pet travel eu

I took my dog to Barcelona to get an EU pet passport: Here's what I learned

In 2023, my dog Poppy flew United Airlines 37 times, vacationed in Aruba and Mexico , and, most exciting of all, got her European Union pet passport in Barcelona.

Poppy, who is trained to assist me with a psychiatric disability, flies free as my service animal . However, we were spending a small fortune each year on international health certificates (around $300 per certificate) required each time an American dog enters any country other than Mexico and Canada.

Having an EU pet passport eliminates this step and allows Poppy to travel freely to EU countries — as well as Switzerland, Norway and much of the Balkans — for the next three years. This is a great cost-cutting measure for travelers who frequently visit Europe with a pet.

Getting an EU passport for Poppy in Spain was much easier than I expected. As I learned, Barcelona is the perfect destination to go through the process.

Pups are everywhere in this city, and it's hard to walk for more than a minute without your doggo sharing sniffs with another canine. There are also fantastic dog-friendly hotels , restaurants, Europe's only dog water park, beaches and even some attractions you can visit with your fur child.

Here's everything you need to know about the EU pet passport process. Note this article pertains to American dogs traveling to and from the EU. Every country has different entry requirements. So, if your dog doesn't live in the U.S., you'll need to check with your home country about the requirements if you plan to travel back and forth.

What is an EU pet passport?

An EU Pet Passport is a document issued by an official veterinarian in a country within the EU that contains health information related to a specific pet. It cannot be obtained in the U.S. The passport is a blue booklet that resembles a human EU passport and even has space for a photo of your pup (though this is not mandatory).

What is mandatory is that your dog be revaccinated for rabies by the EU veterinarian that issues the passport. So, you must take your dog to Europe to get vaccinated. The trickiest part of this process is that your dog must be vaccinated against rabies twice if you are traveling to Europe and not moving there. This is because to return to the U.S., you will need a valid rabies certificate issued by an accredited American veterinarian. Think of it this way: A rabies vaccine basically serves as your pup's passport, so they will be dual citizens.

"Luckily, there are no proven negative effects of double vaccinating a dog against rabies, so long as the vaccines are not given within a few months of each other," Poppy's veterinarian, Dr. Bethany Yurek, who practices in Colorado, told me. Poppy's vaccines are spread out 1.5 years apart, which resulted from lucky timing, but if the vaccines are given about six months apart, you should be good to go.

Of course, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before deciding to revaccinate before expiration. You will also want to request three-year rabies vaccines.

Why get an EU pet passport?

If you plan to travel to Europe multiple times over three years (the length of the longest rabies vaccine), an EU pet passport will save you thousands of dollars and a lot of time.

Without one, you will have to take your dog to its veterinarian to get an EU international health certificate issued and then endorsed by a vet at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The entire process must be done within 10 days of entering the EU, and it'll cost around $300.

You can use your health certificate to enter multiple EU countries for up to three months on a single visit, but you cannot use the health certificate for a second visit later. So, even though I got a health certificate when I took Poppy to Italy previously, it was not valid for this trip to Spain.

Obtaining an EU pet passport (besides being adorable looking) allows you to travel back and forth to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway and much of the Balkans without any other paperwork for as long as the EU-issued rabies vaccine is valid.

To maintain your dog's EU passport, you must schedule their next rabies vaccine in Europe before it expires.

Can dogs living outside the EU get the pet passport?

Yes. "The purpose of the EU Pet Passport is to simplify travel between EU Member States, but the EU has also allowed it to be used for pets returning to the EU from other countries as long as it is a non-commercial movement," according to the USDA. Noncommercial movement means you are not importing more than five animals to sell them. The passport is designed for pets only.

What is the process for getting an EU pet passport?

Getting an EU pet passport was a lot easier than I expected. I used TomVets in Barcelona; I found the company by quickly searching Google for vets with good reviews issuing EU pet passports to visitors. I reached out via WhatsApp and received a response in English within a day.

Dr. Tommaso Piermarini makes home vet visits. He came directly to the Majestic Hotel & Spa , where we were staying, to administer the rabies vaccine and issue the passport. It was so convenient that it immediately brought my stress levels down. I filled out some quick paperwork online before the visit, and that was it.

On the appointment day, Dr. Tommaso showed up promptly and spoke fluent English. We went to my room, and the process took less than 30 minutes. When he left, Poppy had a shiny new passport. The cost was also very reasonable at 155 euros ($167).

Barcelona is ideal for a Spanish citizenship vacation

Besides the ease of getting the EU pet passport here with a mobile veterinary service like TomVets, Barcelona is a fantastic doggy vacation destination. In addition to its Mediterranean climate, great food and beautiful beaches, the city welcomes pups with exuberance.

I stayed at the Majestic Hotel & Spa , an elegant neoclassical property on the city's famous shopping street, Passeig de Gracia, in the trendy Eixample neighborhood. Welcoming guests since 1918, it's the city's most famed luxury hotel.

The Majestic welcomes small canine guests with its Very Important Pet package ; the package includes a personalized welcome card, toys, treats, bottled water, a comfortable bed, food and water bowls to use during your stay. Dogs must weigh about 20 pounds or less — the same size pup that can travel as a pet in airplane cabins.

The hotel has various accommodation options, but in honor of Poppy's Spanish citizenship milestone, we stayed in one of the Majestic Suites. The massive room featured multiple balconies offering jaw-dropping, panoramic city views; a separate bedroom and living space; a giant walk-in closet; and a marble bathroom.

Don't skip sunset drinks and a bite to eat at the Majestic's rooftop terrace bar — where you can, of course, bring your pup. The 360-degree views of the city serve as the perfect backdrop for a photo sesh with your best friend. The sunsets seem to go on forever with an everchanging display of vibrant colors.

The hotel also has a fantastic spa, and I got rid of my jet lag with a luxe two-hour body and facial treatment.

Dog-friendly attractions and restaurants

Across the street from the Majestic is Casa Batllo . Considered one of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's greatest masterpieces, it was created in the early 1900s for a wealthy family. Nowadays, it is an immersive architectural museum experience and one of the few attractions of its kind that welcomes dogs. Poppy swapped tea with more than one canine visitor while I got lost in its trippy light shows, shimmering tile facade, undulating curves and other swirling shapes. If you visit during summer, Casa Batllo often has live music and drinks on its roof terrace.

The Majestic's central location makes it easy to access some of Barcelona's best neighborhoods for walking. The Gothic Quarter and the Born are within a 30-minute walk of the hotel. Most shops in Barcelona allow dogs, and many restaurants also welcome pets on their patios. Some places — like La Carioca , which serves Brazilian-inspired food and drinks — even include pups inside.

Related: 10 best dog-friendly destinations to explore this summer

Barcelona is also home to Europe's first water park for dogs. AquaPark Canino is a must for pups who like to swim. The park, open from June through September, has two large swimming pools, a dune area for rolling, gardens for frisbee or ball-catching sessions, and even a restaurant where you and your pup can dine.

In winter, you can walk your dog along Barcelona's beachfront and miles of gold sand. However, in summer, you'll need to stick to Llevant Beach, Playa de Les Salines and Cala Vallcarca, which are dog-friendly.

The city also has several dog-friendly parks and gardens, including most parts of Park Guell , another Gaudi-designed masterpiece. Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc del Clot, Parc de la Barceloneta and Joan Miro Park also welcome woofers.

Finally, if your pup likes to shop, you must head to Barcelona Dogs in the Born. The shop carries one-of-a-kind designer collars and matching leashes as well as harnesses and coats for dogs and cats. Poppy chose a beautiful pink suede collar adorned with filigree crystals to celebrate her Spanish citizenship.

Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

August 3, 2023
Dog Travel Tips , Europe Pet Friendly Guides , Uncategorized

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You can bring your dog to Europe from the US in 2024. It’s easier in 2024 than before but it still requires careful preparation and adherence to each European country’s specific regulations . Generally, you will need a valid pet microchip for identification, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and a pet health certificate from a veterinarian. Some countries may also impose quarantine periods or have breed-specific restrictions but that is very rare.

Additionally, you must check with your chosen airline for their pet travel policies and fees. By meeting all the necessary requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog article are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 1: you must decide where you want to go (which european country) and when.

The first thing is deciding where to go and when. This, we believe, is the first step because it determines the rest of how you plan and go about obtaining the required documents.

If you decide to go to Europe during the off-season (November – March), then plane tickets and accommodations will be much more affordable than during high season (late May – August). Shoulder season (April – mid June; late September – October) would be a great in-between option in terms of prices and crowds.

As a general rule of thumb, you should give yourself at least 3 months of planning before you leave for Europe with your dog.

Once you choose the country you plan on going to and when, then you can move onto the next step…

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

First, it is mandatory that your pet is microchipped and has their up to date vaccinations in order to travel to Europe. Please double check with your vet about this before booking any appointments. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip.

After ensuring your pet is microchipped and has the necessary vaccines you will need to book an appointment with an accredited vet who can issue you an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate . Not all vets are able to do this. We recommend calling your vet’s office first and confirming before booking an appointment. You can also search this database as well to find an accredited vet.

Below is a script you can use when calling the vet:

“Hello, I plan on traveling to [European Country] on [Date you plan on traveling] and need a pet health certificate done for my pet. Does your office have any vets that are accredited and able to issue this for me?”

To clarify, an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate is a document that is given to you and your pet from a vet, after the vet has deemed your pet healthy enough for travel. You will need the hard copy of this form, embossed and signed by the USDA endorsement office when you fly. Meaning this document can not be shown electronically through your phone or computer. When you are checking into your flight, the airline will required the hard copy of this document. You may also need to show this document upon arrival at your designated country as well.

It is also important to note that if you do not have an European Union pet passport for your dog or pet then you will need to visit the vet and get your pet health certificate done within 10 days of your departure date (your flight date).

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

To meet your designated country’s requirements for an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate you must obtain this from an accredited veterinarian. They will assist in completing, signing, and dating the necessary certificate. Your veterinarian can then submit the certificate directly to the USDA Endorsement Office through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or provide you with the paperwork for you to submit to the office yourself. The USDA Endorsement office will then emboss and sign the hard copy and send it back directly to you so you can bring it to the airport. Please note that you will have to pay for shipping.

bodhi mini dachshund dog in paris, petfriendly hotels

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Next is making sure you book flights for you and your pet! This step can be done simultaneously with Step 2; however we find that if you get your vet appointment date booked and figure out all that business with the USDA-endorsed pet health certificate then booking your flight becomes more seamless.

We are based in California so flying into a major European city such as Paris, Milan, etc would be the most efficient because they tend to have direct flights. We flew French Bee and loved it! Very straight to the point, cost efficient and we have not experience any delays or cancellations with them.

We listed below the airlines you can bring your dog and fly in cabin with them to Europe from US in 2023. You can click on the links to each airline to be taken directly to their pet policy page.

Aegean Airlines
TAP Air Portugal (We do not recommend flying with them. We experienced a lot of issues with this airline.)
United Airlines

It is also important to note that you will need to buy a soft carrier for your pet if you plan on traveling in cabin with them. We rated the top 5 best dog carriers for 2023 here if you want to check that out!

We recommend you review your airline’s pet policy in detail and understand the following:

their maximum weight allotment (usually has to be under 17-22 pounds, including the carrier)
their maximum carrier size & carrier requirements
the cost to fly your pet in cabin with you
if there are any additional paperwork needed to check your dog into the flight

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Lastly, once everything is squared away you can relax! Well, sort of. We recommend you train your pet for airline travel. Getting your pet used to the carrier, making sure they relieve themselves before the flight, and watching their food and water intake are all things you must do to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want a free guide on how to best prepare your dog for in cabin airplane travel then just sign up to our newsletter below & get it instantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can i take my dog to europe from the us without flying.

In 2023, flying to Europe from the US is one of the fastest ways to travel with your pet. However, there are other options if you prefer not to fly.

Ferry travel with pets is available on many large ships in US and Europe. You can sail for several hours or even days, with accommodations for both you and your pet. The ferries make stops in various countries during the journey.

You also have the option to charter a private yacht as well — but we believe this to be unnecessary and extremely pricey.

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Yes! You can bring a dog on a plane to Europe. We’ve listed the airlines that allow in cabin pets to fly with their owners above. However, you must meet all the requirements and have the appropriate paperwork in order to do so.

An accredited vet needs to sign the form, and then the USDA endorsement office must endorse it within 48 hours before your pet arrives in Europe. The hard copy of the form must be on hand while traveling. If your pet is just passing through the EU, you don’t need to follow this rule.

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

Yes! In 2023 there are plenty of options if you want to bring your dog to Europe from the US via airplane. When flying to Europe from the USA with your dog, it’s best to choose European flag-carrier airlines as they are more likely to allow pets in the cabin with you. We’ve listed the 2023 airlines that allow pets in cabin above!

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

It really all depends on when you’re traveling and where you’re traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000. We’ve heard some destinations you have to pay upwards of $10,000 to transport your pet.

