Swifts Pet Travel

⦁    AHC’s can be issued to dogs, cats or ferrets. Up to 5 animals of any of these species can travel per certificate but must be owned by the same person and be travelling together.

 Each animal must:
⦁    Be at least 15 weeks of age
⦁    Have a working microchip
⦁    Have a valid rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days prior to issuance of an AHC and not before 12 weeks of age
 

⦁    AHC’s usually contain 6-11 pages of documentation with details of the owner, pet details, vaccine details and a declaration stating animals are moved for non-commercial purposes. 
⦁    Supporting documentation showing rabies vaccination and confirmation of microchip number prior to vaccination is attached to the AHC. 
 

⦁    AHC’s are valid for travel for 10 days after issuance. 
⦁    If travelling on the 12th, the AHC should be issued no earlier than the 2nd 
 

⦁    AHC’s are valid for a single return trip only.

• Once an AHC is issued, you have a maximum of 10 days to enter the EU. You can then travel throughout the EU for up to 4 months.
• To use the AHC to return to the UK, you must return before the 4 month deadline.
• Rabies vaccination must remain valid through the entire period. 

⦁    The AHC will be prepared based on the place of first entry into the EU by the animal.
⦁    For example, if travelling to Spain but taking the ferry to France, the AHC will be a combination of English and French. 
 

⦁    Unfortunately, GB passports are no longer valid for travel. However, if the rabies vaccine is still in date, then it can be used as proof of microchipping and vaccination for an AHC. 

⦁    Pet passports issued in EU countries that have a valid in date rabies vaccine can still be used for travel to and from EU countries. AHC’s are not required for animals with EU pet passports. 

⦁    This is not covered by the AHC.
⦁    Each country has their own import requirements, and these should be investigated fully by the owner of the animal(s). 
 

⦁    All animals re-entering the UK require anti-echinococcus (Tapeworm) treatment to be administered by a qualified vet at least 24hrs before departure back to the UK and not more than 120hrs. 
⦁    Animals travelling from the UK to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway must have tapeworm treatment administered more than 24hrs and not less than 120hrs before departure from the UK. Animals returning from these countries to the UK do not require tapeworm treatment. 
⦁    Animals travelling to any other EU country from the UK do NOT require tapeworm treatment before departure from the UK. 
⦁    Tapeworm treatments should be recorded on the AHC. 
 

⦁    There is no requirement for a clinical examination when issuing an AHC.
⦁    However, the pet MUST be present at the appointment to scan the microchip.
 

⦁    They must be re-vaccinated against rabies and wait 21 days before travel.
 

⦁    This is not a requirement, but the pets should be re-united with the owner within 5 days at the destination
⦁    If the pets are travelling with a third party or pet travel company, this will be noted on the AHC.
 

⦁    This is preferable but not essential.
⦁    The person travelling with the animals should sign a declaration stating the non-commercial nature of the movement of the animals. This can be the owner or a third party. 
⦁    If the owner cannot ‘wet sign’ the declaration, they should ensure that the point of entry for the animals will accept a scanned copy of this document. 
 

We currently accept bank transfer or cash. 

No problem! Feel free to email us at info@swiftspettravel.co.uk and we will respond as soon as possible