EU and UK pet travel certificates
Traveling with a pet to Europe is manageable, but the steps must happen in the right order and at the right time. A mistake with the microchip, rabies vaccination, or certificate timing can delay your trip.
The order matters
Microchip first, then rabies
For most EU and UK travel, your pet must have a compliant microchip before or at the time of the rabies vaccination that will be used for travel.
If the rabies vaccine was given before the qualifying microchip was implanted or recorded, your pet may need to be vaccinated again and complete a new waiting period.
Requirements typically include:
- A compliant microchip
- Rabies vaccination given after, or when permitted at the same time as, microchipping
- The required waiting period after a primary rabies vaccination
- The correct destination-specific veterinary health certificate
- USDA endorsement before travel
- Additional treatments when required by the destination
What we do
The timeline, then the paperwork
Dr. Omid Fazeli is a USDA-accredited veterinarian. We review your destination, travel dates, microchip and vaccination history, and travel arrangements, then work backward from your departure date to determine what needs to happen and when.
We verify the current requirements through USDA APHIS and complete eligible international certificates through VEHCS. Some destinations require additional testing, treatments, permits, or specific timing, so contact us as early as possible before your trip.
Step by step
What to expect
Call early
Tell us exactly where you are going, your travel date, and whether your pet already has a microchip and current rabies vaccination.
We check the timeline
We review the order and dates of the microchip and rabies vaccination and identify any additional requirements before the certificate appointment.
Certificate and USDA endorsement
At the appropriate time before travel, we examine your pet and complete the required health certificate. When USDA endorsement is required, the certificate is then submitted for official endorsement.
Country rules
EU countries, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland
The requirements are not identical everywhere in Europe. Great Britain — England, Scotland, and Wales — has its own pet-entry documentation, while Northern Ireland follows EU-related requirements.
Dogs traveling to certain destinations also require treatment against Echinococcus tapeworm within a specific period before arrival. We check this requirement and timing for your exact destination.
Tell us the specific country you are traveling to, not simply “Europe.” We will verify the current requirements for your pet and travel date.
Common questions
Questions we are asked
What if my pet was vaccinated for rabies before being microchipped?
If the rabies vaccine was given before the qualifying microchip was implanted or recorded, your pet may need to be vaccinated again and complete a new waiting period.
What is USDA endorsement?
At the appropriate time before travel, we examine your pet and complete the required health certificate. When USDA endorsement is required, the certificate is then submitted for official endorsement.
How long is the certificate valid?
There is a short window between issue and travel, and a separate validity period once you are inside the EU. The current figures are checked against your travel date.
Call us or schedule a visit
Call us with your questions, or to schedule a visit for your pet.
- Address
- 6937 Warner Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - Hours
- Monday – Saturday, 9 AM – 8:30 PM · Tue to 6 PMSunday: closed.
- Phone
- (714) 274-9305