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

We would say it’s not hard but it takes work. Before bringing your dog, cat, or ferret to any European Union country, your pet needs to have a microchip. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip. Even if your pet’s rabies vaccination is still valid, it must be re-vaccinated for rabies after getting the microchip. Please also double check with the official USA website here as well as the EU official website here for up to date regulations, updates and changes.

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

You do not need an EU pet passport for your dog unless you are traveling in Europe with your dog for more than 90 days. However, the European Union EU dog pet passport makes it easier for your dog to travel across Europe.

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

It depends! If you are flying into Europe with your dog from the US then it can usually cost $100-250 extra.

However, if you’re traveling around Europe when you are already in Europe then the price can be much cheaper. Sites like Omio are pet friendly and offers affordable prices for pet friendly train rides. Dogs even get to ride for free on most trains (if your pet is in a pet carrier).

Also, if you have an European Union pet passport this allows your dog, cat, or ferret to travel effortlessly within the EU and even to non-EU countries (like UK, Switzerland, Iceland, etc). We highly recommend getting a European Union pet passport for your pet!

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

This will vary across different airlines. So make sure you double check with each airline’s pet policy. We link each airline and their pet policy above to make it easier for you to check!

Generally, however, we have found the weight limit for dogs/pets in the cabin to be 17-22 pounds or less. This includes the carrier’s and your pet’s weight.

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

Good news! Pets traveling between Europe and the US do not need to go through quarantine, so you can bring your pet to your hotel or destination right when you land. The rules are simple: ensure your pet has a rabies vaccine, a microchip, and a health certificate from a USDA vet. That’s all you need to worry about!

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We hope you found this article helpful!

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Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?

If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.

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How to Get an EU Pet Passport for Your Dog

This is a guest post from Cathi Bert-Roussel.

Traveling through Europe with your pet is one of the most rewarding experiences a globe-trotter can have. While most European countries are incredibly pet-friendly, getting into Europe with a pet is not always so easy. Travelling around Europe and subsequent visits become a lot easier once you get an EU Pet Passport for your pet.

Note: Anecdotally, there have been reports that it is now more difficult to get EU pet passports in France, following Brexit and an influx of British citizens trying to obtain EU pet passports. Some vets will now only issue pet passports to French residents. However, there haven’t been reports of this in other EU countries.

Travelling to Europe Without an EU Pet Passport

First-time pets traveling to the Continent must carry a seven-page EU pet import license (also known as EU Annex IV). This complex and confusing document must be filled out by your vet and endorsed by your country’s animal regulatory agency no more than 10 days prior to departure.

Following all of the steps toward completion takes about seven to nine days. Timing is critical to having the document in hand prior to departure. The form can be found on most EU embassy websites.

Benefits of Getting an European Pet Passport

Once you arrive in Europe, an EU Pet Passport is relatively easy to acquire and can be used on return trips to the continent, eliminating the need for the horrible EU Annex IV. The European Union Pet Passport scheme allows holders to travel with their pets to and from the EU and between European Union countries.

The program was created to establish a standardized protocol for EU residents to transport their companion animals in and out of the region. The little blue passports are issued only by official EU veterinarians for dogs, cats and ferrets when transported for non-commercial purposes.

There are several benefits to having an EU Pet Passport including hassle-free border crossing with your pet, eliminating the need to fill out confusing paperwork and a convenient place to store your pet’s inoculation record.

Traveling through Europe with a Pet Passport in hand means no additional required travel documents are needed for your pet.

What’s Inside an EU Pet Passport?

The actual passport contains your pet’s health status, your name and address, pet identifying information such as breed, physical traits and microchip number and an optional pet photograph. As long as your pet’s rabies vaccination is kept current and recorded in the passport by a licensed veterinarian, this document never expires.

How to Get a Pet Passport

I obtained an EU Pet Passport for my dog during a six-month stay in Paris. At first, I was worried that not having EU citizenship or permanent resident status would disqualify me from applying. I found out this was not true.

It was an easy exercise and completed in a 30-minute visit to a veterinarian clinic. The cost was 70 Euros, and when compared to what I spent for Danny’s Annex IV ($150 USD all in), very reasonable.

The steps to obtaining a pet passport are simple. The first is to make an appointment with an official EU veterinarian (nearly all practicing vets in Europe are “official”).

A quick Google search for English-speaking vets led me to Dr. Pierre Metivet in Paris. When making the appointment, tell the office staff the purpose is to obtain an EU Pet Passport.

You will need to bring the following items when meeting with the veterinarian:

Annex IV form completed by your home vet and endorsed by your country’s official veterinary regulatory body (USDA in the United States),
Your pet’s current rabies certificate or rabies titre test results no less than 21 days old
Microchip information, date of implantation, chip number and issuing company information (this info is also on the Annex IV)

At the Vet Appointment

At the appointment, the attending veterinarian or staff will take your pet’s vital signs, scan for a microchip and address any health concerns or questions you have. The veterinarian will perform a basic health exam on your pet, review your paperwork and fill out the passport book.

If you plan to travel to the UK, Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway during your Europe stay, be sure to ask the veterinarian about additional entry requirements for these countries. Each requires a tapeworm treatment to be given within 1 to 5 days before arrival. Your EU vet can advise you on the appropriate timing of the medication dose.

And a Pet Passport Photograph!

The second step is to purchase one passport style photograph of your pet and affix it to the space provided in the book. The size should be 2 x 2 inches (50mm x 50mm). Including your pet’s photo is optional but I was told by Dr. Metivet it is better to have one as you do not want to give any customs official a reason to deny your pet entry into a country.

You may find you never need to show your pet’s EU passport except upon entry to Europe. But having one means your pet has met all requirements for legal presence and is free to travel throughout Europe (with limited exceptions). An EU Pet Passport means the only thing you and your furry travel companion have to worry about is having a good time.

Bone Voyage!

About the Author

Cathi Bert-Roussel is a North Carolina based writer and editor of Triangle Paws Magazine. She is an avid world traveler with her dog, Danny, who has more stamps in his passport than she has. When not traveling, she and Danny sniff out dog-friendly establishments in her home-town of Raleigh.

Since originally publishing this post, I’d thought I’d go into a little more detail about some aspects of how to get a pet passport that come up repeatedly. So here’s some more detailed information on two key aspects: how long it takes and the cost to get an EU pet passport.

How Long Does it Take to Get an EU Pet Passport?

Generally, an EU pet passport can be issued on the spot. However, it is best when you make an appointment that you advise the veterinarian staff that you want to get a pet passport, in case they don’t currently have any blank passports.

The duration of the appointment will depend on the veterinarian needs to do to fill in the passport. If your dog already has a microchip and has been vaccinated against rabies, then the appointment will be quick, generally 10-30 minutes.

It may be longer if your dog needs to be microchipped and hasn’t yet been vaccinated (or this may be done over multiple appointments).

How Much Does an EU Pet Passport Cost?

Cathi mentioned above that it cost her €70 to be issued a pet passport in Paris, including a basic health exam and using the Annex IV paperwork. However, the cost to get an EU pet passport can be more expensive or cheaper than this, especially between different countries.

Based on response in a Facebook group that I’m a member of, the cost of an EU pet passport can be as low as €10-€15. There were reports of EU pet passports costing this little from the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain.

However, this is probably more likely if you visit your regular vet or if get a pet passport in addition to other vet services, charged separately.

Pet passports can sometimes be more expensive, especially if you combine it with a worming treatment or rabies booster. Here are more examples of charges:

When I visited a vet in Paris in May 2017 – €55 (including worming treatment for the UK)
Someone who visited a vet in the UK in November 2018 – £57 (€67)
Someone who visited a vet in Spain in April 2019 – €30 (plus €45 for yearly vaccinations and rabies booster)
Someone who visited a vet in Calais out-of-hours – €90
In Germany, according to The Points Guy – €75 (including re-vaccination for rabies)
In the UK, according to MoneySuperMarket – £60 (€70) (Or £112 including microchip and rabies vaccination)

90 thoughts on “How to Get an EU Pet Passport for Your Dog”

This was incredibly helpful! I went through all of this the hard way and you basically detailed everything I learned in such a clear and concise way. I’m sure many have found this helpful (even me reviewing the points and especially the pet passport part!) Thanks so much!

That’s great to hear! Hope you’ve had a great time travelling with your dog in Europe!

You are very welcome. I must admit that I was very intimidated by the prospect of getting the pet passport. But once I started the process, I was amazed at how easy it was. The hardest part was calling a veterinarian to make an appointment with my terrible French.

What about the return to the US? What documents are required? Or is the passport valid for re-entry in the US? Thx

I haven’t yet travelled to the US myself, but I’ve confirmed the requirements with someone that has travelled multiple times from Europe to the US. They’ve stated that in addition to taking their EU Pet Passport with the rabies certificate, they go to the vet a day or two before their flight and get a certificate of good health. In this the vet states the dog is up-to-date on all its vaccines and is generally in good health to be traveling.

Note that if it’s the first rabies vaccine, your dog needs to wait at least 30 days to fly. Check out these links for more information: Full list of rules for travel to the US: http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/UnitedStates.cfm Specific details on rabies vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html

(I’ll be writing a more in-depth post about this later in the coming months.)

For the UK resident post Brexit and post 2021 – I assume all your advice would be based on being resident or a second home owner in the EU? Visitors to the EU can also obtain an EU Pet passport but it would appear not to allow you entry into the EU from an outside country. (check you listed status) Anyone still going for a Pet Passport by transfer of information from an AHC should check that the date of chip implantation/application is shown to precede the rabies vaccination and not the ‘date of reading’ at the visit – or have the issuing Vet give a rabies booster .

Prior to Brexit, most vets in the EU would issue EU pet passports to anyone. However, post-Brexit, many are now only issuing pet passports for local residents, with this differing from country to country.

Very useful, thank you!

How does your dog do on long flights? Mine has been in his pet carrier up until 8 hours and he did great. But I’ll be flying for about 10,5 hours AND there will be a 7 hours time difference. I’m wondering how this will go.. Care to share your experience?

The only long flight we’ve done with our dog was from Australia to Europe, where due to regulations he had to go in the hold. The flights we’ve done in Europe have only been short (up to 2 hours), although we’ve done an overnight ferry crossing to the Netherlands where he was on the ship for at least 10 hours. And while we could take him out to a deck area, he wouldn’t consider it for doing his business as there was no grass or similar!

10.5 hours isn’t much longer than 8 hours, so hopefully your dog will cope as well as on previous flights. I wouldn’t worry much about the time difference. He won’t notice it as first, while in artificial environments, and dogs tend to sleep a lot more in the day compared to us humans so probably adjust easier. Our dog was fine with the 10 hour time difference between Australia and Spain. He probably had less jet lag than we did!

One year later! Thank you for your reply. I did travel to Belgium a year ago. Everything went well, I got the EU passport 10lbs dog again to Belgium in a couple of weeks. I did notice that (US) airlines are make no it more difficult to travel with pets.

Oh, when I got back to the US last year – after 7 days – everything went smooth. I declared him and they did not ask for paperwork as he came from Belgium, which is considered a “safe country” for rabies in the USA.

We travelled to the US from Paris in October last year and found the same – they were very relaxed! Glad all went well!

Cathi, I will be travelling back to Europe with my pup in June. We have lived in France before and I got her an EU Passport while there. However, her rabies vaccine will need to be given again in the USA before we go, so do you know if I will still need all the extra paperwork? (As if she didn’t have an EU Passport) And if I don’t dpes the vaccine still need to be administered by a USDA accredited veterinarian? Thanks in advance! Always nice to hear of other well travelled pups!

This is Shandos. Unfortunately, you’ll have to have the booster recorded on an third-country official veterinary certificate, so the same paperwork as when you originally travelled with your pup from the USA to Europe, plus administered by a USDA accredited veterinarian (if that’s a requirement for getting the paperwork). Don’t get your vet to record the booster in the EU Pet Passport – I’ve heard of someone who did this and invalidated the passport.

The UK government website (which has the same rules as for pet travelling to France), is unfortunately quite clear about this. See: https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/rabies-vaccination-boosters-and-blood-tests and https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/pet-passport .

Enjoy your time in France! I’m just about to head there tomorrow and can’t wait to explore more with my dog. Shandos

Also, if you’ve got my questions, I’ve just started a new FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw/ . Open to all questions about traveling with a dog!

This is crazy! How would I get EU passport for my dog here in Canada if there is no EU approved veterinarian in whole country?

You can only get the EU passports when you are in Europe. Instead, in Canada get an authorised veterinarian to complete an “EU Annex IV”, or “animal health certificate”. This may need to be also endorsed by the relevant government authority. For more details, see http://www.travelnuity.com/travelling-to-europe-with-a-dog/ and speak to a vet in Canada familiar with preparing dogs for travel.

The EU Passport is designed for dogs living in Europe, or at least spending an extended period in Europe. It’s not required for a dog to enter Europe.

Thank you very much for your answer. 🙂

Hi~ Thanks so much for the information! I brought my dog from the U.S. last year to Finland and am living here permanently now. My dog doesn’t have an EU passport but we want to take a 4 day vacation to Barcelona on June 1st 2018. Do you know if I can just use paperwork that I have from the U.S. or if I need to acquire an EU passport?? Also, Finland required tapeworm treatment when I was coming from the U.S. but if I just take this short trip to Barcelona, do I still need to get a tapeworm treatment there during my 4-day stay before flying back into Finland??

