Vet Home Certs

Travel advice

How to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) in North West London

If you’re planning to travel with your pet from North West London, this guide explains everything you need to know about obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) locally. It covers how to book, home delivery and collection point options, pricing, transport links, and a step-by-step overview of the process. Designed for pet owners in the area, this guide makes it easy to prepare your AHC in advance of travelling, saving you the stress of collecting documentation at the port.

North West London AHC

Meet the Local Vet: Justine Berger

Justine is an experienced small animal vet and an authorised to issue Animal Health Certificates and certify small animal exports. She provides AHC appointments across North West London, offering both home delivery and collection point options.

Her extensive experience ensures that every pet owner receives clear, practical guidance throughout the process. Whether you’re based near Hampstead, Golders Green, or Brent Cross, Justine provides a professional and efficient service to make preparing your travel documentation simple and stress-free.

Home Visit & Collection Point Options in North West London

Most of the work happens before your appointment, so the process on the day is quick and efficient. During your appointment, whether at home or at a collection point:

  • Your vet will scan and verify the microchip of every pet on the certificate.
  • The owner (or authorised person) must sign the declaration section of the AHC.
  • The vet will guide you through the completed document and answer any final questions.

Home visits are available across North West London; eligibility for a home visit can be seen on the map on the Areas Covered page.

Collection Point Appointments

Vet Home Certs also provides convenient collection points across North West London. These are ideal for clients who do not live in  the home delivery area or who prefer to meet the vet in a public location.

When you arrive, please keep your pet in your car unless otherwise arranged (e.g., when travelling on foot/public transport). You’ll receive precise directions via what3words, ensuring you can easily locate your meeting point without confusion. 

Collection Point Locations in North West London

There are multiple collection points in North West London allowing you to choose the location that is most convenient for you:

 

Practical tips for using the collection points:

  • Most locations have public parking nearby, making appointments quick and easy. Alternatively, several collection locations are near to public transport connections. 
  • Look for clear landmarks such as retail parks or tube stations to help you find the meeting point.
  • Arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth handover.

Pricing Information for an Animal Health Certificate in North West London

Standard AHC: £110

  • The standard AHC rate is available when all information and payment is received more than 7 days in advance of an appointment date. Additional pets are £30 each. 

Repeat AHC: £89

  • For returning clients with unchanged details and a valid rabies vaccination. Available when payment is received more than 10 days before your appointment date. Additional pets are £25 each.

Urgent AHC: £199

  • Applicable when all information and payment is received within 7 days of an appointment date. Additional pets are £30 each.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an AHC Appointment in North West London

  1. Check eligibility for a home visit or find your nearest collection point on the Areas Covered page.

     

  2. Complete the STAGE 1 form through Request Appointment and select the correct vet and location.

     

  3. Complete the STAGE 2 form sent to your email address immediately after submitting Stage 1. If you don’t receive it, check your spam folder or try resubmitting your details.

     

  4. Vet review: The vet will confirm your information and arrange an appointment.

     

  5. Appointment: Your vet meets you (and your pet) to finalise checks and signatures. You will receive the AHC during the appointment.

     

Transport Links & Travel Hubs Near North West London

With your Animal Health Certificate prepared in advance, you can head directly to your chosen travel hub. Below are approximate journey times from central London and may vary with traffic: 

Nearest Ferry Ports 

  • Portsmouth Ferry Port: Routes to France and Spain. Around 1 hour 50 minutes travel time
  • Dover Ferry Port: Routes to Calais and Dunkirk, France. Journey time of around 2 hours.
  • Newhaven Ferry Port : Routes to Dieppe, France. Around 2 hours 10 minutes travel time.
  • Plymouth Ferry Port: Routes to Roscoff, France, and Santander, Spain. Approx 4 hours 15 minutes journey time.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (Folkestone):
Direct drive-on train service to Calais, France. Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes from the North West London collection area.

 

Nearest Airports Supporting Pet Travel

  • London Heathrow Airport: travel time of approximately 45 minutes. Heathrow is one of the UK’s main international hubs, with multiple airlines offering pet travel options.
  • London Gatwick Airport: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes travel time. Gatwick provides a wide range of flights across Europe that accept pets.

Important Considerations for Pet Travel

  • Travelling to Northern Ireland only? You’ll need a separate Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document. If you’re travelling onward to the Republic of Ireland or other EU countries, an Animal Health Certificate is required.

     

  • Worming treatment for dogs: If travelling to Ireland, Norway, Finland, Malta or Northern Ireland, worming treatment must be administered and recorded in the AHC by a vet 24-120 hours before arrival in these countries. 
    • Dogs returning to the UK must also be wormed between 24-120 hours before arrival in the UK; this needs to be witnessed and recorded in the AHC by a vet within this timeframe.
    • Use the Canine Worming Planner for exact timing.

       

  • Microchip check & appointment attendance: The owner and all pets named on the AHC must attend the appointment. The vet must scan and verify your pet’s microchip at the appointment in order for the AHC to be issued.

     

  • Authorised travel: Pets can travel with a courier or authorised person if arranged in advance. The owner and pets must reunite within 5 days of arrival in the EU, and the transporter may need to show proof of this reunion. Either the owner or authorised person may sign the AHC, but this must be confirmed before the appointment.

     

  • Returning to GB? Follow the APHA Travel Checklist when re-entering.

Ready to Travel? Request Your Animal Health Certificate in North West London Today

Travelling with your pet from North West London can be straightforward with the right preparation. It’s recommended to request your Animal Health Certificate 3-6 weeks before your planned travel date to ensure everything is ready in time.

Request your Animal Health Certificate appointment in North West London today with Vet Home Certs – Click HERE! 

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