Travel and borders
How much does an Animal Health Certificate cost in the UK?
Typically between £150 and £300, though it varies by practice and location. The AHC requires an appointment with an Official Veterinarian, a vet authorised by the APHA. Your usual vet may not be one. The cost covers the consultation and the certificate itself. Book at least two weeks before you need it.
What the fee covers
The AHC consultation fee typically includes the appointment with the Official Veterinarian, the completion and signing of the certificate, and in some cases a check of your dog's vaccination records and microchip. It does not usually include the appointment with your own vet if you need a pre-travel health check or any vaccinations. Some practices bundle the AHC with a wellness check at a slightly higher price. The APHA does not charge for endorsing AHCs issued by OVs; the endorsement is handled by the OV.
Finding an Official Veterinarian
Not all vets are Official Veterinarians. The APHA maintains a register, and your veterinary practice may have an OV on staff or may refer you to an affiliated practice that does. Many specialist animal travel clinics have dedicated OVs. Search the APHA OV register or ask your own vet to refer you. In London and major cities, OV appointments are available at specialist travel clinics at the higher end of the price range. In rural areas, availability and price vary more widely.
When to book
Book the OV appointment as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates. The AHC must be issued within ten days of your first departure, so you cannot get it too far in advance, but you need the appointment confirmed early because OV slots fill up, particularly around Easter, school summer holidays and Christmas. Two to four weeks lead time for the appointment, with the actual certificate issued in the ten-day window before travel, is the standard approach.
Repeat travel costs
The AHC is single-journey only. If you travel to France in July and again in September, you need two certificates. At £150 to £300 each, frequent EU travel adds a recurring cost that the old pet passport system did not impose. Some dog owners who travel to the EU regularly have factored this into their annual budget. For the first trip, also budget for the cost of any outstanding vaccinations, particularly if your dog's rabies jab is due for renewal.