Thank you in advance 🙂 !!!

Jene – Hope you got the detailed reply that I sent you via Facebook! For any other readers, the short answers are yes, you’ll need an EU passport, as the papers are only valid for 4 months, plus you’ll need to get the tapeworm treatment again, and that will need to be recorded in your new passport.

Thanks for your answer ! It give detailed information for me to get a EU pet passport for my cat. We plan to travel to Ireland after France. Have you travel to Ireland ? Do you know whether there is an airline from France to Ireland that allow pet to travel with people rather than traveling alone as a cargo? I did try to find some information but failed. But as you suggested, I will contact with Dr. Pierre Metivet for extra requirements for Ireland. Anyway, thank you so much!!

That’s great to hear about the pet passport! Unfortunately, both Ireland and the UK only allow pets entering the countries to travel as cargo, except for service dogs – this is a government regulation. (This doesn’t apply travelling the opposite direction, to there are a few airlines that allow pets to travel in the cabin or as checked-baggage when leaving.) If you don’t want to have your cat travel as cargo, there’s two alternatives. If you have a car you can take the Eurotunnel or a ferry across the channel, then drive across England, then take another ferry to Ireland. If you don’t have a car, from Paris the best option is to take the train to Dieppe, the DFDS ferry to Newhaven, trains across England, then one of the ferries across to Ireland. I discuss the options for transporting a pet to the UK in this post: http://www.travelnuity.com/dog-travel-between-uk-europe/ . All the best!

Hi，thanks for your useful information. But I am wondering whether there is a possibility for me to take a ferry from France to Ireland directly rather than going to England firstly then transiting to Ireland. Do you have any experience for this?

Chris – I’m annoyed I didn’t think of this earlier! I don’t have experience with taking ferries on this route, but looking on line, there are 3 ferry companies that cross between France and Ireland: 1. Irish Ferries – Pets are allowed for foot passengers, you’ll need to carry your cat onboard in a cage/box. Kennels are available, although I couldn’t see the details for the French crossings. See: https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/frequently-asked-questions/ 2. Stenaline – Pets are allowed for foot passengers, but you must pre-book a kennel, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. I’ve travelled before with my dog on Stenaline between Scotland & Ireland and England & Netherlands, and found them to be really pet-friendly. See: https://www.stenaline.ie/ferries-to-france/pet-travel 3. Brittany Ferries – Unfortunately, foot passengers aren’t allowed pets. Have a great time! – Shandos

Really Grateful! Thank you Shandos. If I succeed, I will let you know. Maybe you can help others in my case

Thanks Chris!

I will be flying to Paris from Toronto the beginning of January and staying 3 months. I have a vet who is familiar with the process and also know to get the gov’t agency paperwork, BUT when I arrive in Paris, I will get on a TGV train to Nice. I can get a Pet Passport in Nice, but will the paerwork I have be enough for travel on the train? I have tried to look at the various sites, but cannot figure it out.

Diana – That will be fine. I’ve sometimes seen in the train rules that a pet passport is required, but I have never had this checked. I’ve travelled by train in many European countries (France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands…) Just keep the paperwork from Canada with you in case – their main concern will be that the dogs has been immunised against rabies.

Shandos, thanks to your post, I’ve got EU pet passports for my two dogs in Spain. It was amazing and unforgettable experience!! And I think I’m really lucky to find your post by googling. Thank you again.

That’s great to hear! Have a fabulous time travelling with your dogs!

Shandos, I’m getting an EU passport in Switzerland this week (I come here every year (the month of June) then back to the US and I return to Switzerland in August. I don’t need anything to travel back home to the USA (she’s going home correct?). Also she’s one year old so she only has a one year rabies shot (not 3 years..that’s the next one). When I return next June she will have had her 3 year rabies shot in the USA with her vet in April. Can I just bring her papers from US vet showing her Rabies booster along with the EU passport or do I have to go through the old process of health certificate from vet then USDA approval? Thank you so much…hope this wasn’t too confusing

Andrea – For returning to the US, you’ll need the proof of rabies vaccination plus a health certificate. I’m not 100% sure if the health check entry in the EU Pet Passport is accepted (I’m not flying to the US myself until October), so I would request a typed letter from your vet in Switzerland. (From http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/UnitedStates.cfm : “A licensed veterinarian must complete and sign a veterinary certificate. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a version translated in English. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination, the manufacturer and the expiration date of the rabies vaccine.”) Some airlines also require a health certificate.

That’s a tricky case about the rabies booster. It’s not clear on the EU website, but the relevant UK website states: “Get a third-country official veterinary certificate if your pet needs a booster vaccination while you’re outside the EU.” I would follow this guideline – which unfortunately means a health certificate from a US vet then USDA approval.

However, one way to get around this would be to have the rabies booster while you are in Switzerland, and have the vet record it on your new pet passport. I know the vaccine isn’t due yet, so I would check with the vet about this. I did something similar – my dog had a 3 year rabies vaccine before arriving in Europe, but then I had a booster after 1 year in Europe. Partially as some countries don’t recognise the 3 year vaccine, but also so I had the entry in the EU Pet Passport and it makes paperwork a lot simpler.

Enjoy your summer in Switzerland – I’m very jealous, we loved our time there!

This is such a great post! Quick question. Where did you purchase a pet photo? I’ve got the passport for my cat and am traveling with her this week-end from France to Spain, but have no idea where to get a photo. Did you just take your dog into a photo booth?

I recommend using a photo booth, unless you want to print out one of your own photos in a photo printing shop. If you can’t get it done in time, don’t worry, it shouldn’t cause any problems, it’s just good to have it too.

Woww, this article was really interesting. We traveled from Amsterdam to Los Angeles with our cat and we have the EU passport but his rabies vaccination gonna expire 2 days before we fly back to Amsterdam I can not find any information about, can an U.S. Veterinarian stamp the new vaccination into the EU passport or not? I am afraid only an EU Veterinarian can stamp into the EU passport. What do you think?

Ps: I hope you enjoy your time in Europe. 🙂 We have spent 5 months in California and we love it. 🙂

Hi Kristina – Definitely don’t have a vet outside of the EU enter a rabies vaccine into the EU passport! This technically invalidates the entire passport. The EU website doesn’t cover this scenario, but on the UK government website ( https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/pet-passport , which is a lot more detailed) they state: “Any booster vaccinations or blood tests carried out from outside the EU must be recorded on a third-country official veterinary certificate.” This means you’ll need to visit a government approved vet in the US for the rabies shot, then have a certificate filled in (see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-certificate-for-movement-of-dogs-cats-and-ferrets-from-third-countries ) and certified by the USDA within 10 days of flying back. It’s a lot of hassle, I know, especially as sometimes checks are lax going into the EU. Many vets in the US should know the steps. All the best! I’m heading to California for the first time in October and looking forward to it 🙂 Shandos

This is very helpful, many thanks for sharing it! I was wondering whether you had any issue with having the rabies vaccine only handwritten? My previous vet used stickers for each vaccine/worming etc but the last rabies was entered in writing and slightly concerns me whether they will be problematic about it when I’m travelling via plane in a few weeks. Many thanks for your help!

When I went to the UK, I had an issue raised with the rabies vaccine, as it was dated before the reading date for the microchip from when the passport was issued. However, I got around that by showing other older documents with the microchip number. No mention was made of it being written, rather than the stamp. And no issue was raised when we flew in Europe.

I wouldn’t expect that you have issues, as long as the full details of the vaccine are recorded. Also, it’s a newer requirement that clear plastic stickers are placed over the writing, so it can’t be changed. Did your new vet do this?

Many thanks for your reply! I only heard that it needs to be covered with plastic sticker only when a sticker is placed in for the vaccine? Can you please share where they say that the whole area has to be covered with laminated stickers? 🙂 I have clear sticker above previous vaccine stickers but never heard that everything needs to be covered up now.

I can’t actually find anything online, but this was mentioned to me by the vet I saw in Germany in December 2018. Maybe she meant when it accompanied the sticker placed for the vaccine. She put it over the handwritten information accompanying the vaccine.

Dear Shandos,

I will be traveling with my baby to Germany this September and plan to get a pet passport. What address should I provide in applying for the pet passport as I am not an EU residence.

Annie – I just put in my home address, back in Australia. The vet had no issues with the address not being in France (where we got the passport). Enjoy your trip!

Hi, I am traveling from Japan to Paris with my dog and I want to travel further to uk within 5 days of arriving in Paris . I have got the following documents….. microchip ,rabies vaccine ,rabies blood test ,healt certificate from vet , any advice on more documents that may be required? I will be using the Euro tunnel to travel to uk Any advice ?

Alina – I assume the health certificate from your vet is the Annex IV form (EU health certificate) required by the EU? That’s all that’s required to fly to Paris.

But the UK also requires your dog to be administered a worming treatment by a vet, between 24 hours and 5 days of arriving in the UK. If you were travelling immediately on to the UK (less than a day), it’s possible to get this before flying to the EU and have this recorded in the EU health certificate. But as you’ll be spending extra time in Paris, I recommend visiting a vet in Paris. They will also give you an EU pet passport to record the worming treatment. Make sure they record the time, as the UK authorities as strict about it done to the hour.

Hello, Thank you for all of the info.

I also read on the UK site about ‘third country’ vets not being authorized to add ‘third country’ rabies vaccines into the EU Pet Passport. I am really starting to think that this is a UK thing only.

Today my pup got his EU Pet Passport in Italy (yay!), and at the very serious and official ASL office, ALL the people I asked said that of course a US vet who is authorized (meaning licensed) to give a rabies vaccine is also authorized to input the US rabies vaccine into the Pet Passport. When I explained what I had read on the UK site, they were completely perplexed and said it made no sense. UGH! The ASL vet also said I should take the passport back to the US vet so that he may input the rabies vaccine info into the passport.

It is so frustrating because now I don’t know what to do. I don’t really need the pet passport to travel out of Europe, but I definitely want to avoid getting those USDA papers again when I come back in 3 months.

Another issue that is confusing me is Italy’s ‘pet export certificate’ I read about on the US-Italy consulate page. It said that to leave Italy, the dog must have a current rabies shot administered no less than 20 days before travel and no more than 11 months before travel. Again, my pup has a valid 3 years rabies vaccine (from only 22 months ago), and the Italy ASL vet said of course that is no problem – She is going to fill out his health certificate using that information since according to Italy, my dog is up to date on his rabies vaccine.

There could not be a group of folks in Italy that would know more about how the system works than these people today. This was the very official ASL office that deals with these issues every day.

Thanks for any input or experiences w/ this

Kay – I’ve always been told to not let vets outside of the EU write in the pet passport, at least the rabies section. (I’ve heard conflicting information about recording worming treatments.) I would try and get a rabies vaccine inside the EU so it could be recorded in the passport and avoid heading to the USDA office again.

I’m not sure about the export certificate for Italy. It seems to be different compared to elsewhere in the EU (it wasn’t required when I flew from France to New York). I know someone who flew from Italy to the US, but I can’t remember their name, otherwise I would put you in contact with them. Maybe also check with the airline you’ll be flying? They’re usually the ones who check the pet paperwork.

Hello, I am leaving Italy to go to Canada one way and i will be travelling with my cat. To leave Italy directly to Canada is a Pet passport necessary if Canada does not require this?

Laura – The pet passport is really only needed to travel between the EU countries and some other countries in Europe. I doubt it is necessary to travel to Canada, just check what Canada requires. For instance, when I flew from Paris to the USA, on arrival in the USA I just showed my rabies certificate from Australia (as it was just a simple one-page document) not my dog’s pet passport.

An extra heads up, I’ve heard from someone else in one of my Facebook groups that when flying from Italy out of the EU, you might need a health certificate from the ASL vet office. This person was flying with Alitalia and was told by the airline. Check with your airline when you book for your dog.

Great thank you so much that is what i thought. I have checked with Canada about what they require and what the airline requires and neither need a pet passport. I have just been hear other things from vets in Italy that they need it anyways. It seems like an easy process anyways i might just do it anyways to be on the safe sides. Thanks so much!

Hi there, I am trying to flight my dogs from Australia to Vienna. It is so complicated, I am super stressed. I am trying to find out the necessary paperwork for this. Do we only need then the ANNEX IV signed by a vet in Australia and then show this in Europe for the passport? Also, I have only found a “model” of the ANNEX IV, but i don’t know if this is the paper that I need to use. They all say “model”, so I am confused if I can use this form or not.

How did you manage to bring your dogs to Europe? Did you do it by yourself or with a company? which airlines?

Claudia – When I download the certificate form the official EU page ( https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-eu_en ), it also says model on the top. I can’t find the original certificate I used to take my dog to Europe, but I’m guessing it also said that. One point to consider – you may need the German certificate for arrival in Vienna. I would check with your airline, or use the German certificate to be safe.

In addition, for your dog to travel to Europe, they will need a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before hand and you’ll need to fill in the declaration that it is a non-commercial movement. See the link above to download this document. Your vet needs to be fully registered for exporting pets – double check first, I had to switch the vet I used.

