Great Animal Health Certificate - price and service

[Kayak Kid]

I have just arranged for an AHC to cover our 2 dogs for travel next month to the EU.
For those residing in Scotland, I can highly recommend the services of Pawsomepettravel.com

The cost was £99 for our first dog and £30 for the second dog. However future certificates will cost £59 for the first dog and £11 for the second dog.

What is also great is that the vet will come to your home to check the microchip and pass over the AHC at an agreed time having sent the vacination records to him beforehand. There is no extra cost for this.

There is a fuel charge dependent on where you live ranging from zero for the Greater Glasgow area graduation up to £25 for as far north as Perth and equivalent distance in other directions from Glasgow.

They are a delight to deal with. What’s not to like - taking the hassle and sting out of these post Brexit arrangements!

 

[Poursay]

We had a second home in France for many years and still very good friends with our French neighbour there. Would it be possible for us to “ lend” him our dog when over there and for him to get an EU passport for her ? Would it have to show him as the owner?

 

[Chris Laing]

Thanks for this I'm just about to stump up another £160 to my local vet in mid-march so might now cancel. I live near Edinburgh so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[rb62]

We had a second home in France for many years and still very good friends with our French neighbour there. Would it be possible for us to “ lend” him our dog when over there and for him to get an EU passport for her ? Would it have to show him as the owner?

I don't see why not,it all depends on the vet! initially the passport would have to be in your neighbours name so that the microchip can be registered on their i-cad system,you could then just fill in the 'change of ownership section'. The vet may be prepared to transfer the rabies vaccination from the AHC,failing that your dog would have to have a fresh vaccination at least 21 days before your return.
Certainly worth a try and you always have your AHC to fall back on if unsuccessful

 

[Riverbankannie]

I don't see why not,it all depends on the vet! initially the passport would have to be in your neighbours name so that the microchip can be registered on their i-cad system,you could then just fill in the 'change of ownership section'. The vet may be prepared to transfer the rabies vaccination from the AHC,failing that your dog would have to have a fresh vaccination at least 21 days before your return.
Certainly worth a try and you always have your AHC to fall back on if unsuccessful

The rabies would not have to be 21 days before return, as the owners will still have the valid AHC and can return on that. The worming before return will have to be entered on both documents.

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[Kayak Kid]

Thanks for this I'm just about to stump up another £160 to my local vet in mid-march so might now cancel. I live near Edinburgh so it shouldn't be a problem.

Hi Chris,

From the travel map sent by the Vet, I would think your charge might be zero or at worst £10. I would highly recommend Pawsome Pet Travel. The vet is head of the vetinerary practice in Glasgow University Animal Hospital in Glasgow and does this as an independent service.

Our local vet was charging over £200/dog - and we have two dogs. Last year we used the vet in Folkestone (Abbeywell) on whom Pawsome look to have modelled their service. It was the same price, but they don’t offer the great future booking discount that is offered by Pawsome. Last year we had an extra night in Folkestone to have a late afternoon visit to Abbeywell - but it was an ongoing worry that everything would go to plan and that there was no delay which might have affected our tunnel crossing the next morning.

The big benefit is that that Pawsome come to your home to check the microchip and complete and pass over the completed AHC - and can post date it to suit your travel date. They are coming to us on 8 Mach and postdating the AHC for our tunnel crossing on 21 March.

 

[Minxy]

They are coming to us on 8 Mach and postdating the AHC for our tunnel crossing on 21 March.

Which I believe is illegal.

 

[Kayak Kid]

Which I believe is illegal.

Not as far as I am aware. Travel must be within 10 days of ISSUE - issue being when it is dated. Having said that, I am not absolutely sure and will check - but given that this is what the registered vet has arranged - it would be surprising if he was doing something not permitted within the rules - unless he has made an error.

I will post on here the outcome of my clarification from him.

 

[Chris Laing]

Hi Chris,

From the travel map sent by the Vet, I would think your charge might be zero or at worst £10. I would highly recommend Pawsome Pet Travel. The vet is head of the vetinerary practice in Glasgow University Animal Hospital in Glasgow and does this as an independent service.

Our local vet was charging over £200/dog - and we have two dogs. Last year we used the vet in Folkestone (Abbeywell) on whom Pawsome look to have modelled their service. It was the same price, but they don’t offer the great future booking discount that is offered by Pawsome. Last year we had an extra night in Folkestone to have a late afternoon visit to Abbeywell - but it was an ongoing worry that everything would go to plan and that there was no delay which might have affected our tunnel crossing the next morning.

The big benefit is that that Pawsome come to your home to check the microchip and complete and pass over the completed AHC - and can post date it to suit your travel date. They are coming to us on 8 Mach and postdating the AHC for our tunnel crossing on 21 March.

