How to Get a Cheap Animal Health Certificate (AHC) in Perth
Travelling abroad with your dog, cat or ferret from Perth requires an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This guide explains how pet owners in and around Perth can obtain an AHC, the options for home visits and collection points, what to expect during the appointment, pricing, and the transport links that make travelling from Perth convenient. A simple step‑by‑step process, clear pricing and local support mean you can organise your AHC before travelling rather than dealing with paperwork at a busy port.
Meet the Local Vet: Helen Frawley
A graduate of the University of Bristol, Helen began her career in mixed practice before relocating to Scotland in 2022. She now works as a small animal locum vet, supporting practices across the region. Helen has a clinical interest in ultrasound scanning, feline health and internal medicine. Her experience with pets and her friendly nature mean Perth pet owners receive a personalised, professional service.
Home Visit & Collection Point Options in Perth
Home visits in Perthshire
Eligibility for a home visit in Perthshire can be checked on the Areas Covered page of the Vet Home Certs website, or on this interactive map. During the appointment, the vet will:
- Scan and verify microchips for every pet on the Animal Health Certificate.
- Witness the owner sign the AHC: the owner (or authorised person) must sign the declaration of non commercial movement in front of the vet.
The vet will perform a final check of the AHC and answer any last minute questions. The AHC is issued during the appointment. If a home visit is not possible, more information about the collection point service can be found below.
Collection point appointments in Perth
For Perth clients, another convenient option is to meet the vet at the Perth collection point. All paperwork is prepared ahead of time; at the appointment the vet confirms microchip details, witnesses your signature and hands over the completed AHC. Staying in your vehicle with your pet makes the process quick and stress free. (If you’re travelling with a cat on foot or by public transport, let the vet know beforehand so any alternative arrangements can be made).
Vet Home Certs uses What3Words to provide precise directions to the collection point. For Perth the collection point is located at Tesco Extra car park, Crieff Road, Perth, PH1 2NR and the what3words address is https://w3w.co/gives.jabs.olive. Meet the vet at the W3W location with your pet(s) to receive your AHC! There is a £5 discount for using this collection point.
Practical tips for finding the Perth collection point
- Arrive early for parking: the Tesco Extra car park on Crieff Road usually has plenty of space, but may be busy during peak times. Aim to arrive a few minutes early to find a suitable spot near the what3words location.
- Use nearby landmarks: the store sits just off the A9 ring road; look for the large Tesco signage. The what3words location pinpoints the meeting spot within the car park.
- Stay in your vehicle: keeping pets in the vehicle ensures a calm and safe environment while the vet completes the checks.
Pricing information
Vet Home Certs offers straightforward pricing for AHCs in Perth with options depending on how far in advance you book and whether you are a returning client:
Standard AHC: £99
- Submit information & payment 7+ days in advance of appointment date
- Includes home visit or collection point
- Add up to 4 extra pets: £30 each (max 5 pets per AHC)
Urgent AHC: £199
- For appointments arranged within 7 days of the appointment date
- Ideal for last-minute travel
- Extra pets: £30 each (max 5 pets per AHC)
Repeat AHC: £89
- Available to returning clients with no changes to pet/owner details using the same vet as their previous AHC
- Eligible for this discount if arranged 10+ days in advance of the appointment date
- Extra pets: £25 each (max 5 pets per AHC)
The Perth collection point offers a £5 discount from the total cost of the AHC. For full pricing details, visit the Vet Home Certs prices page.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Get an AHC Appointment in Perth
- Choose your vet and area. Check that Helen Frawley (Perth and surrounding areas) is your nearest vet using the map on the Areas Covered page.
- Complete the Stage 1 form. Visit the Request AHC page and fill in the Stage 1 request form with your contact details and availability. Submit the form to trigger the next stage.
- Check your email for the Stage 2 form. It arrives immediately after Stage 1 submission; if you don’t see it, check your spam folder. This form is to provide information about your pet, the owner details, and travel plans. Both forms must be completed for your request to be processed.
- Await confirmation from the vet. The vet reviews your forms, verifies vaccine records and contacts you to arrange an appointment. An appointment is only confirmed once all required information and payment have been received.
- Attend the appointment. Whether you choose a home visit or collection point, bring your pet(s) and any requested documents. The vet will scan microchips, witness the declaration and hand over your AHC. You’re then ready to travel!
Transport Links & Travel Hubs Near Perth
Perth’s central location in Scotland means several ferry ports, the Eurotunnel and airports are accessible for onward travel to Europe or Northern Ireland. Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic.
Nearby ferry ports
- Cairnryan (services to Northern Ireland): roughly 3 hours 15 minutes travel time from the Perth area. Cairnryan is the main Scottish ferry link to Northern Ireland.
- Newcastle (Port of Tyne) (DFDS to Amsterdam): travel via the A1 takes about 3 hours 30 minutes from Perth.
- Liverpool (Birkenhead) (sailings to Dublin or Belfast): travel typically takes around 5 hours from Perth.
- Hull (King George Dock) (P&O Ferries to Rotterdam): roughly 5 hours 30 minutes travel time.
Eurotunnel
- Folkestone Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: from Perth to the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone is a longer journey; driving takes around 9 hours. This route is useful for direct car travel to mainland Europe.
Airports
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI): driving takes approximately 50 minutes from Perth. Edinburgh Airport operates flights to many European destinations that accept pets.
- Glasgow Airport (GLA): travel time is around 1 hour 30 minutes. Glasgow also offers pet friendly flights.
Important Considerations for Pet Travel
- Northern Ireland only? Travelling solely to Northern Ireland requires a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document; apply via the UK government website. For onward travel to the Republic of Ireland or other EU countries, an AHC is still required.
- Dogs and worming treatment: If travelling to Ireland, Norway, Finland, Malta or Northern Ireland, dogs must receive a worming treatment administered by a vet 24-120 hours before arrival. The treatment must be recorded in the AHC after it’s issued. Dogs returning to the UK also require worming 24-120 hours before re‑entering; the medication must be licensed in the country where it’s given. Use the Canine Worming Planner to calculate timing.
- Microchip verification: At your appointment the vet must scan and verify the microchip numbers for all pets. Ensure the information on your Stage 2 form matches your pet’s chip record.
- Owner and pets must attend: The owner named on the AHC must be present at the appointment with the pets. If an authorised person is travelling with the pet, the AHC can be prepared accordingly; in this case the owner or authorised person may sign, but the owner and pets must reunite within five days of arrival in the EU. Inform the vet in advance who will be signing the documents so the correct process can be followed.
- Returning to the UK? Please take note of the travel checklist from the APHA for returning to the uk with your pet: Travel Checklist.
Ready to Travel? Request Your Animal Health Certificate in Perth Today
Travelling with your pet from Perth can be stress free with the right documents. By planning ahead (we recommend requesting an AHC appointment more than 3 weeks before travel) and using Vet Home Certs’ convenient home visit or collection point service, you can obtain your Animal Health Certificate in Perth without the hassle of arranging paperwork at a port.
Request your Animal Health Certificate appointment in Perth today with Vet Home Certs. Request an AHC and enjoy your trip knowing your pet is travel ready.