You’ll also need to fulfil the requirements for exporting a pet from Australia – see this post: http://www.travelnuity.com/exporting-a-dog-from-australia/ . Basically a Notification of Intention to Export and an appointment just before export to issue the Export Permit and Health Certificate. (They will stamp your rabies certificate and Annex IV certificate.)

To simplify the process, consider using a pet transport company. This is what I did the first time I left Australia with my pet flying to Madrid. (I used Jetpets – see this post: http://www.travelnuity.com/jetpets-review/ ) They will look after all of this for you, organising the paperwork and appointments. Additionally, most airlines flying dogs out of Australia, particularly on most routes to Europe, will require you to use a pet transport company.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your move!

Does anyone have a vet in Barcelona that they recommend for a pet passport? Thank you!

Jacqueline – Sorry, I haven’t visited a vet in Barcelona, so can’t find one. I recommend asking around on an expat group on FB.

Hi Shandos Brilliant that you are doing that. I am travelling to Portugal in September with my 1 year old Maltipoo. I’ve travelled through France, Spain & Portugal before with my Yorkie’s Looking forward to our next trip. And looking forward to your tips on travelling with a doggy Trisha & little girl doggy Bobbi

That’s great to hear Trisha, have a fabulous time!

Hi – thanks so much for this post, super helpful! I am moving from Singapore to Paris this summer and am preparing the necessary health certificates. I was planning to get my dog her pet passport in Paris after I arrived, and then leave shortly thereafter to spend a couple of weeks in August in Amsterdam. However, I read somewhere that when I get the pet passport in Paris, my dog will need to get a new rabies vaccine that is administered by an EU vet and that I then won’t be able to travel with her for 21 days afterwards. Could you confirm whether or not that is true?

Jess – The great news is that you can travel within the EU for 4 months with the health certificate you use to travel there. This includes travelling to Amsterdam. You should get the certificate stamped by customs on arrival, but paperwork for dogs is rarely checked when crossing borders by road or train. When flying, a health certificate should be good enough if the airline check-in staff wants to see paperwork, but some airline may insist on a pet passport.

When getting the EU pet passport, some vets insist on a new rabies vaccine, but not all. We got an EU pet passport in Paris and the vet transferred over his existing records. Although we did have the hiccup when crossing into the UK, that they queried why the rabies vaccine was dated before the pet passport. (We kept and showed his older paperwork.) I’ve mainly heard of vets in Germany insisting on a new rabies vaccine.

One other reminder – when crossing into the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway and Malta, your dog will need a worming treatment done by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days before your arrival. We got our pet passport when this was required. Also, the current rules for UK apply until the end of the year and end of Brexit transition, it’s still up in the air what happens after.

Hi, this is a great article. Thank you! I have a couple questions. I came to Europe from the USA about a year ago, I originally had the USDA certificate for my dog but I got him a pet passport after I arrived. There was a fiasco with them reading his microchip for the passport so I had to get him a new one that could be read by a European reader and then he required a new rabies shot as well. Now I may need to return to the US next month and then hopefully come back to Europe in early December. His rabies vaccine was only good for 1 year because they would not count his previous one (which was only a year old too) which was done in the US with a different microchip number. The shot registered in his passport expires on December 20th, 2020, but I will likely return to the EU two weeks before that. I am thinking it would be best to get him another rabies shot before we leave next month though (I really hate giving him so many shots though, this will be the 3rd rabies shot in only 2 years time) so we have no issues returning here. My questions are: Is it ok to go to a vet in Spain or Portugal to get his rabies shot even though he has an Italian Pet Passport? Can I use his pet passport to return to the EU from the US without the need to obtain the dreaded USDA certificate or a health certificate or anything? Thank you for any help! – John

Definitely get the rabies shot before leaving the EU, in case your return flight is delayed. The you will only need his EU pet passport with the up-to-date rabies shot to return to the EU, no USDA certificate required. However, if he got his rabies shot in the US, then you would need to get the USDA certificate again.

Depending on your airline, you may need to get a health certificate for the flights, they should let you know if this is required when you book, or to be safe double-check with them. This can be done at any vet, without government endorsement.

And yes it’s fine to go to a vet in Spain or Portugal for the rabies shot, despite having the Italian pet passport. My Dachshund has a French pet passport, but he had his rabies shot in Germany, plus has other entries from worming treatments in other countries. Just as long as they are in the EU, so don’t get a vet in the USA to record rabies shots in there.

To enter the USA, there is nothing required for dogs flying from Europe, not even the rabies certificate these days. However, you mentioned Italy, so I thought I should mention that if you fly out of Italy back to the United States, there is an pet export certificate unique to Italy, that has to be obtained from an authorised veterinarian of the local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). I’m not that familiar with the details as I haven’t flown out of Italy, but this doesn’t apply in other countries.

I will (hopefully) be exporting my dog to Slovakia after Covid restrictions lift. If my dog is in-cabin, do I need to get a certificate for each country (e.g.) land at Charles De Gaulle for layover, on to Vienna, final stop on air travel, then on to train to Slovakia. I can’t find any information to say if I need a separate certificate for each country my dog “touches down” or if the final destination is the certificate I need. Any advice?

Robin – It’s fine to get the one certificate. I’ve heard advice from others that it should be for the final destination, but considering the requirements for all three of these countries is the same, it doesn’t really matter – I’d get it for Austria (final flight destination) or Slovakia (actual final destination) but if you leave the airport in France you could get it for France.

Once you arrive in Europe, the certificate is valid for moving around in the EU for another 4 months, although try to get it stamped when you arrive. For most people arriving with a dog in the cabin, they are surprised that customs aren’t interested in seeing the paperwork most of the time, and just wave people through. (The main check of the paperwork is when you check-in to your flight.) But try and get it stamped here, that is meant to be the procedure when using it to cross borders later, but it’s really only the UK (and perhaps Malta) who closely check paperwork when crossing borders within the EU.

I spent 8 months in Italy with my dog in 2020- 3 planned and 5 extra due to Covid-19. I tried to get her a pet passport but I was told because I did not have legal residency or EU citizenship that I was not eligible. The vet even called the licensing/issuing authorities to double check. I was very disappointed.

Keelin – That’s really disappointing to hear. I think I once heard of someone else having issues getting an EU Pet Passport in Italy as they also weren’t a resident, but haven’t come across this in other countries.

Thank you so much for this detailed article. Just a question please. Do you know if I need a local address or live in Paris to obtain the EU Pet Passport? I live in Istanbul and travel a few times a year to Europe. I already have all the documents required. I tried to get the passport in Italy but I failed because I wasn’t a resident. Thanks in advance!

I had no issues getting it in Paris, without a local address. I’ve heard from some others recently that they also had problems getting one in Italy, but haven’t heard of that happening in other countries.

Very interested to read your article as I live in the UK which (because of our lunatic government) will no longer be an EU country as from 1 Jan 2021. From that date our UK-issued EU pet passports will no longer be valid for travel to Europe – instead we will be required to produce Animal Health Certificates. As we will become a Part 2 listed country (same as US) I am hoping that your experience will enable us Brits to obtain EU pet passports issued in an EU country that we can use for all subsequent trips.

I’ve already heard from other UK residents that they plan to get EU pet passports. Based on my own experience and other reports, this should be no issue in France, Spain and many other countries, but I’ve heard reports it’s not possible in Italy for non-Italian residents.

Yes, Italy is tricky in many ways. I love the country but its bureaucracy is a nightmare.

I hope we are still able to get an EU pp in France even though we are are not resident there. Today our vet in UK told us an AHC takes one hour to complete and costs £125. We checked with another veterinary practice and they quoted the same price. We go back and forth five times a year so it could cost £625 extra each year. I hope this is renegotiated.

Alistiar – I too hope the situation changes, I can imagine a lot of regular travellers with try to get an EU pet passport. I had no issues getting one in Paris (I am Australian). I’ve only heard of issues getting them in Italy if you are not a resident.

Hello, I am hoping to get my dog a EU passport. We’ve had one before Brexit,but now have to pay £140, for health cert,that doesn’t include anything else. She’s chipped, rabies,blood test for anti bodies, and wormed.We are currently in Spain, but hope I could do the EU passport in Ireland. Does anyone know if you need a permanent address in Ireland to acquire one from a vet there. Thanks

I haven’t heard reports from people getting EU pet passports in Ireland, so I’m not sure if this is required. I have heard reports of needing residency when visiting some vets in France, but not usually in Spain.

I managed to get a french pet passports for my 2 dogs but they wouldn’t transfer rabies vaccination records in from uk on my ahc Does it mean when booster required it will be ok to put in french passports when I return for holiday in France

Rabies boosters can only be entered into an EU pet passport by a vet in the EU, not in the UK. If a vet outside the EU enters rabies vaccines it invalidates it.

Would you have a recommendations for an English speaking vet in Madrid, Spain that specializes in EU Pet Passports? I am relocating there with my toy poodle for 6 months or more. I have been searching on Google but cannot find anything. Thank you!

Sorry, I haven’t been to any vets in Spain. But please ask in my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw

Have you ran into any cases where a person other than owner has been able to get the passport completed? I had to leave my dog in Italy due to heat embargo but didn’t have ability to get passport before we left.

He is staying with our friends until I can get him back but they were told they werent allowed to get the passport done for me? Have you heard anything about that?

I haven’t heard of this before, although I probably haven’t come across cases where people other than the current owner attempt to get an EU pet passport. I’m not that surprised, as some countries are clamping down on issuing pet passports, since the UK left the EU and many UK dog owners have tried to get EU pet passports abroad.

Depending on where you are now located, would a health certificate be enough to fly your dog? Also keep in mind that some countries treat dogs that are imported separately from their own (over 5 days apart for the EU) as commercial transports.

Great info. The price for GB health certificates in the UK has increased. As of Aug 2021 in Glasgow, the health certificate cost £150. I had to get one to fly to MX.

Thanks for the update. Wow, that’s expensive!

I am from the UK (Scotland) and have a small Chihuahua. I usually fly into Amsterdam and take the DFDS ferry across to the UK when returning from a trip. Now with Brexit, everything is a mess. I have always just needed the GB pet health certificate. I am currently on holiday in Mexico and scheduled to return at the end of January. I have been informed that in order to take my dog outside the airport to go to the ferry she must have an EU pet heath certificate. Yet, to cross on the ferry to the UK she needs the GB pet health certificate. Mexico will not do two health certificates. I thought maybe I should get an EU passport for her once in Amsterdam yet I am hearing the Vet will not transfer to the EU passport her vaccination record. She had a rabies vaccination in July 2021 and will have had a tapeworm treatment 24 hrs before we board the plane in Mexico.

Brexit has made things so much more difficult! I have heard the UK are still pushing to be a Part 1 country like Switzerland, which would be virtually the same as the previous set-up, except without EU on the UK pet passports, but I’m not holding my breath.

That’s frustrating about the Amsterdam vet not being open to transferring the vaccination record onto a new EU pet passport. Perhaps try another vet? Alternatively, I know of other travellers who have had their pets re-vaccinated for obtaining the passport, but her last one was so recent. Another option – could you ask the Amsterdam vet about issuing a GB health certificate for you?

Hope this helps

Update: Only one Vet would do a GB certificate if I bring it with me. Not sure how to get one. The same Vet will do an EU passport and she will transfer the rabies information which is wonderful. Now it’s getting clarity regarding tapeworm treatment. One Vet here in MX says I’ll need it to go to the Netherlands but I’m not seeing that on the NL gov site. I will get it in Amsterdam and wait for 24 hrs to take the ferry. I don’t want her getting it twice in one week.

The GB pet health certificate can be downloaded here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-travel-apply-for-a-gb-pet-health-certificate . And you’re right, your dog doesn’t need a worming treatment for NL, just UK. However I think some vets like to do it when doing a health certificate – I had this happen with a vet in Athens before flying to the US. Try to insist that you don’t want it, that they’ll be having it soon.

Hi Shandos, I wonder if you could clarify a small point for me concerning microchip information included in the details on the EU animal passports. We have two dogs which we have been taking to France under health certificates. But have now obtained EU passports. Within in this there are the details of the microchip with the numbers but we do not have the original printed bar code. Our French vet has signed and hand written the numbers accordingly and covered the page relating with self adhesive film so no contamination can occur. Our reason for uncertainty is we were refused entry the last time we tried travel to because the rabies jab was administed in uk. However this has now been rectified and is included in the new passport. But we don`t want anymore problems. Last trip cost us £270 extra for health declarations. Regards, Colin

Colin – That should be fine. The same thing has been done in my EU Pet Passport and I know of others who probably have the same. Best of luck with your next trip!

I was just told by a vet in Italy that I need to be a resident and that my dog needs to be registered with the Italian kennel club to get the European Passport. Anyone had this experience. Any workarounds?

Ouch!! Vets in French have started cracking down on issuing pet passports if you’re not a resident (since Brexit and an influx of English visitors), but this is the first I’ve heard of issues in Italy. Perhaps try another vet? Alternatively, I haven’t heard of issues in other countries, but it’s probably just a matter of time.