That's great thanks

We are also going over on the 29th of July so to get the second for £59 would be a massive saving. I don't think it will be long before a lot of independent vets do this as extra income bringing down the price.

 

[Kayak Kid]

Which I believe is illegal.

The Pawsome Pet Travel Official Vet (OV) has come back and confirmed (as I suspected) that he is indeed permitted to post-date our AHC for our travel on 21 March when he visits our home on 8 March to verify the microchip and complete the admin on the certificate. The AHC will then be dated for 19 March (it’s formal issue date) - coincidentally the date we leave home to head for Folkestone. This gives us the mandatory 10 days to enter the EU from it’s issue date of 19 March.

Hopefully this clarifies and corrects your earlier belief of this being illegal.

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[missmollie]

We have a new pup so will be using the Vet in Sandbach who is doing the AHC for £90 1st one and £75 for any further travel however , we will get a passport in Spain like our other dog has, our Vet wants £180. I think the Dogs Trust or PDSA are missing a market, they could offer reduced rate AHC if they have an onsite Vet, all proceeds would be profit.

 

[Minxy]

The Pawsome Pet Travel Official Vet (OV) has come back and confirmed (as I suspected) that he is indeed permitted to post-date our AHC for our travel on 21 March when he visits our home on 8 March to verify the microchip and complete the admin on the certificate. The AHC will then be dated for 19 March (it’s formal issue date) - coincidentally the date we leave home to head for Folkestone. This gives us the mandatory 10 days to enter the EU from it’s issue date of 19 March.

Hopefully this clarifies and corrects your earlier belief of this being illegal.

I understand what you are getting at however it is an animal health certificate so if the vet hasn't seen the dog within the 10 day period how can they legally say it is healthy enough to travel? I think he is massaging the rules to benefit you/him as there appears to be no provision for post-dating that I can find anywhere.

Quote from another vet about it (red text is my highlighting):

Information about taking your pet to the European Union and the Animal Health Certificate

Taking your pet to the European Union and the Animal Health Certificate

www.rvc.ac.uk

Why is an animal health certificate necessary?​

An Animal Health Certificate, along with any other official documentation, is a legal requirement in order to bring your pet into the UK or take it to a European Union country without quarantine. The primary purpose is to keep the UK free from rabies, and other foreign diseases such as those transmitted by parasites that do not exist in the UK.

How long does it take to process an animal health certificate?​

A animal health certificate can only be issued ten days prior to travel (ie: you will have 10 days to use it to leave this country). Please bear in mind that travel to some countries require blood tests and additional treatments, and in these cases, travel certification can take significantly longer to prepare and issue. You should always contact us as soon as possible if you are planning to travel. NB: You must book your appointment with us for a minimum of 21 days after vaccination, documents cannot be signed earlier that this. The certificate is valid for 10 days after signing
.

 

[maz]

The Pawsome Pet Travel Official Vet (OV) has come back and confirmed (as I suspected) that he is indeed permitted to post-date our AHC for our travel on 21 March when he visits our home on 8 March to verify the microchip and complete the admin on the certificate. The AHC will then be dated for 19 March (it’s formal issue date) - coincidentally the date we leave home to head for Folkestone. This gives us the mandatory 10 days to enter the EU from it’s issue date of 19 March.

Hopefully this clarifies and corrects your earlier belief of this being illegal.

I understand what you are getting at however it is an animal health certificate so if the vet hasn't seen the dog within the 10 day period how can they legally say it is healthy enough to travel? I think he is massaging the rules to benefit you/him as there appears to be no provision for post-dating that I can find anywhere.

Quote from another vet about it (red text is my highlighting):

Information about taking your pet to the European Union and the Animal Health Certificate

Taking your pet to the European Union and the Animal Health Certificate

www.rvc.ac.uk

Why is an animal health certificate necessary?​

An Animal Health Certificate, along with any other official documentation, is a legal requirement in order to bring your pet into the UK or take it to a European Union country without quarantine. The primary purpose is to keep the UK free from rabies, and other foreign diseases such as those transmitted by parasites that do not exist in the UK.

How long does it take to process an animal health certificate?​

A animal health certificate can only be issued ten days prior to travel (ie: you will have 10 days to use it to leave this country). Please bear in mind that travel to some countries require blood tests and additional treatments, and in these cases, travel certification can take significantly longer to prepare and issue. You should always contact us as soon as possible if you are planning to travel. NB: You must book your appointment with us for a minimum of 21 days after vaccination, documents cannot be signed earlier that this. The certificate is valid for 10 days after signing
.

This is an interesting discussion. I suspect that Minxy is correct with her interpretation, as that would seem to go with the spirit of the law. It would be very interesting to know the source of the Pawsome vet's assertion that post-dating of an AHC is permitted.

