Exporting pets from Great Britain to another country requires strict compliance with international health and safety standards. The Export Health Certificate (EHC) for pets is a mandatory document to meet the destination country’s import requirements.
This guide details the process for obtaining a pet EHC certificate, including eligibility, application steps, timelines, and compliance obligations.
What is an EHC Certificate for Pets?
An EHC certificate for pets is an official document issued by the UK government, certifying that your pet meets the health standards and import conditions of the destination country. It is required for:
- Live animals (e.g., dogs, cats, ferrets, horses)
- Germinal products (e.g., semen, ova, embryos, where applicable)
Each pet consignment leaving Great Britain must be accompanied by an EHC.
Who Needs an Export Health Certificate for Pets?
You need an EHC certificate if you are:
- Exporting a pet from Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales) to the EU, non-EU countries, or Northern Ireland.
- A pet owner, breeder, or transporter relocating pets internationally.
- A logistics company handling pet consignments subject to veterinary controls.
Trust JCS Pet Travel to handle every detail of your pet transport, from rabies vaccinations to customs clearance. Contact our expert team now for a stress-free experience.
Exporting Pets from Northern Ireland
Export requirements for pets from Northern Ireland vary by destination:
- Non-EU Countries: An EHC certificate is required to certify compliance with the destination country’s health standards.
- EU Countries: Under the Northern Ireland Protocol/Windsor Framework, pets may not require an EHC for EU destinations, as Northern Ireland aligns with EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules. However, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU pet passport may be required for pets traveling from Northern Ireland to the EU.
Note: EHCs are typically for commercial movements, while AHCs or EU pet passports apply to non-commercial pet travel from Northern Ireland to the EU.
Contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) via their official website for guidance.
How to Apply for an Export Health Certificate for Pets?
Follow these steps to secure an EHC for your pet:
1. Check If an EHC is Required
- Use the EHC search tool to identify the specific EHC needed for your pet and destination country.
- If no EHC exists, contact the equivalent of the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in the destination country.
2. Register for EHC Online
- Register on the EHC Online system.
- Sign in with Government Gateway credentials.
- Provide your contact details and assign an Official Veterinarian (OV) as your certifier.
3. Prepare Your Application
Make sure all your documentations are accurate, including:
- Pet details (e.g., species, breed, age, microchip number).
- Destination country.
- Exporter (owner) and consignee (recipient) details.
- Vaccination records, rabies test results (if required), and health history.
- Any additional requirements (e.g., tapeworm treatment for dogs).
4. Schedule an Inspection with a Certifier
- Arrange for an Official Veterinarian (OV) to examine your pet, typically at a veterinary clinic.
- The OV will verify that your pet meets the destination country’s health standards (e.g., rabies vaccination, parasite treatments).
- Provide all required documents during the inspection.
5. Receive the EHC Certificate
- After approval and a successful inspection, the OV will issue and sign the EHC.
- Ensure the EHC accompanies your pet during travel.
- Keep a copy for your records and comply with entry requirements at the destination.
Important Timelines
To avoid delays:
- 3-4 weeks before travel: Identify the required EHC certificate using the search tool.
- 2-3 weeks before travel: Register and submit your EHC application online.
- 1 week before travel: Schedule the OV inspection.
- 1-2 days before travel: Receive the signed EHC. Delays may result in missed travel deadlines or rejection at border controls.
EHC for the European Union Post-Brexit
Since Brexit, exporting pets to EU countries requires an EHC, even for previously exempt cases. Additional requirements include:
- Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel for dogs, cats, and ferrets).
- Registration on the EU’s TRACES NT system for pet consignments.
- Specific health attestations (e.g., tapeworm treatment for dogs entering certain EU countries).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications (e.g., missing vaccination records).
- Not scheduling the OV inspection in advance.
- Failing to meet destination-specific requirements (e.g., rabies titre tests).
- Using outdated or incorrect pet health documentation.
- Ignoring TRACES NT registration for EU exports.
Export Support and Contact Resources
- Centre for International Trade Carlisle (CIT):
- Phone: +44 (0)3000 200 301
- Email: CITCarlisle@apha.gov.uk
- Find an Official Veterinarian: Use the Find a Certifier tool.
- TRACES NT Help: Access the TRACES NT portal for EU export registration.
Why EHC Compliance Matters
Failure to obtain a valid EHC certificate can lead to:
- Travel delays or denied entry at border controls.
- Quarantine or return of the pet.
- Emotional and financial stress for owners. Compliance ensures animal welfare, public health, and smooth international travel.
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Final Thoughts
Obtaining an EHC Certificate for pets is a critical step in exporting pets from Great Britain. By planning early, working with an Official Veterinarian, and using the EHC Online system, pet owners can ensure compliance and a stress-free travel experience. Always refer to official UK government resources for detailed guidance.
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