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I’d reached out to several veterinarians and all said they wouldn’t issue a passport without French residency!

I called Dr. Metivet and they were very kind – we have an appointment scheduled for the day after our arrival!

That’s wonderful to hear!

Traveling With a Dog to Europe: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

By Jessica Kim

Updated on Apr 9, 2024

dog inside a carrier held by a man at the airport

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Traveling to Europe with your dog is a great way to create fun memories and make your travel experience unique. However, there’s no denying that it takes extra time and planning to ensure your dog is ready to travel. You’ll have to make sure that you obtain all the necessary travel documents and work with airline companies and hotels that can accommodate dogs.

It can feel overwhelming as you’re trying to figure out how to travel with your dog to Europe. So, we’ll go over the basics of what you need to do to ensure that you and your dog can travel together.

The 10 Tips for Traveling With a Dog to Europe

1. research the destination country’s travel policy.

Before you start booking flights, make sure to familiarize yourself with your destination country’s pet travel laws. If you’re going to a country that is a member of the European Union, you can start your research by viewing the European Union’s travel requirements for pets. Just keep in mind that while most countries in the European Union have similar travel policies, some can have slightly differing requirements for the types of vaccinations your dog will need.

2. Get Your Dog Microchipped

In order to enter a European Union country, your dog must be microchipped. It’s most convenient to use an ISO-compliant microchip, as customs officials will have scanners for these types of microchips. If your dog hasn’t been microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip, you can either bring your own scanner for your dog’s current microchip or have your veterinarian implant a second one.

Microchipping is still important even if a country doesn’t require it. Traveling can be stressful for dogs, and they’re often more prone to wandering off and getting lost. So, getting your dog microchipped and updating the information associated with the microchip is a standard practice for pet travel.

3. Schedule a Veterinarian Appointment

One of the most significant documents you’ll have to obtain is a pet health certificate. You can start to apply for this certificate by visiting a federally-accredited veterinarian, which is a veterinarian that’s authorized to endorse pet health certificates. A federally-accredited veterinarian can conduct a physical exam and make sure that your dog gets all the vaccines, tests or treatments that are required by the country you’re entering.

Keep in mind that some European countries have varying waiting periods for dogs that can enter their country after they’ve gotten a specific vaccine. So, it’s extremely important to schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible in case your destination country requires a waiting period.

4. Receive a USDA Endorsement

Many countries require a health certificate that’s endorsed by the USDA. You can obtain a USDA endorsement by having an accredited veterinarian complete, sign, and date a health certificate. The veterinarian will submit the health certificate to the USDA or provide sufficient paperwork so that you can submit it yourself. The processing period can vary, and it can take several weeks for the paperwork to be processed and endorsed.

5. Book Flights With the Right Airlines

Make sure to read through each airline company’s pet travel policy because they can differ from one another. For example, some companies don’t allow dogs to travel in cargo, and others won’t allow pets on flights that last over a certain number of hours. It’s also important to find out if a company has breed restrictions and won’t allow certain dog breeds on their flights.

It’s best to contact an airline company directly to get the most updated information on their pet travel policies. A representative will be able to walk you through all the documents you need to obtain and ensure that your dog is able to travel with them.

6. Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel

It can take some time to find a pet-friendly hotel abroad, so try to begin your search as soon as you can. Pet-friendly hotels will have their own rules and regulations with dogs on their premises. Most won’t allow unleashed dogs in shared spaces, and some won’t allow dogs to remain unattended in their rooms. As with airline companies, it’s best to contact pet-friendly hotels directly to get their most updated pet policies, as they can change at any time.

7. Purchase an Airline-Approved Travel Crate

Once you’re ready to book a flight with an airline, check to make sure that you have a dog crate that’s compliant with the airline’s requirements. Dogs traveling in-cabin must remain in their crates throughout the duration of the flight, and they must be stowed beneath your seat. So, it’s important to find a crate that’s both comfortable for your dog and in compliance with the airline’s dimension and size requirements.

If you’re looking for a new travel dog crate, it’s best to start your search by asking your airline company if they have any specific recommendations. You must also get your dog acclimated and comfortable inside the crate, so it’s important to start or brush up on crate training at least a few weeks before your flight departure date.

8. Be Prepared at Customs

Make sure that you have all your paperwork in one place so that you can enter and exit customs with ease. You should have your dog’s endorsed health certificate on hand, and it’s also helpful to have their microchip ID written on any travel documents so that the customs officer can view and verify them quickly.

If your dog is traveling in cargo, you’ll receive a tracking number, also known as an air waybill number, after you’ve checked them in. Make sure to keep this number in a safe spot, as you’ll need it to claim your dog in customs.

9. Consider Getting an EU Pet Passport

If you plan to be abroad in Europe for a long time and will travel to different countries, you may want to consider getting an EU Pet Passport. An EU Pet Passport is an official health document that enables dogs to travel through EU countries with just one health document rather than having health documents for each individual country. The purpose of this passport is to make traveling with dogs easier, but it’s not necessary, especially if you only plan to visit one country.

An EU Pet Passport cannot be issued in the US , and you’ll have to schedule an appointment with an accredited veterinarian in an EU country to obtain one.

10. Take It Easy on the First Few Days in Europe

Traveling can be very stressful for dogs , so it’s important to take it easy once you arrive in Europe. Make sure to spend the rest of the day with your dog, check on their condition, and look for any signs of illness. It’ll also be helpful to map any vet clinics near your hotel in case of any emergencies.

It’ll take a few days for your dog to adjust to being in a new country, so try not to engage in any over strenuous and over stimulating activities right away.

When traveling to Europe with dogs, it’s best to have as much time as possible on your side.

Getting a USDA endorsement on health certificates can take several weeks, and some countries have vaccination waiting periods. So, make sure to contact a federally-accredited veterinarian and start the process of getting a health certificate right away. If you have any questions about pet travel , it’s best to contact the USDA or the embassy of your destination country to obtain the most accurate and updated information.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pet-travel-info-and-guidance-document/pet-travel-guidance
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pet_travel-european_union_pet_passports

Featured Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

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New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021

Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet to the European Union or Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

Pet owners are being encouraged to check the latest government advice about travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the European Union with their pets at the end of the transition period.

The government has worked alongside the European Commission to ensure pet travel can continue between Great Britain and the EU and Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period.

From 1 January 2021 onwards, the UK will have Part 2 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, meaning that people travelling from GB with their pets and assistance dogs will need to follow new requirements in order to travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

Before taking their dog, cat or ferret to the EU for the first time after 1 January 2021, pet owners must complete the following steps. The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport:

Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped.
Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is vaccinated against rabies – pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel
Dogs must be treated against tapeworm 24-120 hours before landing, if they are travelling to a tapeworm free country.
Visit their vet to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Pets and assistance dogs will also need to enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry (TPE) , which includes all the major French ports such as Calais, Caen and Dunkirk.

All of these requirements will also apply for movements of pets and assistance dogs from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. However recognising that these changes will take time to adjust to, the UK Government is working with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland on an enforcement approach that takes this challenge into account. This approach will be implemented in a way which supports pet owners and assistance dog users while the Government pursues a permanent solution.

There will be no change to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

We have been granted ‘Part 2’ listed third country status by the EU which will ensure that travelling with your pet continues from 1 January onwards. Your vet will be able to advise what you need to do in order to obtain the correct documentation to travel and you can find the latest pet travel advice on gov.uk or by searching ‘pet travel’.

Updated guidance on pet travel has been available since November 2018, ensuring that owners will be ready for any future scenario, so many pet owners will already be familiar with that they need to do.

The UK government is continuing to press the European Commission to secure Part 1 listed status. The UK has one of the most rigorous pet checking regimes in Europe and currently meets all the requirements for Part 1 listed status under the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

The latest advice for pet owners seeking to travel to the EU after 1 January 2021 can be found here .

Further information

Passengers should always check the rules of the country they are travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before they travel.
For information on commercial imports and exports of dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU – please refer to the Border Operating Model
There will be no changes or new requirements on movements from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
There will be no changes to the current health preparations or documents for pets entering Great Britain from the EU in the immediate term, as the disease risks remains unchanged.
There are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from EU countries.
Contact the Centre for International Trade (Carlisle) for more information on the rules for travelling with other species of pet.

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Movement of pets

The adoption of harmonised rules on travelling with pets has made it easier for EU citizens and their dogs, cats or ferrets to enjoy the freedom of movement within the Union. This significant step was made possible by dramatic advances made in the fight against rabies.

For movement between EU countries or from non-EU countries vaccination against rabies documented in the pet passport or the animal health certificate is the sole requirement for dogs, cats and ferrets to travel across EU borders, with certain exceptions.

Further information

EU-related Countries
Non-EU Countries

EU countries' specific information National rules that apply to the movement of animal species not affected by rabies, as well as the ones of no epidemiological significance for rabies...

Entry into the Union from non-EU countries or territories
Listing of territories and non-EU countries
Movements within the Union
Non-commercial movement from non-EU countries
Non-commercial movement within the EU
Young Animals

Travellers' points of entry Dogs, cats and ferrets moved for non-commercial purposes into an EU country from a territory or a third country other than Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe

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What is The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)? [2023 GUIDE]

What is better than going on holiday? Going on holiday with your beloved furry friend!

Under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), you are able to bring your dog, cat or ferret abroad with you. Regularly, it is wrongly assumed that pets must endure a painful length quarantine period when going abroad. However, with a Pet Passport, under the PETS your pet can travel through certain borders with ease. Generally, pets will require a microchip and a rabies vaccination to qualify for travel. However, different countries have additional requirements when it comes to importing and exporting pets.

In this article we will discuss the Pet Travel Scheme in detail.

Table of contents:

What is the Pet Travel Scheme?

What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Passport Scheme?

What countries are included in the Pet Travel Scheme?

What are the requirements for the UK Pet Travel Scheme?

Which countries are exempt from quarantine under the Pets Travel Scheme?

When was the pet travel scheme introduced, what if my pet doesn’t pass the requirements for the pet travel scheme, what is the most common reason for failing requirements for the pets, can my puppy or kitten travel with me, are tattoos an acceptable form of identification, is there a limit to the number of animals that can travel under the care of one person.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is a system which allows animals to travel easily between member countries without undergoing quarantine . A pet passport is a document that officially records information related to a specific animal, as part of that procedure. The effect is to drastically speed up and simplify travel with and transport of animals between member countries, compared to previous procedures if the regulations are followed.

What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme?

ALL COUNTRIES

Most countries require the following to qualify for travel:

Microchipping – all dogs, cats and ferrets must have a microchip implant. A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip, around the size of a grain of rice, is implanted subcutaneously (just under the skin) between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck. Each chip has a unique number that is detectable with a microchip scanner.
Rabies vaccination – all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies. This procedure is mandatory even if your pet already has a current rabies vaccination. In this case, your pet will need a rabies booster to keep them up to date. For pet travel in Europe, the rabies vaccine should be administered by a veterinarian with a minimum of 21 days before travel. Some countries may differ and always check with your local veterinarian for the procedures to follow.

SOME COUNTRIES

Some countries require the following to be permitted for entry:

Tapeworm, tick and flea treatment – some countries require animals to be treated for ticks, fleas and tapeworms before boarding the outbound transport. There is usually a time restriction when it comes to administering these treatments. For example, a tapeworm treatment must be administered between 24 hours and 5 days before entering the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta.
Additional vaccinations – some countries will require additional vaccinations, such as those against distemper, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella and hepatitis.
Rabies blood test – some countries need evidence that your pet’s rabies vaccination is working by taking a rabies blood test (also known as Rabies Titer Test). Your pet’s blood sample will be taken by a vet and send to an approved laboratory for testing. Your pet’s blood must contain at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody. Normally, you will then need to wait 3 months before traveling.
Health certificate – many countries require a veterinarian’s letter or certificate confirming that your pet is fit and healthy to travel and has no obvious signs of disease.
Government certification – in some cases, you will need to get health certificates approved. For example, all animals leaving the US must have their health certificates endorsed by the USDA .

In some countries, the formal passport is needed. However, others will accept documentation in any form so long as it provides clear evidence of the procedure being followed.

Requirements vary widely between countries, so it is best to check those for your destination country before traveling with your pet.

In the next section we will discuss which countries are included in the Pet Travel Scheme, making it easier to travel.

With an EU Pet Passport, dogs, cats and ferrets can travel freely within the EU, and some non-EU countries without quarantine. The countries in each category are listed below.

EUROPEAN UNION (EU) COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

* When traveling to UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta, dogs must have a tapeworm treatment within 24 hours to 120 hours (1-5 days) of entry.

** Includes St Barthelemy and St Martin (French part of the island)

LISTED NON-EU COUNTRIES

* The Russian Federation consists of 88 subjects (regions). Please note that the following Republics are not part of the Russian Federation: Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

** The UAE consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Fujairah.

*** Formally known as the Netherland Antilles. The BES Islands are Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba.

**** The mainland United States of America as well as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

UNLISTED COUNTRIES

An unlisted country is any country not listed above.