 

[shawn&emma]

I think the vet is being a little loose with the guidelines.
The signed date on the AHC should be the day it’s issued.
Your probably better if you can get the vet to visit after the 10 day window then everything would be as it should.

I’m not the only one to have spent many many hours reading through loads of documents trying to get the right information and from my readings I think you’re being misled.

Bet from the replies you’ll wish you never started the thread lol.

Shawn

 

[Googlebot]

The vet never saw ours when we had an AHC. All they need to do is verify it’s that animal and they meet the EU entry requirements.

The check and scan was completed by the vet receptionist.

The entry requirement is the rabies vaccine and if verified, that’s it.

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[rb62]

Which I believe is illegal.

Yes,first page of regulations!

 

[Louie25]

Great to hear the positive review of Pawsome, we intend to use them in the very near future.
Thanks for posting

 

[rb62]

The rabies would not have to be 21 days before return, as the owners will still have the valid AHC and can return on that. The worming before return will have to be entered on both documents.

But it would be handy to use the passport to exit EU to make sure it works,otherwise the first test would be leaving UK next trip.

 

[Kayak Kid]

I understand what you are getting at however it is an animal health certificate so if the vet hasn't seen the dog within the 10 day period how can they legally say it is healthy enough to travel? I think he is massaging the rules to benefit you/him as there appears to be no provision for post-dating that I can find anywhere.

Quote from another vet about it (red text is my highlighting):

Information about taking your pet to the European Union and the Animal Health Certificate

Taking your pet to the European Union and the Animal Health Certificate

www.rvc.ac.uk

Why is an animal health certificate necessary?​

An Animal Health Certificate, along with any other official documentation, is a legal requirement in order to bring your pet into the UK or take it to a European Union country without quarantine. The primary purpose is to keep the UK free from rabies, and other foreign diseases such as those transmitted by parasites that do not exist in the UK.

How long does it take to process an animal health certificate?​

A animal health certificate can only be issued ten days prior to travel (ie: you will have 10 days to use it to leave this country). Please bear in mind that travel to some countries require blood tests and additional treatments, and in these cases, travel certification can take significantly longer to prepare and issue. You should always contact us as soon as possible if you are planning to travel. NB: You must book your appointment with us for a minimum of 21 days after vaccination, documents cannot be signed earlier that this. The certificate is valid for 10 days after signing
.

Hi Minxy,

If the vet hasn't seen the dog within the 10 day period how can they legally say it is healthy enough to travel?

Thanks for your comments and indeed those of others too.

Here is my understanding. Contrary to what you say above - the vet does not need to see the dog within the 10 day period. The Vet needs to see the dog before the commencement of the 10 day period begins, and it only begins after the certificate has been dated. ‘Dated’ is the key word - as it is the specific day which triggers the 10 days.

Your info is obviously from another vet and his/her interpretation of the requirements for an AHC. I have now visited numerous other vet practice websites and interestingly no two versions of their guidance is the same, and are often unclear and/or ambiguous. Indeed the one you quote (and highlighted in red) has misinterpreted the DEFRA guidance which actually says that the certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of the certificate (not from signing as stated in their wording). Secondly, the first statement (in red) is also incorrect, as only the return to the UK involves a general health check (including worming) to protect the UK from returning issues. This does not apply to outgoing to the EU from the UK.

The consultation with a UK vet as part of the AHC process does not include the formal need to make any assessment on its health. It is purely to verify that its microchip accords with that shown on the AHC. Indeed if it was a ‘health check’ (which it isn’t) there would be nothing to stop a pet picking up some infection during the (max) 10 day lead in to leaving the UK. When we had our AHC completed in the Abbeywell practice in Folkestone last year the microchip check on our dogs was carried out by a practice assistant and not a Vet. We did not meet any vet. It was however signed by an ‘authorised‘ vet - so it is certainly not a health check of any type. Perhaps some vets are suggesting that they are doing/ need to do a general health check in order to justify their inflated prices!

With regard to the specifics of post dating the AHC - indeed you are correct that there is no mention (either way) of it in the DEFRA guidance (which is the guidance to use rather than the numerous different wordings of individual vet practices - if in doubt). No mention does not mean not permitted. If post dating was not permitted, I am sure it would be clearly stated. It is the issue date that is the legal requirement. In addition, there is no mention either of any requirement in the DEFRA guidance for any health check Before leaving the UK.

The Pawsome Pet Travel vet has been asked by me explicitly about post dating the AHC in writing, and has replied explicitly in writing that he is permitted to post date it In the timescale arranged for me. With respect to the various contributors here who have comment against this, I think having clarified it with him, I shall now bow to his professional judgement unless he changes it.

