If you are travelling overseas with your dog or cat from the UK, you will almost certainly need an Export Health Certificate, often referred to as an EHC or a DEFRA health certificate. These are official veterinary documents confirming that your pet meets the import requirements of your destination country.
Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU. Most international pet travel now requires formal export certification signed by an Official Veterinarian and, in many cases, endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
At PetAir, we manage EHCs for pets travelling to over 300 destinations worldwide. Having safely relocated more than 33,000 dogs and cats globally, we understand the precise regulatory requirements needed to keep your pet compliant, comfortable and safe.
What Is an Export Health Certificate?
An Export Health Certificate is a government-approved veterinary document. It confirms that your dog or cat:
- Is microchipped and correctly identified
- Has a valid rabies vaccination
- Meets disease control requirements for the destination country
- Is clinically fit to travel
- Complies with the importing country’s legal framework
The certificate must be completed by an Official Veterinarian and issued within a strict time window before departure, which varies depending on the destination.
You can learn more about Export Health Certificates in our other blog here.
Why Are Export Health Certificates Required?
Export Health Certificates exist to prevent the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases. The UK is rabies-free, and many importing countries have strict biosecurity measures to protect their animal and human populations.
Without the correct documentation, your pet may:
- Be refused entry
- Be placed into quarantine
- Be returned to the UK
- Face costly delays and additional charges
For this reason, accurate planning and professional oversight are essential when flying pets safely overseas.
Country-by-Country Overview:
Country Specific Requirements
Requirements vary significantly depending on where you are travelling. Below is a practical overview of common destinations for UK pet owners.
EU Countries
Travelling from Great Britain to an EU country such as France, Spain, Germany or Italy requires:
- A compliant microchip
- Rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
- A 21-day wait after primary rabies vaccination
- An Export Health Certificate issued within 10 days of entry, or an EU Animal Health Certificate if you are travelling within 5 days of your pet
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs travelling to countries such as Ireland, Finland or Malta
The EHC is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days and allows onward movement within the EU for up to four months, provided rabies vaccination remains valid.
If you are returning to Great Britain, separate entry rules apply and must be carefully checked before travel.
United States
The United States has introduced evolving regulations for dog imports, overseen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The UK is currently classified as low risk for rabies, but documentation is still required.
You may need:
- Microchip identification
- Valid rabies vaccination (only required in some states)
- CDC Dog Import Form
- Veterinary health certification depending on airline requirements
Cats travelling from the UK generally require proof of health and vaccination (requirements vary depending on the state), but rabies titre testing is not typically required.
Airline rules can differ, so documentation must align with both US federal and carrier requirements.
Australia
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity regulations globally. If you are flying pets safely to Australia, expect a structured and lengthy process, often taking six to eight months.
Requirements include:
- Microchipidentificatio
- Rabies vaccination
- Rabies antibody titre blood test at an approved laboratory
- Mandatory waiting period
- Import permit
- Official Export Health Certificate
- Post-arrival quarantine in Melbourne
Timelines are critical, particularly regarding rabies blood testing and waiting periods. Errors can significantly delay travel.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE requires:
- Microchip
- Valid rabies vaccination
- Additional core vaccinations
- Import permit approval
- Official Export Health Certificate issued shortly before travel
Due to climate considerations, airline approved travel crates and seasonal planning are essential when transporting pets to the region.
Canada
Canada’s requirements are generally less complex, but documentation is still important.
Typically required:
- Valid rabies vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate depending on airline policy
Although Export Health Certificates may not always be mandatory for cats, many airlines require official veterinary documentation prior to boarding.
Singapore
Singapore has structured import categories based on rabies risk.
Requirements may include:
- Microchip
- Up-to-date routine vaccinations
- Import licence
- Official Export Health Certificate
Planning must begin well in advance due to blood testing timelines and permit approval processes.
How Do I Get an Export Health Certificate in the UK?
The process typically involves the following steps.
Step 1: Confirm Microchip Compliance
Your pet must be microchipped before receiving rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be recorded accurately on all documents.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be administered after microchipping. For most destinations, travel cannot take place until at least 21 days after primary vaccination.
Step 3: Rabies Blood Test if Required
Certain countries require a rabies antibody titre test. This blood test must be performed at an approved laboratory and often involves a mandatory waiting period before travel.
Step 4: Import Permit Application
Some destinations require an approved import permit before the Export Health Certificate can be issued.
Step 5: Official Veterinarian Appointment
An Official Veterinarian completes and signs the Export Health Certificate within the required timeframe before departure. Some certificates require endorsement by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting the process too late
- Vaccinating before microchipping
- Booking flights before confirming eligibility
- Incorrect rabies vaccination dates
- Overlooking tapeworm requirements for dogs
- Choosing non-compliant travel crates
Export Health Certificates are legal documents. Even minor errors can invalidate travel arrangements.
How Long Is an Export Health Certificate Valid?
Validity depends on destination. For EU travel, the certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. For many long-haul destinations, certification is issued within 24 to 48 hours of departure.
The timing must align precisely with your booked flight. Don’t worry, PetAir will make sure your pet’s documents are issued at the correct times depending on your destination.
Why Work with a Vet-Led Pet Relocation Company?
Managing international pet travel involves synchronising veterinary care, government paperwork, airline compliance and strict timelines.
At PetAir, owned and run by veterinary professionals, we oversee:
- Vaccination planning and scheduling
- Rabies titre coordination
- Import permit applications
- Export Health Certificate preparation
- Provide airline and IATA approved, bespoke pet crates
- Pre-flight pet travel prep advice
- Final pre-travel veterinary certification
Our priority is regulatory compliance, welfare and a calm, structured travel experience for your pet. Learn more about why you should choose PetAir UK here.
Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Journey?
If you are unsure whether your dog or cat needs an Export Health Certificate, our experienced team is here to help. PetAir UK sort all the paperwork you need for your pet to relocate, helping creat a stress-free experience.
Give us a call to speak with a specialist, or request a tailored quote online here.
Planning early makes all the difference. Let us make your pet’s journey safe, compliant and stress free.