These countries have not applied or been accepted for listed status because of higher rabies incidence or less robust veterinary or administrative systems. The rules for taking your pets to these countries, or returning to the EU from these countries are different than they are for EU member states and listed countries.

What are the requirements for the UK Pet Travel Scheme

Traveling to the UK from an EU or listed non-EU country

When traveling to the UK from an EU or listed non-EU country, your pet will need the following:

A microchip – this is the first procedure you should consider. A microchip has a number unique to your pet and will help authorities to properly identify them. You must get this first, as a rabies vaccination is invalidated without a microchip number attached to it. If you get your pet’s rabies vaccination before getting a microchip, it will not count.
date of birth/age
microchip number
when and where the microchip was inserted
vaccination date and product name
date its booster vaccination is due
batch number
Tapeworm treatment – before entering the UK, all pet dogs (including assistance dogs) must be treated for tapeworm. The treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1–5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK. (There is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment. No treatment is required for dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland or Malta).
To travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – your pet must travel with companies and on routes that have been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (previously known as the Animal Health and Laboratories Agency). In case of pets travelling by plane, the company may assign those checks to a third party, i.e. the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow airport.
List of authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

There may be some additional requirements if you are traveling to the UK from an unlisted non-EU country. Please refer to the section below if you are travelling from an unlisted. non-EU country.

Traveling to the UK from an unlisted non-EU country

When traveling to the UK from an unlisted non-EU country your pet will need the following:

A microchip – this is the first procedure which you need to consider. The microchip will help authorities to properly identify your pet. You must get this first, as a rabies vaccination is invalid without a microchip number attached to it. If you get your pet’s rabies vaccination before getting a microchip, it will not count.
date its immunisation vaccination is due
Rabies blood test / rabies titer test certificate – all dogs, cats and ferrets must have passed a rabies blood test to show that their rabies vaccination was successful. Your veterinarian must take your pets blood and send it off to an EU Approved Laboratory . Your pet’s blood sample must show at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody. You must then wait 3 months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before you are permitted to travel.
Tapeworm treatment – before entering the UK, all dogs must be treated against tapeworm. This even applies to dogs who reside in the UK and are returning from being abroad. The treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 hours and 120 hours (1–5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the UK. (No treatment is required for dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland or Malta).
10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
re-entry to the UK for 4 months after the date of issue
To travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – your pet must travel with companies and on routes that have been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (previously known as the Animal Health and Laboratories Agency). List of authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

Make sure your vet gives you copies of all of your pet’s veterinary treatments and vaccinations certificates. They must all contain the date of treatment.

Can I fly with a dog to the UK?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances.

British law bans all animals entering the UK either in the airplane cabin or as ‘checked or ‘excess’ baggage. Therefore, your pet (except guide dogs*) will need to travel in the aircraft hold as manifest cargo. Unfortunately many airlines do not offer cargo services, so quite often specialist pet travel agents must be used.

Furthermore, there are very strict rules when it comes to the carrier or crate that your pet travels in. You must ensure that the container is International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved. There are strict rules regarding the material, size and construction of the crate. You can find full details here .

UK law does not prohibit the transport of pets in the cabin or as hold baggage when departing from the UK. However, restrictions may be imposed by individual airlines or destination countries.

Pets traveling between EU and listed non-EU countries

Pets traveling between EU and listed non-EU countries can travel freely without enduring a length quarantine. This is as long as they comply with the Pet Travel Scheme requirements (microchip and rabies vaccination). For more details on the requirements, check the ‘What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme?’ section above.

This is as long as pets are transported by an authorised travel carrier on an authorised route. More information on authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

For information on how to get an EU Pet Passport, check How to get an EU Pet Passport .

Pets traveling to an EU country from an unlisted country

When traveling from an unlisted country to a listed country, your pet will be able to avoid quarantine as long as you follow the EU entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination). You will then wait a further three months after the blood sample was taken. For more details on entry requirements, check the ‘What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme?’ section above.

This is as long as pets are transported by an authorised travel company on an authorised route. More information on authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

Pets traveling to or between unlisted countries

When traveling between non-listed countries, it gets a little more complicated as each country can have different entry requirements. We recommend that you check for your specific destination country, if it isn’t listed above.

The Pet Travel Scheme was initially set up in 2000 as a control measure to prevent rabies, ticks and other diseases from entering the UK. Prior to this, the UK was known for having very tough checks to protect against rabies. Bringing pets to the UK meant serving an obligatory 6 month quarantine period. Over time the program has rolled out to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Pet Travel Scheme has gone through many changes since 2000, making it easier for pets to travel to the UK, to EU countries and other listed non-EA countries (see more information below). Changes to the scheme introduced in January 2012 revoked the need for dogs to be treated against ticks. This change reduced the length of time after vaccination that a dog may enter the UK from six months to 21 days. Secondly, dogs are now required to have their tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 5 days before travel, administered by a certified vet. Lastly, there is no longer a requirement to blood test a dog before travel.

A new requirement was introduced in December 2014, meaning that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated against rabies for the purposes of pet travel.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

When re-entering the UK, DEFRA may perform an inspection of your pet’s pet passport. If any element of your pet's passport or electronic microchip fails, your pet risks being re-exported or placed in quarantine at the owner’s expense.

Issues with dog's tapeworm treatment account for most of the failures. Most commonly, pet owners fail to arrange treatment within the defined timeframe.

Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to travel. Firstly, they must have been vaccinated on or after 12 weeks of age. They must then wait 21 days before they can travel.

Tattoos can be accepted as a valid form of identification, in lieu of a microchip, as long as the tattoo was applied to the pet before 3 July 2011. The tattoo must be clearly readable and matched to the number in the passport/third country certificate.

One individual can travel with a maximum of five dogs, cats or ferrets, in total. Ten pets travelling with two people is acceptable as long as one of the people is an adult. The owner named in the passport must travel with the pets. Alternatively an authorised person can accompany the pets as long as they have a document from the owner named in the passport authorising them to accompany up to five owned pets.

How to get a US Pet Passport
How to get an EU Pet Passport
How Much Does a Dog Passport Cost in the UK?

Flying with Puppies: All you need to know!

Importing Cats to Canada [2023 Requirements, Processes & Cost]

Bringing Pets to Japan [Pet Passport 2023 Guide]

Importing Cats to Singapore [Pet Passport Guide 2023]

Pet travel after Brexit: taking a dog to the EU could cost £300 a time

With pet passports issued in Great Britain no longer valid, owners fork out for health certificates and jabs

If you are thinking about taking your dog elsewhere in Europe this year, then brace yourself for an expensive and time-consuming headache.

Pet owners say they are having to fork out hundreds of pounds for the necessary paperwork after post-Brexit rule changes.

Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to EU countries (you can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country, Northern Ireland or a few other places but check it will be accepted before you travel).

Now, before a pet dog – or cat or ferret – can travel to the EU, its owner has to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) for it.

To get the certificate, the pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. A rabies jab typically costs about £50 but some vets charge as much as £80.

You must take your pet to your vet to get an AHC and – crucially – do this no more than 10 days before you travel.

Make three trips to the EU with your pet and you could face paying almost £1,000 for the certificates that are now required, although prices vary hugely.

Even if you are not going away until July or August, now is the time to act because some vets are already heavily booked up for this summer. If vet practices end up having to turn people away, it could threaten a pet version of the UK’s passport delay chaos .

The coronavirus pandemic triggered an explosion in pet ownership levels but surveys have indicated that the majority of dog owners are unsure of the rules concerning taking their animal to the EU.

Mairead McErlean was this week told it would cost £220 to get an AHC for her English bulldog, Pepper, plus another £65 for the rabies jab needed to get the certificate, and £15 for the worming treatment required for her trip – a total of £300.

She is travelling to Ireland in July and says £300 “is more than my ferry and my petrol … I’m so cross about the whole thing”.

Mairead McErlean and her English bulldog, Pepper.

McErlean has family in Ireland and says: “If I make three trips a year, which, pre-Covid, would have been pretty normal for me, that’s nearly £1,000 to take her with me.”

Pepper, who is almost five, is a rescue dog and has abandonment issues, so putting her into kennels is not an option, she adds.

Later in the summer, McErlean is going to France with friends, and is planning to take Pepper, so that is at least another £220 she will have to pay, plus whatever fees a vet in France charges for the paperwork for the return trip.

When she phoned her vet this week she was told that July was “really busy” and she would be lucky to get a slot as other people had already booked the AHC appointments.

Eventually the vet told McErlean, who lives in Milton Keynes, that they would squeeze her in.

However, she adds: “If my parents move to Ireland permanently, what do I do in an emergency? The only option would be for my partner to stay at home with Pepper.”

The Kennel Club says an AHC typically costs between £100 and £200 . This usually includes the consultation and reviewing the paperwork. However, each veterinary practice sets its own price and there have been reports of some vets charging more than £300.

You can add up to five pets to an AHC, and often you will pay less for the additional animals.

One woman posted on Facebook earlier this month that she had paid £230 to take two dogs to France. “While there, I obtained two worming tablets and two French pet passports for €34 (£29),” she said, adding: “I did have to provide proof of a French address.” However, it was recently reported that the rules for obtaining French pet passports have been tightened up .

When Guardian Money did a price check this week, we found that many of the vets who are part of the CVS Group – which runs more than 500 practices – are charging £250 for the first pet and £50 for any additional animals.

At the cheaper end, we found a practice in Folkestone, Kent , that says it charges from £75, and one in Havant, Hampshire , that charges £99 for a standard AHC.

The certificate needs to be signed by an “official veterinarian”, or OV, not just anyone at the practice. Some practices do not have an OV, and those that do will often limit how many AHC appointments they book in. We spoke to a practice in north-east London that is booking in only one a day.

Once issued, an AHC lasts for four months, which includes any travelling around Europe.

However, the certificate is valid only for a single trip into the EU. So every time you make a new trip to an EU country from Great Britain, your pet will need a new AHC, even if your last one was issued only a few weeks earlier.

Vets say the reason the certificates can be pricey is that there is quite a lot of work involved: the form runs to about 10 pages and needs to be completed in English and the language of the “country of entry” to the EU.

Dr Ed Hayes, the head of public affairs at the Kennel Club , says Covid travel restrictions have delayed the impact of AHCs, adding: “It’s going to be a bigger issue this year.”

However, he says owners of second homes who make multiple trips may be able to obtain an EU pet passport issued by that country. “Try to find a local vet,” he says.

The British Veterinary Association says AHCs are considerably more complex and time-consuming than the previous EU pet passport system, so practices have to factor in the extra resources required to complete them when setting their costs and deciding how long they may need to offer for an appointment. “Some practices have had to make the difficult decision not to offer AHCs, as they simply don’t have the time and capacity to deliver them. It is also important to note that the vet needs to be a certified official vet, so legally only some vets can sign the certificates.”

BVA president Justine Shotton says changing the requirements is outside of the profession’s or the UK government’s control, as they are set by the EU, but it has asked ministers to offer practical support for “simplifying and streamlining” the process.

Other things to be aware of

A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it on the AHC or pet passport if you are travelling directly to Ireland, Malta, Finland or Norway.

Also (although this is not a new requirement), when coming back to Great Britain, dogs must typically receive treatment for tapeworm one to five days before returning.

You cannot take more than five pets to an EU country unless you are attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event.

It is not clear how many owners get turned down for a a certificate. A veterinary industry expert says the vets who provide AHCs “do so within a very narrow scope, with specific conditions needing to be met (for example, rabies vaccination requirements and specific timing requirements), and if a client is turned down, it may be because they do not meet these conditions”.

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How to travel with your pet in the european union (eu).

Traveling with a pet within the European Union (EU) is generally straightforward, provided you follow the necessary rules and regulations. There are a few things you will need to consider when traveling with a pet within the EU, including:

Health and vaccination requirements: Most EU countries have specific health and vaccination requirements for pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets. These may include the requirement for a pet passport, which is a document that records the pet’s identification, vaccination, and movement history. It is important to check the specific requirements for the countries you will be visiting, as these can vary significantly.
Identification requirements: All pets traveling within the EU must be identified with an electronic identification (EID) system, such as a microchip. The EID must be inserted before the pet is vaccinated against rabies. In addition to the EID, it is also a good idea to have your pet wear a collar with a tag that includes your name, phone number, and address.
Quarantine requirements: Some EU countries have quarantine requirements for pets entering from certain countries or regions. It is important to check the specific quarantine requirements for the countries you will be visiting, as these can vary significantly.
Other regulations: In addition to the above requirements, there may be other regulations that apply to traveling with pets within the EU, such as requirements for leashes, muzzles, or other restraints. It is important to check the specific regulations for the countries you will be visiting to ensure that you are in compliance.

In conclusion, traveling with a pet within the EU is generally straightforward, provided you follow the necessary rules and regulations. This includes meeting the health and vaccination requirements, complying with identification and quarantine requirements, and following any other relevant regulations. It is important to check the specific requirements for the countries you will be visiting to ensure that you and your pet have a smooth and safe journey.

Pet Passport

A pet passport is a document that records the identification, vaccination, and movement history of a pet, such as a dog, cat, or ferret. It is required for pets traveling within the European Union (EU) and some other countries.

