- Published on
Top tips for getting AHCs done in under 30 minutes
Many practices have done away with Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) as they’re finicky and time-consuming, preferring to focus on the core veterinary work that we all love, but is this a missed opportunity to build on their relationships with some of their best customers?
- Read the Notes for Guidance, and make sure you're up to date with the current rules.
- Have a look through the training module and example on Improve OV.
- Print out an example AHC and write notes on it as a reference.
- When the pet owner calls to book their appointment, send them a short form to fill in.
- This should include all details required on the AHC, plus scans or pictures of the rabies vaccination card.
- In addition, to prevent frustration later, get the pet owner to read a summary of the rules and sign that they understand the process.
- This makes it far more likely that the right person will turn up on the day with the correct documents.
- Have a dedicated box with everything you need for AHCs – rulers, blue pens, stamp ink, the list of Certificate numbers, and anything else you find you’re using.
- When it's all close to hand, you’ll be amazed at the extra time you can save.
- Prepare the AHC in advance to save time during the appointment.
- Think about whether there's a non-clinical member of your team who could assist with this.
- It’s a small task but it can lead to much greater efficiency and less time pressure at the appointment.
- Use a digital service like OVForm to assist with form completion, date checking and cross-outs. You can also use the tick boxes on the APHA forms to cross out paragraphs.
- At the appointment:
- Run through the details again with the owner to confirm accuracy.
- Scan the pet's microchip and confirm it’s the same number on the form.
- Make sure the rabies vaccination is valid on the date you’re signing and that they will be reaching the EU within 10 days.
- Ask the owner or authorised person to sign the written declaration
- Check each page methodically from top to bottom, with attention to details and dates:
- Is the information in supporting evidence the same as on the form?
- Is the microchip number the same throughout the document (it appears 3-4 times)?
- Stamp and sign every page and alteration once you’re satisfied that it is all correct.
- Make yourself a cuppa, you deserve it!