To most international destinations, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is needed when relocating a pet. In this blog, we break down everything to do with Export Health Certificates – from requirements, timelines, common mistakes and how PetAir can help.
What this blog covers:
(Click the links below to skip to the section)
- Do you need an Export Health Certificate?
- What is an Export Health Certificate?
- Why an EHC became more complex after Brexit
- When does your dog or cat need an EHC?
- EHC timelines and validity
- Who can issue an EHC
- Common EHC mistakes
- Country-specific EHC examples
- How PetAir manages EHCs
- Practical tips for pet owners
Do you need an Export Health Certificate to fly your dog or cat from the UK?
Yes. If you are exporting a dog or cat from the UK to most international destinations, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is a legal requirement. An EHC confirms that your pet meets the destination country’s animal health and import regulations and must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) shortly before travel.
Since Brexit, EHCs have replaced the EU Pet Passport for outbound travel, making correct paperwork one of the most critical and time-sensitive parts of flying pets from the UK.
What is an Export Health Certificate?
An Export Health Certificate is an official veterinary document issued on behalf of DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). It confirms that your dog or cat:
- Is correctly microchipped
- Has a valid rabies vaccination
- Has received any additional vaccinations or parasite treatments required by the destination country
- Is clinically fit to fly
- Meets the specific import conditions of the destination country
There is no single universal EHC. Every country has its own certificate and requirements, which is why expert, vet-led guidance, such as from PetAir, is essential when relocating pets internationally.
Why Export Health Certificates Became More Complex After Brexit
Since January 2021, the UK has been classified as a third country for pet travel. This has significantly increased the complexity of exporting pets, particularly to the EU and beyond.
Pet owners now face:
- More paperwork and destination-specific certificates
- Stricter timelines for certification and endorsements
- Greater risk of refusal if even minor errors are made
Common issues such as incorrect dates, missing parasite treatments or the wrong certificate format can result in pets being denied boarding, delayed at the border or, in some countries, placed into quarantine.
When Does Your Dog or Cat Need an EHC?
An Export Health Certificate is required if you are:
- Flying a dog or cat from the UK to the EU
- Exporting pets to Australia, New Zealand, the USA, UAE, Asia or South Africa
- Using cargo or manifest pet travel
PetAir has safely relocated pets to over 300 destinations worldwide and manages EHC requirements daily across a wide range of countries and airline routes. Get a quick quote today to start your pet’s travel process.
EHC Timelines and Validity
EHCs are time-sensitive documents. Most certificates must be issued within a specific window before departure.
Typical timelines include:
- Issued 5 to 10 days before travel for many destinations
- Some countries require endorsement within 48 to 72 hours of departure
- Australia and New Zealand involve months of preparation but final certification close to departure
Rabies vaccination rules are also critical. In most cases:
- Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before EHC issue
- Some destinations require rabies titre blood tests and extended waiting periods of several months
Planning well in advance is essential to avoid delays.
Who Can Issue an Export Health Certificate?
Only an Official Veterinarian authorised by APHA can issue and sign an Export Health Certificate. Not all veterinary practices offer this service, and not all OVs regularly manage international pet exports.
PetAir is owned and run by vets, which means:
- Certification is handled by experienced Official Veterinarians
- Documentation is checked against airline and border control requirements
- Your pet’s specific requirements to fly are properly assessed
This vet-led approach significantly reduces the risk of errors that could disrupt your pet’s journey.
Common Export Health Certificate Mistakes
From a veterinary perspective, the most common EHC issues we see include:
- Rabies vaccination given before microchipping
- Incorrect vaccination dates recorded on certificates
- Missing or mistimed parasite treatments
- Selecting the wrong EHC for the destination
- Certificates issued outside the permitted timeframe
These mistakes are one of the leading causes of pet travel delays and failed exports from the UK. PetAir help manage the full pet travel process – any questions, give us a call or check out our FAQs page.
Country-Specific EHC Examples
European Union:
- Microchip and rabies vaccination required
- EHC valid for single entry
- Additional tapeworm treatment required for some countries
Australia:
- Rabies vaccination and rabies titre blood test
- Strict parasite treatment schedule
- Mandatory government quarantine on arrival
United States:
- Federal endorsement required
- State-specific import rules may apply
- Airline documentation checks are strict
For further information on finding the right EHC and requirements, visit:
- DEFRA Export Health Certificates guidance
- APHA pet travel rules
- Or give PetAir a call – our team are happy to help!
How PetAir Manages Export Health Certificates
PetAir provides a fully managed, vet-led pet relocation service, supporting every stage of EHC compliance:
- Destination-specific EHC selection
- Rabies vaccination and blood test planning
- Official Veterinarian certification and endorsements
- Airline-approved travel documentation
- Coordination with airlines and border authorities
Having safely relocated over 33,000 pets worldwide, compliance and welfare are built into every journey with PetAir.
Practical Tips for Pet Owners
- Start planning at least 3 to 6 months before your intended travel date
- Never book flights before confirming certification timelines
- Use a vet-led pet relocation company with EHC expertise
- Keep all original paperwork with your pet during travel
Ready to Start Your Pet’s Travel Process?
Export Health Certificates are far more than administrative paperwork. They are a legal and veterinary safeguard designed to protect your pet’s health and ensure safe international travel. With changing regulations and strict timelines, professional guidance makes all the difference.
If you are planning to fly your dog or cat from the UK, speak to the vet-led experts at PetAir.
Give us a call or request a quick quote online
