Question 1

What documents are needed for proof of rabies vaccination?

Accepted Answer

We can use various documents for proof of rabies vaccination:

Your pets clinical history which is recorded by your veterinary surgeon. This must be emailed to us DIRECTLY from your veterinary practice to info@pettravelnortheast.co.uk
             Your veterinary surgeon is welcome to contact us for further information about what 
             details our OV requires.
UK pet passport with valid rabies vaccination. You will need to scan certain pages from this and send it to us.
previously issued AHC. You will need to send us a copy of this.
Rabies vaccination card as long as the microchip was checked and written down at the time of vaccination on the card along with the date that the rabies vaccination is ‘valid      from’ and the date it is ‘valid until.’ It must also show your vets name, signature and       practice stamp.

Each of these documents must include:

owners name, address and postcode. 
pet details: name, date of birth, breed, colour, sex including if it is neutered or entire.
pets 15 digit microchip number
documented proof that the veterinary surgeon checked your pets microchip PRIOR to administering the rabies vaccination
date of administration of the rabies vaccination
manufacturer and brand of rabies vaccination used

Please note your veterinary surgeon must check your pets microchip PRIOR to administering the rabies vaccination and this must be documented in the evidence provided as proof of vaccination.  Without this information we cannot issue an AHC.

Please be aware that standard vaccination cards, payment receipts etc cannot be used as proof of rabies vaccination because they often do not include all of the details listed above. 
We also cannot accept a clinical history sent from an owner, it must be emailed directly from your veterinary practice.
If your veterinary surgeon has any questions regarding the evidence required or the AHC service we provide please ask them to contact us directly on info@pettravelnortheast.co.uk

Question 2

When can my pet have its rabies vaccination?

Accepted Answer

There are various rabies vaccinations produced by different manufacturers in the UK and different vets will use different ones. Each manufacturer will have different clinical protocols for using their vaccine. Your primary care veterinary surgeon will guide you on the appropriate vaccination protocol for your pet.
Please note however your pet MUST be at least 12 weeks old before being receiving a rabies vaccination for travel to the EU.
Most rabies vaccinations are not ‘licensed’ to be used at the same time as other vaccines (for example routine/ annual booster vaccinations) This information is in the manufacturers data for the rabies vaccine and your vet can check this prior to administering the vaccine and arrange for the rabies vaccination to be administered on a separate date to any other vaccinations.

Question 3

When can my pet travel after the rabies vaccination?

Accepted Answer

After your pets first rabies vaccination you have to wait for at least 21 days (counting the day of vaccination as day 0) before an OV can ISSUE an AHC. 
For simplicity we usually recommend having your pet vaccinated at least one month prior to issuing the AHC.
Rabies vaccinations by different manufacturers last for different lengths of time (one year up to 3 years duration of action) before your pet will need  another rabies ‘booster’ vaccine.
If your pet is due a rabies booster and this is given prior to the expiration date of the previous rabies vaccine (the ‘valid until date’) then you do not need to wait 21 days before travelling.

Question 4

What if I don’t know my full holiday travel plan prior to booking?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry, we only need to know your country of arrival into the EU. 
The AHC is a dual language document,  issued in two languages – English and the language of the country of arrival into the EU. 
For example if you are travelling by ferry from England to France then the AHC would be issued in English and French.

Question 5

How long does an AHC last?

Accepted Answer

AHCs are single use documents.
It must be issued within 10 days of entry into the EU and last for 4 months of travel around the EU, Switzerland and Norway. 
We can issue AHCs for pets on the day of travel if required.
Once you return to the UK, you cannot use the AHC again and a new AHC must be issued prior to your next trip to the EU.

Question 6

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Pet Travel North East is based in West Northumberland. 
However, as we arrange to meet you in a convenient location to issue your AHC, we can issue AHCs to pet owners from across the North of England or anyone who can drive to meet us at our collection points. 
Once we have confirmed that we can issue you with an AHC we will arrange an appropriate date, time and location to meet. This is usually on the west side of Newcastle close to the A1 or in Hexham, Northumberland.

Question 7

Do you offer home visits?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your distance from our location and the availability of our OV then home visits may be possible. Home visits will incur an additional cost.

Question 8

What are your collection days and times?

Accepted Answer

Most collections will be booked for Monday/ Tuesday 9am-2pm.

Evening or weekend appointments will depend on availability and we aim to increase collection times and dates during holiday periods.

Please remember our OV also works in a traditional veterinary practice so times and dates are restricted by looking after sick pets!

Question 9

Does my pet need to be registered with you and do you need its clinical history from my vet?

Accepted Answer

Pet Travel North East does not provide a clinical veterinary service, therefore you do not need to be registered with us. 
Your pets will actually need to be registered with a veterinary practice for their microchips and rabies vaccinations. 
However your pets clinical history is often the easiest proof of rabies vaccination to allow us to issue an AHC. The clinical history has to be emailed DIRECTLY from your vet to us at info@pettravelnortheast.co.uk

We may not need your pets clinical history from your vet if you have another document for proof of rabies vaccination.

Frequently asked questions