To obtain a pet passport, you will need to visit a veterinarian who is authorized to issue pet passports. The veterinarian will check the pet’s identification, such as a microchip, and will ensure that the pet has received all necessary vaccinations, including a rabies vaccination. The veterinarian will also record the pet’s information and movement history in the passport.

Once the pet passport is issued, it is valid for the lifetime of the pet, provided that the required booster vaccinations are given on time. It is important to keep the passport up to date and to take it with you whenever you travel with your pet within the EU.

In addition to the pet passport, there may be other requirements for traveling with pets within the EU, such as the requirement for a health certificate or other documentation. It is important to check the specific requirements for the countries you will be visiting to ensure that you and your pet are in compliance.

A pet passport is a document that is required for pets traveling within the EU and some other countries. It records the pet’s identification, vaccination, and movement history, and it is issued by an authorized veterinarian. It is important to keep the passport up to date and to take it with you whenever you travel with your pet within the EU.

In the European Union (EU), all pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, must be identified with an electronic identification (EID) system, such as a microchip, before they are vaccinated against rabies. The microchip must be inserted by a veterinarian or an authorized person, and it must be readable with a microchip reader that meets the ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785.

A microchip is a small, electronic device that is inserted under the skin of a pet, such as a dog, cat, or ferret. It is used to identify the pet and to keep track of its movements. In the European Union (EU), all pets must be identified with an electronic identification (EID) system, such as a microchip, before they are vaccinated against rabies.

The microchip is a small, rice-sized device that is typically inserted between the shoulder blades or on the back of the neck. It is inserted using a special needle, and the procedure is similar to receiving a vaccination. The microchip is inserted under the skin, and it is not visible once it is in place.

The microchip contains a unique 15-digit code that is linked to the pet’s identification and movement history. It can be read using a microchip reader that meets the ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. The microchip reader sends a radio frequency to the microchip, which responds by transmitting the code. The code is then displayed on the reader, allowing the pet’s identity to be confirmed.

The microchip is an important tool in identifying pets and tracking their movements, as it allows for quick and accurate identification even if the pet has no collar or tags. It is especially useful in the case of lost or stolen pets, as it allows the pet to be returned to its owner more quickly and easily.

In addition to the microchip, it is also a good idea to have your pet wear a collar with a tag that includes your name, phone number, and address. This can help to ensure that your pet can be returned to you if they become lost while traveling.

In the EU, it is required that all pets be identified with a microchip before they are vaccinated against rabies. This requirement applies to all pets, including those that are traveling within the EU and those that are entering the EU from a non-EU country. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their pet is microchipped and to keep the microchip information up to date.

Rabies Vaccine & Booster

Vaccines and boosters are an important part of keeping pets healthy and protected while traveling within the European Union (EU) and other countries. Vaccines help to protect pets against diseases that are common in certain regions, while boosters help to maintain the effectiveness of the vaccines over time.

There are a variety of vaccines available for pets, including vaccines for diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. The specific vaccines that are required for pets traveling within the EU depend on the specific country or region they will be visiting, as well as the pet’s age and health status.

In general, all pets traveling within the EU must be vaccinated against rabies . This includes dogs, cats, and ferrets. The rabies vaccine must be given by a veterinarian or an authorized person, and it must be given at least 21 days before the pet travels. In addition to the rabies vaccine, some EU countries may also require other vaccines, such as:

Distemper vaccine: This vaccine is designed to protect dogs against distemper, a viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is recommended for all dogs, especially puppies.
Parvovirus vaccine: This vaccine is designed to protect dogs against parvovirus, a viral disease that affects the gastrointestinal system and can be deadly. It is recommended for all dogs, especially puppies.
Leptospirosis vaccine: This vaccine is designed to protect dogs against leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that affects the kidneys and liver. It is recommended for dogs that are at risk of exposure to the disease, such as those that live in areas with a high prevalence of the disease or that frequently come into contact with contaminated water.
Canine influenza vaccine: This vaccine is designed to protect dogs against canine influenza, a viral respiratory disease that is highly contagious. It is recommended for dogs that are at risk of exposure to the disease, such as those that live in areas with a high prevalence of the disease or that frequently come into contact with other dogs.

In addition to the above vaccines, your veterinarian may recommend other vaccines for your dog based on their specific needs. It is important to discuss your dog’s vaccination needs with a veterinarian to ensure that they are fully protected.

In addition to vaccines, boosters are also an important part of keeping pets healthy while traveling. Boosters are additional doses of a vaccine that are given at regular intervals to maintain the effectiveness of the vaccine. The specific booster schedule for pets depends on the vaccine and the pet’s age and health status. It is important to follow the recommended booster schedule to ensure that the pet is fully protected.

It is important to note that the vaccination and booster requirements for pets traveling within the EU may vary depending on the specific country or region they are visiting. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their pet is up to date on all necessary vaccines and boosters, and to carry the appropriate documentation when traveling.

Carry-On Pets

It is possible to travel with pets within the European Union (EU) as long as certain rules and regulations are followed.

First, it is important to make sure that your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your pet’s medical records with you, as well as a certificate of good health from a veterinarian.

Next, you will need to obtain a pet passport, which is a document that verifies your pet’s identification and vaccination history. In order to get a pet passport, you will need to visit a veterinarian and have your pet microchipped (if it has not already been microchipped). The veterinarian will also need to give your pet a rabies vaccination, and you will need to wait 21 days before traveling.

Once you have obtained a pet passport, you will need to follow the rules for traveling with pets within the EU. These rules vary depending on the mode of transportation you are using.

If you are flying with your pet, you will need to check with the airline to see what their specific rules are for carrying on pets. Some airlines may allow small pets in the cabin with you, while others may require them to be checked as baggage.

If you are traveling by car or train, you will need to make sure that your pet is properly secured in a carrier or crate. This is for the safety of both your pet and other travelers.

It is also important to note that some countries within the EU have stricter rules for bringing pets into the country. For example, certain breeds of dogs may be banned in certain countries, or you may need to obtain additional permits or certificates in order to bring your pet into the country.

Overall, it is possible to travel with pets within the EU as long as you follow the necessary rules and regulations. It is always a good idea to do your research beforehand and make sure that you have everything you need in order to have a smooth and stress-free trip with your furry friend.

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Pet Travel to Europe – Pet Travel After Brexit

The UK has now officially left the EU and on the 31 st December, the transition period will come to an end. Therefore, as of the 1 st January 2021, the rules for travelling to EU countries with your pet will change.

For many, taking your dog, cat or ferret abroad is essential and leaving them behind is not an option. As pet lovers ourselves, we understand, and therefore we’re working hard to ensure that we’re prepared for all of the changes to come.

The good news is that the EU has relaxed the Brexit pet travel curbs. It’s now been announced that Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, will become a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme from 1st January 2021. Therefore, it is now clearer as to what the new rules for pet travel will be.

In our guide below we have tried to answer all of your essential questions. The information below applies to anyone travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland from Great Britain with their pet cats, dogs or ferrets. This includes assistance dogs.

Pet Passports after Brexit

From the 1 st January 2021, current EU issued pet passports , will no longer be valid for travel.

If you’re planning on taking your dog, cat or ferret to the EU or NI for the first time at any point after 1st January 2021, you’ll need to take the following steps.

It’s advised that you contact your vet at least four months in advance of your travel date to ensure that you have plenty of time to prepare.

As Great Britain has been granted Part 2 listed status the steps are similar to the current process for taking your pet to the EU, however, there are a few changes.

Instead of obtaining a pet passport, you will need to get an animal health certificate (AHC).

Rules for accompanied pets travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

(‘accompanied means if you are travelling on the same flight or within 5 days of your pet’)

Before your pet can travel to the EU or NI, the following must be completed:

Your pet must be microchipped.
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated.
You must wait 21 days after the rabies vaccination before your pet can travel.
Visit your vet to get an AHCfor your pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.

Animal Health Certificate

An Animal Health certificate (AHC) has to be issued BY an Official Veterinarian (OV) appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government or the Welsh (please check with your vet practice to ensure they have an OV at their practice).

The OV vet will need to apply for the AHC certificate and certify it no more than 10 days prior to travel, at which point they will need to examine your pet.

Your pet’s AHC will be valid for 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU and for onward travel within the EU it will remain valid for 4 months after the date of issue.

You will then be able to re-enter Great Britain for 4 months after the date of issue.

An AHC costs approximately £110 for the consultation and finalisation of your documents. This does not include any vaccinations, medications or microchipping that might be required, this will come at an additional cost.

The cost of acquiring your pet’s AHC will vary depending on what is required, it’s advised to speak to your vet for confirmation on how much the process will cost.

In addition to the AHC, the airlines will require the vet to write up a letter to state that your pet has been examined, is free from any contagious disease and is fit to fly – again, this needs to be issued no more than 10 days prior to travel.

Taking your pet to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta

If you’re planning on taking your dog to Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta, your pup must be treated against tapeworm one to five days before arriving. Once this treatment has been administered, your vet must record the details on the AHC.

What will I need to do when arriving in the EU or NI?

When you arrive in the EU or Northern Ireland with your pet, you will have to enter through a designated Travellers’ point of entry, otherwise known as the TPE.

When arriving you may have to produce the following:

your pet’s AHC
proof of microchip
proof of rabies vaccination
proof of tapeworm treatment (if travelling to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta)

Please note, all original documents will travel with your pet once your pet is checked in, so all required documents will be available upon collection of your pet.

Making frequent trips to the EU or NI

If you’re planning on making frequent trips to the EU with your pet after the 1 st January 2021, as long as you keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date, you will not need to get repeat vaccinations for repeat trips to the EU or NI.

However, you will need to get a new AHC for each trip you make. This must be obtained from your vet no more than 10 days before you travel.

Again, to obtain your new AHC, you will need to show proof of your pet’s:

microchipping date
rabies vaccination history

Rules for unaccompanied pets travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

(‘unaccompanied means if you are NOT travelling on the same flight or within 5 days of your pet’) This is also classed as a ‘commercial’ shipment.

All of the same requirements above will need to be met, apart from a DEFRA Export Health Certificate is required instead of an AHC. The DEFRA Export Health Certificate needs to be applied for in advance of travel and will require your pet to have a health check no more than 48 hour prior to travel – this health check will still need to be done by an OV (Official Veterinarian). Please note, the OV cannot apply for a DEFRA export health certificate, this needs to be done by either the pet owner or, the pet travel agent – PBS Pet Travel can assist with these applications.

What do I need to do when returning to Great Britain?

Fortunately, there will be no change to the current process for pets entering Great Britain.

When returning to GB from the EU, your pet must have one of the following documents present:

an EU pet passport (issued in the EU, or in GB before 1 January 2021), or a pet passport from a Part 1 listed third country
the AHC issued in GB used to travel to the EU (this can be used up to 4 months after it was issued)
a UK pet health certificate (for travel into GB only)

There will be no need to provide proof of this documentation if your pet is entering GB from:

the Channel Islands
the Isle of Man
the Republic of Ireland

When returning to GB you must travel using approved routes and ensure that your pet’s documents and microchip are present as these will be checked when entering GB.

If you’re returning to Great Britain with an assistance dog, you do not need to travel on approved routes but you must notify the point of entry in advance that you will be travelling with an assistance dog to ensure the appropriate checks are done.

You will also not need to travel on an approved route if you’re travelling to GB from other UK countries, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland.

If you’re planning on travelling from other UK countries, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland, we advise talking to your vet beforehand to get confirmation on what preparations you need to take.

Whilst we will endeavour to keep this page as up to date as possible, please visit the government website for official updates.

How can PBS Pet Travel help?

Our highly trained experienced pet travel team are ready and waiting to organise your travel and safely transport your pets around the world. We recognise that many will still be unaware of the forthcoming changes to pet travel and are here to make everything as simple and straightforward as possible.

For more information about pet travel after Brexit or to get your quotation , please don’t hesitate to contact us .

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New European Regulations for Pet Travel

NEW EUROPEAN REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF PETS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) AND FROM THIRD COUNTRIES

Cats, dogs and ferrets can travel freely between most EU countries without documentation if they have what is called the EU PET PASSPORT that is issued by veterinarians within the EU. The exceptions are entry into the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and Malta which have additional requirements. ENTERING THE EU WITH A PET FROM RABIES FREE COUNTRIES or COUNTRIES WITH A LOW INCIDENCE OF RABIES Cats, dogs and ferrets can enter most EU countries from rabies free countries or countries with a low incidence of rabies once they have been microchipped with the ISO 15 digit microchip, vaccinated for rabies and are accompanied by the Annex IV or Annex I veterinary health certificate for the EU country they are traveling to. The exceptions are entry into the UK ( England , Ireland , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland), Norway, Sweden and Malta which have additional requirements until January 1, 2012. ENTERING THE EU WITH A PET FROM COUNTRIES WITH A HIGH INCIDENCE OF RABIES Cats, dogs and ferrets can enter most EU countries from countries with a high incidence of rabies once they have been microchipped with the ISO 15 digit microchip, vaccinated for rabies and are accompanied by the Annex IV or Annex I veterinary health certificate for the EU country they are traveling to. However, in addition, your pet must have a rabies titer test in advance to avoid quarantine. The number of months in advance the abies titer test must be done varies by country. NEW RULES The UK, Sweden and Malta will no longer require the rabies titer test when the pet is coming from a rabies free country or a country with a low incidence of rabies. In addition, the requirement for a certificate of treatment for ticks will no longer be required.

