Cat Travel Services

Your cat’s travel guide

Preparing your cat for travel

Travelling abroad or emigrating with your cat can feel daunting, but with the right guidance and preparation it can be smooth and stress-free. At The Cat Clinic, we help you navigate all the requirements, from vaccinations and paperwork to travel-friendly carriers, so your cat stays safe and comfortable every step of the way.

Travelling to the EU

• Animal Health Certificate: Since Brexit, pet passports have been replaced with the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for travel from Great Britain to the EU. The AHC proves domestic cats are safe to travel outside the UK. It's valid for 10 days once signed, but when you leave the country, it becomes valid for 4 months within Europe. If your destination requires additional certificates or documentation, we can prepare these quickly and accurately, helping your travel plans run smoothly.

• Vaccinations & health checks: We ensure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date and provide health checks before travel, giving you confidence that your cat is fit for their adventure.

• Microchipping: Microchipping is a legal requirement for international travel. We can ensure your cat is properly microchipped and registered before you go.

• Travel advice & carrier preparation: We give practical tips on choosing a comfortable carrier, managing anxiety and making the journey as calm as possible for your cat.

Travel to Northern Ireland

From 4 June 2025, travel with your cat from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is easier. You won't need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Instead, apply for a Pet Travel Document (PTD) — it's free, valid for life, and only requires your pet to be microchipped.

• No rabies vaccination needed
• No tapeworm treatment required
• AHC still needed if travelling onward to Ireland or the EU

Travelling with your cat outside the EU

If you're planning to take your cat to a destination outside the EU, the requirements can vary widely from country to country. Unlike EU travel — where the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) and microchip/rabies rules are standard — non‑EU destinations often have their own specific import regulations.

We can guide you through:

• Country‑specific health certificates (many nations require their own official forms)
• Timing of rabies vaccinations and blood tests, including the Rabies Antibody Titre Test if your destination requires it
• Parasite treatments or other mandatory preventative care
• Quarantine rules, where applicable
• Guidance on your online APHA application and the completion of Export Health Certificates (EHC) once we are nominated as your Official Vet to receive the paperwork. For more details on the requirements, please refer to the APHA pet travel information page.

Because requirements differ so much, it’s best to contact us as early as possible — ideally 3–4 months before travel — so we can make sure everything is completed correctly and on time.