How to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) in Manchester
Planning pet travel from Manchester? This guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining an Animal Health Certificate in Manchester with Vet Home Certs, including how the process works, collection point options, pricing, transport links, and a clear step-by-step booking guide. This is a practical resource designed specifically for local pet owners looking for a smooth, cost-effective way to prepare their pet’s travel documents before departing.
Meet the Local Vet: Michaela Sukenikova
Michaela is the local vet providing AHC appointments in Manchester. She graduated from Wroclaw Vet School in 2024 and now works in small animal practice across Lancashire and Manchester. Michaela has hands-on experience travelling with her own cat and is passionate about ensuring pets and their owners feel confident with the travel process. Appointments are predominantly at the Manchester collection point, although home visits may be possible depending on your location.
AHC Appointment Options in Manchester
Vet Home Certs offers a convenient collection point service for pet owners in and around Manchester. Though appointments mainly take place at the collection point, the vet may be able to perform a home visit depending on your location.
During the AHC appointment, whether at home or at a collection point, the vet will:
- Verify and scan the microchip of every pet included on the AHC
- Witness the owner signing the declaration section
- Talk you through the finished certificate and ensure any final questions are addressed
All documentation is completed ahead of time so your appointment is quick and straightforward.
Manchester Collection Point
Meet at: https://w3w.co/locals.define.teach
Near 23 Yattendon Avenue, Manchester, M23 9EB
Tips for using the Manchester collection point
- There is usually parking available on the surrounding residential streets, making arrival stress-free.
- Arrive a few minutes early to find a parking spot to ensure smooth handover of the document.
Home delivery availability:
Home visits may be possible depending on your address and the vet’s availability. An additional fee may apply based on distance, and this will be discussed directly with you when the appointment is arranged.
Pricing Information for an Animal Health Certificate in Manchester
Vet Home Certs offers simple, transparent pricing for AHCs:
Repeat AHC: £89
- For returning clients who previously used the same Vet Home Certs vet. Details must remain unchanged with a valid rabies vaccination. Must be arranged more than 10 days ahead. Additional pets are £25 each.
Standard AHC: £99
- This option is available when all information and payment is received more than 7 days in advance of the appointment date. Additional pets are £30 each
Urgent AHC: £199
- Applicable when all information and payment is received within 7 days of an appointment date. Additional pets are £30 each.
Maximum 5 pets per AHC. For full pricing details, visit the Prices page. Supplemental home visit fee: variable depending on location.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an AHC Appointment in Manchester
- Locate the Manchester collection point via the Areas Covered page.
- Complete the STAGE 1 form on the Request Appointment page. Ensure to select the correct vet and area.
- Complete the STAGE 2 form sent immediately to your email after STAGE 1. If you don’t see it within minutes, check your spam folder or re-submit your details.
- Vet review: Your vet checks your information and confirms an appointment time.
- Appointment: Meet the vet at your chosen location for microchip verification, signing, and final checks. Your Animal Health Certificate will be ready to use for travel immediately.
Transport Links & Travel Hubs Near Manchester
Having your Animal Health Certificate ready before you depart allows for a stress-free start to your trip. Journey times from central Manchester are shown below. These times are approximate and may vary with traffic.
Ferry Ports
- Birkenhead (Liverpool) Ferry Port: Ferries to Northern Ireland. Approx 1 hour 15 minutes from Manchester
- Holyhead Ferry Port: Ferries to Ireland. Approx 2 hours 20 minutes from Manchester
- Hull Ferry Port: Ferries to the Netherlands. Approx 2 hours from Manchester
- Portsmouth Ferry Port: Ferry routes to France and Spain. Approx 4 hours 30 minutes from Manchester
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Folkestone):
Direct drive-on train to France. Travel time from central Manchester is roughly 4 hours 45 minutes.
Nearest Airports Supporting Pet Travel
- Manchester Airport: approx 15 – 45 minutes from most Manchester areas.
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport: approx 1 hour from Manchester.
Both airports provide routes compatible with the Pet Travel Scheme.
Important Considerations for Pet Travel
- Travelling only to Northern Ireland: You will need the dedicated Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-northern-ireland-pet-travel-document. If travelling onward to the Republic of Ireland or other EU countries, an AHC is still required.
Worming requirements for dogs
- For travel to Ireland, Norway, Finland, Malta or Northern Ireland, worming must be witnessed and recorded on the AHC by a vet between 24-120 hours before arrival.
Returning to the UK:
Follow the APHA Travel Checklist when returning to the UK with pets.
- Dogs must be wormed 24-120 hours before re-entry, using a product licensed in the country where it is administered and effective against Echinococcus multilocularis.
Appointment Requirements
- Your vet must scan and verify your pet’s microchip during the appointment. Ensure the details submitted in STAGE 2 are accurate. The owner and pets named on the AHC must attend the appointment.
Pets travelling without the owner
- Pets may travel with a carrier or authorised person if arranged in advance. T in order for an AHC to be the appropriate travel document, the owner and pets must reunite within 5 days of entering the EU. Border officials may request proof of this, such as evidence of a flight booking. The owner or the authorised person may sign the AHC during the appointment, ensure to confirm who will sign the AHC ahead of the appointment.
Ready to Travel? Request Your Animal Health Certificate in Manchester Today
Travelling with your pet from Manchester can be simple and stress-free with the right preparation. We recommend submitting your AHC request 3-6 weeks before your travel date.
Request your Animal Health Certificate appointment in Manchester HERE!