Just in case people are not aware of the changes happening this month to the rules on pet documentation, a heads-up that EU pet passports will no longer be accepted unless the holder has permanent residence in the EU (presumably you might have to provide evidence). All dogs whose owner is resident in the UK will require an AHC.
There's already plenty of confusion and it may be that there is some leeway on this. I believe that Le Shuttle have already said that they won't be checking, but I have no evidence of this.
I don't have the details, so you will need to check it out for yourselves.
bofs is the only one I know who has a valid EU-issued pet passport for his dog, and they return to EU regularly to have it stamped.
Bugdeted for an AHC for mine, and I am going for just over 3 weeks to make the most of it.
DK
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I've also read this morning that the 4 month time limit on AHCs is to be extended to 6 months, but, again, I haven't seen official evidence so it will need checking. I suspect that it won't be relevant to most, due to the 90 day rule.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Yes, we became aware of this on Friday when APHA sent a notice to vets, and the new regulations come into place on Wednesday this week. Our ferry is on Thursday, so we had to organise an AHC first thing yesterday - fortunately our vet was aware and was able to accommodate us. It's the EU closing a loophole (you can now only use an EU passport if your main residence is in the EU) but the 5 days notice was not helpful! Neither was the fact that the Gov.uk website was not updated till yesterday.
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For anyone needing an AHC and finding their local vet's charges very expensive, there's a useful FB site called AHC - Animal Health Certificate UK, run by a very knowledgeable lady called Kathy Thomas. That has access to a map of vets who specialise in AHCs and whose charges are usually around the £100 mark. We have used a vet from that map and everything has been done on line, except the quick check of the dog when the certificate is collected. There are vets all over the country, but many people use those based near the channel ports.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Have been using an alternative to our grossly robbing vet, doesn't even have the decency to wear a mask, for a good few years now. He's also cheaper if you are a repeat customer.
The first couple of times we used him he actually came to the house to finalise everything, now we go to his house about 20 minutes away.
He provides an excellent service.
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Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 21/4/2026
For anyone needing an AHC and finding their local vet's charges very expensive, there's a useful FB site called AHC - Animal Health Certificate UK, run by a very knowledgeable lady called Kathy Thomas. That has access to a map of vets who specialise in AHCs and whose charges are usually around the £100 mark. We have used a vet from that map and everything has been done on line, except the quick check of the dog when the certificate is collected. There are vets all over the country, but many people use those based near the channel ports.
I also highly recommend the above FB site, Kathy Thomas is fantastic. It made the whole process a breeze and a lot cheaper for the AHC. I have returns from my road journey to Germany, with a day trip into Switzerland.
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Taking dogs to Europe
via mobile 21/4/2026 at 8:07am