I also think that having asked the specific question, , and fixed the date of his visit, it is unlikely that he would jeopardise his business and certification to administer this service. Unlike many local vet practices (my own included), which have done very few AHCs, Pawsome Pet Travel is specialising in them. One would therefore think and hope that they know what they are doing. If not they will have more than just me to answer to if they are wrong Or acting unethically or unprofessionally.

Anyway, I end my case now, apologise for the lengthy response, and look forward to our travels with our pets.

I will end my contribution to this thread now - thank goodness I hear from some

 

[maz]

A few points of interest may be:

1. What is the actual point of the 10 day period stipulated for the AHC?

2. I doubt whether there will be any specific guidance either permitting or forbidding the post dating of AHCs because it would not be expected that this would be done.

3. Pawsome Pet Travel's own website states in its FAQs section that AHCs cannot be completed more than 10 days before travelling.

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[Bramidan]

Another benefit, we’re all looking for work rounds.

 

[Minxy]

The rabies would not have to be 21 days before return, as the owners will still have the valid AHC and can return on that. The worming before return will have to be entered on both documents.

Officially yes, however when Bella got her PP and was given a rabies jab on 28 January there was only a 16 days gap from then to 12 February when we returned to the UK using her new PP, we did have the AHC too, duly completed with the worming treatment as was the PP but were never asked for it.

But it would be handy to use the passport to exit EU to make sure it works,otherwise the first test would be leaving UK next trip.

Yes, which is exactly the reason we used Bella's new one to ensure it was okay, which it was.

 

[Barti Ddu]

Post dating the AHC is clearly against the legislation and illegal.

The "issue date" will be when the AHC is made out and handed to you. That is when it has been "issued to you". This should be within the specified 10 days of travel.

The legislation is unlikely to specifically define "Issue Date", as in UK law, unless otherwise stated, words will have their usual intended meaning - as above.

 

[Kayak Kid]

As an update to my earlier posts, the Pawsome Pets Vet came to our home tonight as scheduled - to verify the microchips on our two dogs, and to talk through and leave the AHC with us.

I signed my element of the form and the vet did similarly. As previously stated, and arranged, the Vet post dated the AHC for 19 March - after which date the mandatory 10 day window of travel commences - so therefore we must travel by 29 March.

The vet, who does numerous AHCs regularly, again assured me that is permissible for him to post date the certificate. Obviously if travel was attempted before the post dated certificate, the AHC would be invalid and travel would not be permitted at the departure port. He also confirmed that he can post date the AHC any period in advance.

Lets hope now that this will put to bed any ill informed statements such as it against the legislation, and is illegal - and will allow people like me to plan in a more relaxed way.

I would highly recommend the vet for those based in Scotland.

Now that the situation of post dating has been clarified, I won’t be engaging in any further responses on that aspect of the process.

I hope this is helpful.

Jim

 

[Barti Ddu]

Lets hope now that this will put to bed any ill informed statements such as it against the legislation, and is illegal - and will allow people like me to plan in a more relaxed way.

He's a vet not a lawyer!

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[Aly1]

I can’t understand why people are complaining that someone has got a post dated AHC. What has this got to do with anyone else? Why can’t people just be happy that they have got the AHC they’ve got? It’s like when people were getting EU passports for their pets, there was always someone saying it’s illegal!

 

[maz]

Now that the situation of post dating has been clarified, I won’t be engaging in any further responses on that aspect of the process.

Except that it hasn't been clarified. It's just repeating one vet's opinion that postdating of AHCs is allowed, without any supporting evidence.

If you want clarification, then I would suggest you ask the specific question of DEFRA. However, if I was the one with a post dated AHC, there is no way that I would be opening that particular can of worms. Nor, though, would I be posting that I had one on an open forum.

 

[Barti Ddu]

Except that it hasn't been clarified. It's just repeating one vet's opinion that postdating of AHCs is allowed, without any supporting evidence.

If you want clarification, then I would suggest you ask the specific question of DEFRA. However, if I was the one with a post dated AHC, there is no way that I would be opening that particular can of worms. Nor, though, would I be posting that I had one on an open forum.

Agree 100%.

 

[Googlebot]

We moan about high prices for AHC’s, then we moan when someone gets a business model which satisfies the regulations and is cost effective.

All the AHC confirms is who travels with the dog and that its rabies is in date, plus confirmation that that’s the actual animal. That’s it, it doesn’t matter if it’s dated, done by the practice receptionist or Father Christmas. The rabies jab doesn’t lapse after 10 days.

If a vet tells me they can satisfy the regulations and post dates it, then I would take that advice.

I am yet to see anything that says they can’t. Often the only way regulations get tested is when a judge decides in court exactly what they mean. Then we will all be stuffed if the vet has to see the animal in 10 days.

 

[coroner]

Then as soon as you can after landing in Europe get an EU pet passport sorted just wish we could have one as well this 90 day lark is most disconcerting.

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