EU, non‑EU, or unlisted countries when travelling with a pet. 

Northern Ireland specific rules for pet travel 

Northern Ireland follows EU pet travel rules, even though it’s part of the UK. So when travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland:

• Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies (and the 21-day waiting period post-vaccination applies)

• Tapeworm treatment is required for dogs 24–120 hours before travel

• You must enter through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) in Northern Ireland

Pet travel essentials - NI Pet Travel Scheme 

Also, travellers should be aware that a new NI Pet Travel Scheme has been rolled out from 4 June 2025, which means that an Animal Health Certificate is only needed where travellers are continuing onwards to the EU. However, if you’re staying within Northern Ireland, Great Britain residents travelling to Northern Ireland will be able to use a free NI Pet Travel Document instead. 

If you’re returning to Great Britain from Northern Ireland, this constitutes domestic travel, so no AHC, health certificate, or additional checks are needed.

You can apply for a Northern Ireland pet travel document online, which is valid for as long as you own the pet.

Which airlines allow pets in the cabin for flights from the UK? 

Which low-cost carriers allow pets in the cabin?

Expert advice to prepare your dog for a flight

The RSPCA advises consulting your vet in advance (ideally one month before travel) and obtaining a health certificate to assess that your dog is healthy enough, both mentally and physically, for the journey as travel can be stressful for dogs and other pets.

Additionally, here are a number of expert-approved tactics to prepare your dogs for planes and travel in general:

• Crate-training as a 'safe den': The RSPCA strongly recommends crate training to help dogs feel safe during travel, using the crate as a comforting and secure “den” they recognise and trust

• Feed lightly, time wisely: Advice from UK vets recommend minimal meals 6–8 hours before travel to avoid nausea, and offering small sips of water until 1–2 hours before transit 

• Avoid sedatives: The UK’s IATA guidelines and many UK vets strongly discourage sedating animals for travel due to risks at altitude. Instead, while not always codified, many UK vets support using calming pheromone sprays (like Adaptil) and adding a worn T-shirt or favourite toy to reduce anxiety in the pet carrier.

And if you're not quite ready to take to the skies, both the RSPCA and Dogs Trust encourage easing dogs into travel with UK-based getaways first. Look for dog-friendly holidays where your pup can get used to new environments, whether it’s a cabin in the Lake District or a seaside escape in Cornwall. Building up their travel confidence on the ground can make flying feel far less daunting for both of you. 

Before You Book:

• Check if your destination is in the EU or not as this determines whether you need an AHC or EHC

• Check your airline or ferry’s pet policy (not all carriers accept pets)

• Confirm the entry rules for your destination (e.g. rabies, microchip, paperwork)

For EU, Northern Ireland & listed countries (e.g. Switzerland, Norway):

21+ Days Before Travel:

•  Microchip your pet (must be done before rabies jab)

•  Rabies vaccination (must be at least 21 days old on day of travel)

Within 10 Days of Travel:

•  Visit an official vet for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

• Valid for entry to EU/NI for 10 days

• Covers onward EU travel and UK return for up to 6 months

For Non-EU destinations (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, UAE):

Start planning 4–6 weeks ahead:

• Use the UK EHC Finder to find an official vet appointment to issue the Export Health Certificate (EHC)

• Meet any country-specific entry rules (e.g. vet exams, parasite treatments, forms endorsed by destination authorities)

Before Return to the UK (All Pets):

• Book a tapeworm treatment with a vet (1–5 days before re-entry)
  – Not required if returning from Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway

Travel Essentials:

•  Airline-approved pet carrier (labelled with contact details)

•  Familiar-smelling item (e.g. T-shirt)

•  Water dispenser or frozen water bottle

•  Absorbent pads

•  Print copies of all documents: AHC/EHC, rabies proof, ID, vet notes

Important note: always check gov.uk and your destination’s official guidance for the latest rules.

Family getaways are now just as much about fur babies as they are about toddlers. However, planning a holiday with a dog can feel confusing. If you’re looking for which airlines allow pets to fly with you in the cabin, whether you need to travel with a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate, or what the entry requirements are for coming into the UK with your pet, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know before planning adventures with your four-legged plus-one.

Here's a quick overview:

• British travellers now need an Animal Health Certificate for EU trips, but pet travel rules are different if you live in Northern Ireland, and for travel to non-EU countries. 

• Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin, while others only allow pets in the hold or cargo, so there’s no one definitive rule. And many UK budget airlines only permit assistance dogs on planes.

