Vet Home Certs

Travel advice

How to Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) in Taunton & Somerset

Pet owners in Taunton and Somerset planning travel to the EU or Northern Ireland need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for their dog, cat, or ferret. This guide explains how to get an AHC in Taunton & Somerset, including collection point options, what to expect during your appointment, local transport links, transparent pricing, and a simple step-by-step booking process. Organising your AHC in advance means your paperwork is ready before you travel, avoiding delays at the port.

 

Meet the Local Vet: Kelly Foden 

Kelly graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2011. After time in mixed practice, she has spent most of her career in first opinion small animal work in Somerset. Alongside her clinical interests in medicine and laparoscopic surgery, she is an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised to issue Animal Health Certificates. Kelly provides a friendly, efficient AHC service with local collection points in Taunton and Ilminster, helping pet owners prepare for smooth journeys abroad.

Cheap AHC Somerset

Collection Point Options in Taunton & Ilminster

Home visits are not available in this area, but convenient collection point appointments are available instead. All paperwork is prepared in advance so that the appointment itself is quick and straightforward.

At the collection point, the vet will:

  • Scan and verify the microchips of all pets listed on the certificate.
  • Witness the owner (or authorised person) sign the AHC declaration.
  • Provide guidance on the completed certificate and answer any last minute questions.

Collection Point Locations

Tips for Using the Collection Points

  • Arrive early: Both Tesco Ilminster and Riverside Retail Park Taunton can be busy, plan a few extra minutes to find parking near to the W3W locations. 
  • Use nearby landmarks: In Ilminster, look for the Tesco signage; in Taunton, the Costa Coffee is next to Sainsbury’s and easy to spot from the main road.
  • Follow What3Words: Use the What3Words links (above) for precise directions to the meeting point using the navigation tab.

Pricing Information

Vet Home Certs offers clear, tiered pricing for Animal Health Certificates in Somerset:

  • Standard AHC – £99
    Available when all information and payment is submitted more than 7 days before the appointment. Extra pets £30 each.
  • Urgent AHC – £199
    Applicable when all information and payment is received within 7 days of the AHC appointment date. Extra pets £30 each.
  • Repeat AHC: £89
    For returning clients with unchanged details and rabies vaccinations. Must be booked at least 10 days in advance of the appointment. Extra pets £25 each.

A £5 discount applies when using the Ilminster Tesco collection point. Maximum of 5 pets per AHC. For further price details, visit the prices page.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an AHC Appointment in Taunton & Somerset

  1. Check your vet and area: Find the nearest collection point on the map provided on the Areas Covered page.
  2. Complete Stage 1 form: Fill in the initial request at Vet Home Certs. Ensure to select Kelly Foden (Somerset, Taunton & Ilminster) on the form.
  3. Check your email for Stage 2 form: Arrives immediately after Stage 1. Provide pet, owner, and travel details. Both forms must be completed.
  4. Vet review & confirmation: The vet verifies vaccination records and arranges the appointment once forms are complete.
  5. Appointment day: Meet at your chosen collection point. The vet scans your pet’s microchip, witnesses the declaration, and issues your AHC.

Transport Links & Travel Hubs Near Taunton and Somerset

With your Animal Health Certificate ready in advance, you can travel directly from Somerset to ports without a last-minute stop to collect an AHC. Below are approximate driving times from Taunton and may vary with traffic:

Nearest Ferry Ports

  • Plymouth Ferry Port: Ferries sail to Roscoff and Santander. Journey time from Taunton is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Portsmouth International Port: Sailings include Caen, Le Havre, Bilbao and Santander. Around 2 hours 30 minutes by car.
  • Poole Ferry Port: Services to Cherbourg and St Malo in France. Travel time is roughly 1 hour 50 minutes.
  • Dover Ferry Port: The UK’s busiest ferry hub with routes to Calais and Dunkirk. Driving time is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.

Eurotunnel

  • Folkestone Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: Direct drive-on train service to Calais. From Taunton, the journey takes about 3 hours 50 minutes.

Airports

  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Around 1 hour by car. Provides a wide range of European routes that support pet travel.
  • ​​London Heathrow (LHR): Around 2 hours 45 minutes from Taunton. As one of the UK’s main airports, it provides extensive international flight options that support pet travel.

Airline policies and routes vary, always confirm with your carrier before booking.

Important Considerations for Pet Travel

  • Northern Ireland only? If travelling solely to Northern Ireland, you must apply for a Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document. For onward EU travel, an AHC is still required.
  • Worming treatment for dogs: For Ireland, Norway, Finland, Malta or Northern Ireland, dogs must be wormed 24–120 hours before arrival. This should be witnessed and recorded in the AHC by a vet.
  • Appointment requirements: Your pet’s microchip must be scanned and verified at the appointment. The owner and all pets listed must attend.
  • Authorised travel: Pets may travel with an authorised person or courier, but the owner and pets must reunite within 5 days. Either the owner or authorised person can sign the AHC, let your vet know in advance who will sign.
  • Return travel: Always check the official APHA Travel Checklist for re-entry to the UK. Dogs returning to the UK also need worming treatment recorded in the AHC within the 24 – 120 hour timeframe.

Ready to Travel? Request Your Animal Health Certificate in Taunton & Somerset Today

Travelling with your pet from Taunton and Somerset can be stress free with the right documents. We recommend booking your AHC appointment 3 to 6 weeks before your EU arrival date.

Request your Animal Health Certificate appointment in Taunton & Somerset today with Vet Home Certs



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