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Westport Veterinary Clinic
Nurse holding a kitten while working at a computer

Pet travel

At Westport Veterinary Clinic in South Queensferry

Pet travel paperwork is unforgiving – one missing date and you are turned away at the border. Start planning at least a month before you go, and longer if your pet has never had a rabies vaccination.

What we offer and what it costs

Prices include VAT and are for a typical case. If your pet needs more, we will tell you the cost before we start.

Anything not listed here is quoted individually – please ask and we will give you an estimate. See our full price list.

What your pet needs, in order

  • A microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination – otherwise the vaccination does not count.
  • A rabies vaccination from 12 weeks of age, then a wait of 21 days before you travel.
  • An animal health certificate, issued by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before you arrive.
  • Tapeworm treatment for dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, given 24 to 120 hours before arrival.

How long a certificate lasts

One certificate covers one trip: valid for entry to the EU for 10 days from issue, then 4 months for onward travel within the EU and 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain. Come back and go again, and you need a new one. One certificate can cover up to five pets travelling together, with a charge for each additional animal.

See the prices

Before you book

Bring your pet’s full vaccination history and microchip paperwork. The appointment takes longer than a normal consultation because the certificate has to be completed and checked carefully. Rules change – check the current requirements for your destination on GOV.UK, and ring us if anything is unclear.

Frequently asked questions

The things people ask us most about pet travel.

Still not sure what your pet needs?

Ring us and talk it through. We would rather spend five minutes on the phone than have you worry about it.

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