• You can't fly back to the UK with your pet in the cabin on any air route. However, there are alternative ways to travel with your pet

What are the new pet travel rules for travelling to Europe?

If your main home is in Great Britain, your dog, cat or ferret needs an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to travel to the EU in place of a pet passport.

An Animal Health Certificate, or AHC, is a pet travel document that proves your dog, cat or ferret meets the health rules for entering the EU. It includes details of your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccination and owner information.

An AHC must be signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV). This is a vet who has taken additional training to be authorised to carry out official pet travel checks. Not every vet practice can issue AHCs, so book early and check if your vet can provide one before your travel date. 

There’s no standard pricing for an AHC but typically, these can cost between £99 and £250 depending on your location and whether you book in advance. Prices also vary based on your timeline and whether you need to add more pets to the document.

Along with this, Brits travelling to the EU will also need to:

• Ensure your pet must be microchipped

• Ensure your pet has a valid rabies vaccination.

• Ensure your dog takes tapeworm treatment if travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.

Also, rules have changed if someone is travelling with your pet. This is still permitted as long as you're planning on joining the trip within 5 days, and have given written permission to whomever is transporting your pet.

What you need to know about Animal Health Certificates

• Your AHC must be issued within 10 days before you enter the EU

• Only an OV can sign an AHC

• You need a new AHC for each trip from Great Britain to the EU.

• An AHC is valid for up to 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain. If you stay abroad for more than 6 months, you’ll need a signed and dated Great Britain pet health certificate from an authorised OV to bring your dog, cat or ferret back instead.

• You can still use an accepted pet passport to return to Great Britain if it was issued in the EU, Northern Ireland, or in Great Britain before 1 January 2021, and your main residence is in the EU. This is useful for British travellers whose pets have a valid EU pet passport because they live in the EU, but it does not replace the AHC requirement for GB residents travelling from Great Britain to the EU.

• Your AHC should be issued in English and in the language of the EU country where you first enter the EU. So, if you’re visiting Spain with your dog but entering the EU through the Eurotunnel in Calais, your AHC should be in English and French.

• Up to 5 pets can be added to the same AHC. 

What pet travel documents do you need outside the EU?

An Animal Health Certificate is only one type of pet travel document. The right document depends on where you’re going, where you’re travelling from and whether your pet is travelling with you or separately. 

We've provided a quick overview above (see the table under ‘Is an Animal Health Certificate just for travel to Europe’), but it’s best practice to always check the destination country’s official rules before booking. Remember, airline approval does not guarantee your pet will be allowed across the border.

Can I take my dog on a plane?

Yes, but it depends on the airline, route, destination and your pet’s size. Every airline has its own rules for furry flyers. Some allow small pets in the cabin, some only allow pets in the hold or cargo, and some UK airlines only allow recognised assistance dogs.

However, the UK does not permit dogs to enter border control with you, so you can't fly with your dog in the cabin on journeys back to the UK.

Which airlines allow pets in the cabin from the UK?

Expert advice to prepare your dog for a flight

The RSPCA advises consulting your vet in advance (ideally one month before travel) and obtaining a health certificate to assess that your dog is healthy enough, both mentally and physically, for the journey as travel can be stressful for dogs and other pets.

Additionally, here are a number of expert-approved tactics to prepare your dogs for planes and travel in general:

• Crate-training as a 'safe den': The RSPCA strongly recommends crate training to help dogs feel safe during travel, using the crate as a comforting and secure “den” they recognise and trust

• Feed lightly, time wisely: Advice from UK vets recommend minimal meals 6–8 hours before travel to avoid nausea, and offering small sips of water until 1–2 hours before transit 

• Avoid sedatives: The UK’s IATA guidelines and many UK vets strongly discourage sedating animals for travel due to risks at altitude. Instead, while not always codified, many UK vets support using calming pheromone sprays (like Adaptil) and adding a worn T-shirt or favourite toy to reduce anxiety in the pet carrier.

And if you're not quite ready to take to the skies, both the RSPCA and Dogs Trust encourage easing dogs into travel with UK-based getaways first. Look for dog-friendly holidays on Skyscanner by filtering hotels via the ´pets allowed' feature. This way, your pup can get used to new environments, whether it’s a cabin in the Lake District or a seaside escape in Cornwall. Building up their travel confidence on the ground can make flying feel far less daunting for both of you. 

Now you know how to take your pet abroad, all you have to do is pick where. Lucky for you, we’ve also created a guide on the world’s most pet-friendly cities to help!