For UK dog owners travelling to Europe

European
Travel Planner

Everything you need to organise your dog's trip - documents, deadlines, vet appointments, packing and budget - in one place.

Designed for dog owners travelling from England, Scotland or Wales.
Different pet-travel rules apply from Northern Ireland.

tailgora.com© TailGoRa 2026
Section 1

Before You Go Checklist

Work through this checklist in the weeks before you travel. Tick each item once confirmed.

Documents
Correct travel document confirmed (AHC or accepted pet passport)
AHC appointment booked with an Official Veterinarian
AHC issued and all details checked carefully
Microchip number on AHC matches veterinary records
Original documents placed in travel wallet — not copies
Travel insurance policy covers your dog
Health & Vet
Rabies vaccination valid for the full duration of travel
Outward parasite treatment completed (if required by destination)
Return-to-GB tapeworm treatment planned and booked
Destination-specific health risks discussed with vet
Regular medications packed with enough supply
Vet contact details and emergency vet at destination noted
Travel & Booking
Ferry, LeShuttle or flight booking confirmed
Pet space, kennel, lounge or cabin confirmed with operator
Carrier, crate or car restraint tested before travel day
Dog microchipped and chip number recorded
ID tag with UK contact number fitted
Food and water supply packed for the journey
On the Day
All original documents in travel wallet and accessible
AHC entry date within 10-day window confirmed
Dog exercised before journey
Water and bowl accessible during travel
Emergency contact card completed and in wallet
TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 1 of 7
Section 2

Vet Appointment Planner

Record your vet's details and all key dates here. Keep this page with your dog's documents.

AHC timing — important: The Animal Health Certificate must be used to enter the EU within 10 days of issue. Time your vet appointment carefully around your planned EU arrival date. A new AHC is required for each trip from Great Britain.

Your Vet Practice

Practice name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Official Veterinarian name
OV direct contact

Key Dates

AHC appointment date
AHC issue date
Planned EU arrival date
Last date to enter EU (issue + 10 days)
Date actually entered EU
AHC return validity date
Rabies booster due date
Tapeworm treatment date (return)
Next annual health check

Points to discuss at your AHC appointment

TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 2 of 7
Section 3

Document Tracker

List every document you need, where it is stored, and when it expires. Always carry originals — photocopies are not accepted.

DocumentIssued / valid fromExpiry / valid untilGot it?Where stored
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Rabies vaccination record
Microchip certificate / implant record
Pet passport (if applicable)
Travel insurance policy document
Ferry / LeShuttle / flight booking
Pet space / kennel / cabin confirmation
Emergency vet card (destination)
Your passport
Vehicle documents (if driving)
Tip: Keep all original documents in a single travel wallet. Write your dog's microchip number on the outside so it is easy to find at the border check.
TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 3 of 7
Section 4

Month-by-Month Countdown

Use this timeline to plan backwards from your travel date. Fill in your actual dates in the right-hand column.

3+ months before
Check your dog's microchip is registered and details are current
Confirm rabies vaccination is valid — allow time for a booster if needed
Research destination-specific entry requirements
Book ferry, LeShuttle or flight and confirm pet space
Take out travel insurance that covers your dog
Your date
6–8 weeks before
Contact your vet to book an AHC appointment with an Official Veterinarian
Confirm the OV is authorised to issue AHCs
Research emergency vets at your destination
Begin packing list — order any specialist items early
Your date
1–2 weeks before
AHC appointment — time it so issue date is within 10 days of EU arrival
Check AHC carefully: microchip number, dates, vet signature and stamp
Confirm all bookings and pet arrangements
Pack travel wallet with all original documents
Test carrier, crate or car restraint
Your date
Day before
Check travel wallet — all originals present
Prepare food, water and familiar items for the journey
Confirm AHC entry window: arrival must be within 10 days of issue
Note emergency vet number at destination
Your date
Return journey
Book tapeworm treatment with a vet at destination (24–120 hours before GB arrival)
Ensure treatment is recorded in the AHC or pet passport
Keep receipt and vet details
Your date
TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 4 of 7
Section 5

Packing List

Tick each item as you pack it. Add your own items in the blank rows at the bottom of each section.

Documents (originals)
Animal Health Certificate
Rabies vaccination record
Microchip certificate
Travel insurance documents
Ferry / LeShuttle / flight confirmation
Pet space / kennel confirmation
Emergency vet card
Food & Water
Enough food for the journey + 2 extra days
Portable water bowl
Fresh water supply
Treats for reassurance
Any prescription food or supplements
Health & Medication
Regular medications (full supply)
Flea and tick prevention
First aid kit for dogs
Vet contact at destination
Any calming aids if needed
Travel Gear
Carrier, crate or car harness
Familiar blanket or bedding
Lead and collar with ID tag
Spare lead
Poo bags
Portable dog bed or mat
Comfort & Safety
Favourite toy
Cooling mat (summer travel)
Reflective jacket or hi-vis (if needed)
Dog-safe sunscreen (short-haired breeds)
Towels
Your extras
TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 5 of 7
Section 6

Emergency Information Card

Complete this before you travel. Cut out the card and keep it in your travel wallet. If your dog is lost or needs emergency treatment, this card has everything in one place.

Emergency Information - 2026tailgora.com

About My Dog

Dog's name
Breed
Colour / markings
Date of birth
Microchip number
Neutered?
Known medical conditions
Current medications
Allergies

Owner Contact

Owner name
UK mobile
Local / roaming number
Email address
Accommodation address
Emergency contact (UK)
Emergency contact phone

Vets

Home vet (UK)
Home vet phone
Destination vet name
Destination vet phone
Destination vet address
Out-of-hours vet
If my dog is found: Please call the numbers above. My dog is microchipped — chip number is listed above. Thank you.
TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 6 of 7
Section 7

Travel Budget Sheet

Use this sheet to plan and track the costs of travelling with your dog. Fill in estimated costs first, then actual costs once booked or paid.

ItemEstimated (£)Actual (£)Notes
Vet & Health
AHC vet appointment
Rabies booster (if needed)
Parasite / flea treatment
Return tapeworm treatment
Travel health check
Prescription medications
Travel
Ferry or LeShuttle crossing
Pet space / kennel / cabin fee
Flight (if applicable)
Pet hold / in-cabin fee
Fuel (if driving)
Insurance & Admin
Pet travel insurance
Travel insurance (owner)
Microchip registration update
Equipment
Carrier or crate
Car harness or boot liner
Travel water bowl / kit
ID tag update
At Destination
Dog-friendly accommodation surcharge
Food supply top-up
Emergency vet fund (reserve)
Dog-friendly activities / entry
Total
Tip: Always set aside an emergency vet fund — a minimum of £200–£300 is a sensible reserve for unexpected treatment abroad. Check your travel insurance covers vet fees at your destination.
TailGoRa - European Travel PlannerSection 7 of 7
TailGoRa

Practical guides and planning tools for UK dog owners travelling to Europe.

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This planner is for general planning purposes. Always check the latest official government guidance before travelling — rules can change. Information in this planner was accurate at time of publication but should be verified against current APHA and destination country requirements.