However, under the new regulations, pets must be transported with or within 5 days of their owner or their owner's representative to be eligible to travel under the Pet Travel Scheme (non-commercial). If your pet is being transported unaccompanied or you buy a puppy from another country and import it to the EU, then your pet must travel under the Balai Directive (commercially) and different rules apply. Find more details by finding the regulations for the EU country you are looking to visit on our pet passport page . Legislation regarding puppies and kittens which are too young to be vaccinated for rabies and are under 3 months old and unvaccinated vary depending on the EU country. Few EU countries will allow unvaccinated animals to enter. (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia (from other EU countries), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (from other EU countries only), Lithuania, Luxembourg (with owners from other EU countries only), Romania (from other EU countires only), Slovenia (from other EU countries only), Slovakia (from other EU countries only), and Switzerland. Failure to comply with these regulations will not only mean that your pet is refused entry but that the relevant authority in consultation with an authorized vet can decide to: a) return the pet home; b) place the pet in quarantine at the expense of the owner or natural person responsible for pet; or c) as a last resort, without financial compensation, put the pet down where the return trip home or quarantine cannot be envisaged. Regulations for birds vary by country. Rabbits, rodents and reptiles can be imported, but require quarantine when entering the UK. Owners are advised to contact the relevant authorities for further information regarding such conditions and requirements.

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The Ultimate Guide on Moving to Europe with a Pet

Are you contemplating a move to Europe? International travel takes on a different dimension when it’s a relocation instead of a holiday. From finding somewhere to live in your new country to the shipping of your personal effects, there’s a lot to do when moving internationally.

And if you have a dog or a cat, you also have to work out how to arrange pet travels.

Dedicated pet shipping companies like Pet-Express are experts in international pet shipping , particularly to European countries. Transport of pets to other countries is what they do best. The expert consultants can help take the stress out of moving to Europe with a dog or a cat, leaving you with more time to plan the rest of your move.

But as the pet owner, it’s important you understand the must-dos of how to transport pets. So, here’s a business class guide to what you need to know.

Map of Europe with flag pins dropped on all the countries.

Planning the move

Concerned about moving to Europe with a dog? The good news is that, generally speaking, European countries are fairly dog-friendly. And did you know that cats are the most popular pets in continental Europe?

But even with this abundance of love for pets, there are rules when it comes to pet immigration.

Despite being dog-friendly, Europe’s pet importation laws are strictly adhered to, and advanced preparation is a must.

Where are you moving to?

Knowing whether your destination country is in the European Union is the first step in planning pet travel to Europe.

We tend to think that the European Union and Europe are the same thing. So it’s easy to forget that of the 50 countries that comprise Europe, only 27 are part of the EU. That means there’s another 23 European countries that are not. That also means that rules and regulations are not all identical!

Below is a drop-down list of European Union countries. If one of these countries is your final destination, only one set of rules apply — and that makes things a whole lot easier.

EU Countries

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Keep in mind that the list can change. Remember Brexit? Since the UK is no longer in the EU, this country now has its own pet entry rules. This highlights how fluid the landscape of pet travel to Europe can be.

An experienced pet shipping agency keeps current with these kinds of changes. This ensures your pet’s relocation doesn’t encounter any unexpected hurdles.

My new home won’t be in the European Union

Fortunately, most countries that are not in the EU have similar fundamental requirements to the EU. We’ll touch on this a bit further down.

Getting there

If traveling by air, your pet’s travel crate must meet airline specifications and be IATA compliant .

Airline travel for your pet is safe and most airlines have a pet-friendly travel policy, particularly for international flights. Typically your pet will travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft.

Importantly your pet needs to get used to the crate prior to travel. Commence crate training early with the right crate and your pet will have a calm, comfortable trip.

Leaving the United States

When leaving home, we tend to focus on entry requirements of the destination and sometimes forget there are official pre-departure requirements that also need attention. We’ll cover this in the next few sections.

A cat and dog laying down in an airport next to a suitcase

Is my pet allowed to travel to Europe?

Oddly enough, the first thing you need to determine is whether your pet is defined as a pet. Luckily, if your dog or cat is your private companion animal, it will be considered a pet.

That is an easy first step. What’s next?

Check out the official requirements

Okay, your pet is really a pet. What does that mean for pet travel from the USA?

If you are moving to Europe with a dog or cat, you will need to obtain the relevant health checks and documentation for your pet.

Documentation must be issued by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited veterinarian.

Once that is done, your pet’s paperwork must be endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This is part of the USDA. You can find your state’s USDA office here .

If you have any questions about whether your pet is eligible for international travel, talk to the knowledgeable consultants at Pet-Express or contact your USDA office .

Talk to your local veterinarian and pet shipping agent

Check with your pet’s vet to ensure they are accredited to provide the necessary veterinary certificate. If your local vet is not accredited, you will need to find a vet in your state or territory, who has the correct accreditation.

The vet and pet shipper are best placed to ensure that all your pet’s travel requirements are met within the necessary time frames. From health checks to obtaining USDA endorsements, they will guide you every step of the way.

EU entry requirements for cats and dogs

If your pet is a cat or dog certain entry rules apply.

Micro-chipping

Your pet must have an approved ‘transponder’ (microchip) implanted. The microchip must comply with ISO Standard 11784.

The only exception is if your pet has a tattoo that was applied before 3 July 2011. The tattoo must be clearly readable. Your pet’s rabies vaccination must have also been given after getting the tattoo.

If your pet is already microchipped but the chip doesn’t meet the ISO standard, you will need to have it re-chipped.

If your pet needs to be microchipped, this must be done before getting its mandatory rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies with an approved rabies vaccine.

A few other conditions also apply.

Your pet must be at least 12 months old. Young animals cannot be vaccinated against rabies and won’t be allowed entry.
At least 21 days must have lapsed from when the vaccine was administered before your pet can travel.
If your pet is routinely vaccinated for rabies, check when the booster is due. If the previous vaccine has expired a new ‘primary’ vaccine will be required and the 21 days waiting period will apply.
A certified copy of the vaccination details must be attached to the animal health certificate.

EU health certificate

You will need to have an EU animal health certificate. In EU-speak this is also referred to as the ‘EU Annex IV’.

I have two dogs!

The certificate allows you to nominate up to five pets. This is called a ‘non-commercial’ certificate. The condition is that you must travel within five days of your pet.

Can’t travel in the required time frame?

If you or another person you have designated as responsible for your pet, can’t meet the five-day time frame, a ‘commercial’ certificate must be obtained. If required, discuss this option with the Pet-Express team or the USDA office.

What’s in a health certificate?

This document has all your pet’s health-related details. It will include information such as your pet’s date of birth, breed, microchip number, the location of the microchip on your pet and rabies vaccination dates.

The ‘non-commercial’ international health certificate is valid for ten days. This period starts from when it is issued by the vet until the checks are made at the entry point in the EU. However, it remains valid for travel in the EU for up to four months from when it is issued.

Is the health certificate the same as a pet passport?

Even though the international health certificate is sometimes referred to as a pet passport, the two documents are different.

The certificate issued in the US prior to your pet’s international travel is necessary for travel to most European countries.

EU pet passports on the other hand, are used for crossing borders between EU countries. The pet passport has essentially the same information as the health certificate, but it must be issued by an authorized EU veterinarian.

Your pet will need a pet passport to cross borders between different EU countries while living in Europe.

Let’s look at an example

You are moving from the USA to Europe with a dog and you are going to live in France. Ooh la la!

Because France is in the EU, your canine companion needs a health certificate to enter France.

A year on, and you’re off to sunny Spain on holiday with the dog in tow. By now, the health certificate has expired. But because Spain is also in the EU, your dog now needs an EU pet passport to enter.

Some non-EU countries in Europe, such as Gibraltar and the Vatican City state, also accept the EU pet passport.

The European pet passport is valid for life as long as rabies vaccinations remain current.

Pet border control

Each EU country has designated entry points for pets. This is where documentation and identity checks are made. Most countries’ major airports are designated entry points.

Pet entry requirements of non-EU European countries

We’ve already stated that many non-EU country requirements are similar to those of the EU. Other countries may also require quarantine periods, additional vaccinations or treatments, or different documentation.

Here are just some examples of country-specific requirements.

Some countries, such as Norway and the United Kingdom, require that your dog be treated for the tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis. This treatment must be given one to five days before your pet is scheduled to arrive. Finland, Ireland and Malta, which are in the EU, also have this additional requirement.

The UK requires a UK pet health certificate. They don’t recognize the EU certificate or pet passport.

Iceland has mandatory quarantine requirements, and you will have to wait four weeks before both you and your pet can be reunited. You must also obtain an import license from their Food and Veterinary Authority before arriving.

Expert advice from a pet shipping company experienced in European country laws is invaluable, and ensures relevant criteria are not overlooked. Mistakes can be costly and time consuming.

Small dog in a crate in an airport lounge

Other considerations

Traveling to a non-EU country and transiting your pet through an EU country?

You will need a transit health certificate for the EU as well as the documentation for your destination country. The transit certificate is the same as your pet’s EU health certificate.

General vaccinations

Apart from the mandatory rabies vaccinations, it is essential that your pet’s other regular vaccinations are current. Some countries require cats to have the FVRCP vaccine and treatment for other feline diseases.

Check with your vet and pet shipping company. They will provide comprehensive advice on all your pet’s travel and relocation needs.

Are all dog breeds welcome?

As in the US, some breeds of dogs are banned in Europe. The list varies from country to country, so always check to see if your dog’s breed can be imported to your destination country.

Some breeds that are not welcome in many countries are:

Pit Bull Terrier including American Pit Bulls
Staffordshire Bull Terrier including American Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Argentine or Brazilian Mastiff

Despite the most careful planning, sometimes travel troubles occur — even for our pets. There may be flight cancellations, or your pet could get sick during travel. Taking out pet travel insurance is recommended in the event something unforeseen takes place. This gives you the reassurance that your pet and your pocket will be protected.

Overwhelmed? Call the experts!

With all that is involved in relocating to a new country, arranging pet travel might seem burdensome.

Sure, there is a lot involved, but what seems insurmountable to you is routine for Pet-Express. We can manage the entire process for you. And what’s more, we have contingencies in place for when things don’t go according to plan.

If a move to Europe with a dog or cat is on your horizon, talk to us . One of our experienced consultants will be happy to help.

Get a pet travel quote

COMMENTS

Travelling with pets and other animals in the EU
Travelling with pets: dogs, cats and ferrets. EU rules make it easy to travel to another EU country (in this case the 27 EU countries + Norway and Northern Ireland) with your dog, cat or ferret. These rules also cover travel to the EU from a country or territory outside the EU. With a few exceptions, your pet can travel with you to another EU ...
FAQs
EU Regulation on the rules for travelling with pet animals in the EU or to the EU from a territory or non-EU country. Last checked: 05/10/2023. FAQs - Rules for travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets in the EU and to the EU from abroad; information on pet passports and EU animal health certificate; information on other pets; rules for entry to ...
Everything you need to know about traveling with pets to Europe
Having an EU pet passport eliminates this step and allows Poppy to travel freely to EU countries — as well as Switzerland, Norway and much of the Balkans — for the next three years. This is a great cost-cutting measure for travelers who frequently visit Europe with a pet. Getting an EU passport for Poppy in Spain was much easier than I ...
Rules and Tips for Travelling to Europe With Pets
EU Pet Travel Scheme Categories. The first thing that you have to know about the EU rules on the movement of pets is that the country of owner's residence matters a lot. In fact, the whole requirements that need to be met depend on where you come from. To set up these rules, these are three categories of countries, known as: Part 1 listed ...
Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country
Travelling with more than 5 pets. You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you're attending or training for a: competition. show. sporting event. You'll ...
How to get an EU Pet Passport [All You Need to Know]
An EU Pet Passport is a compilation of documents that your pet needs in order to travel to EU countries. With an EU pet passport, your dog, cat or ferret will be able to travel freely through the EU without enduring a quarantine period. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.
Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024
It really all depends on when you're traveling and where you're traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000.
How to Get an EU Pet Passport for Your Dog
The European Union Pet Passport scheme allows holders to travel with their pets to and from the EU and between European Union countries. The program was created to establish a standardized protocol for EU residents to transport their companion animals in and out of the region. The little blue passports are issued only by official EU ...
Traveling with Pets in Europe: All You Need to Know
EU Animal Health Certificate: If you are traveling to the EU from a non-EU country, your pet will need an EU animal health certificate. This must be issued by an official vet in your country of departure, not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU.
Traveling With a Dog to Europe: 10 Vet-Approved Tips
The 10 Tips for Traveling With a Dog to Europe. 1. Research the Destination Country's Travel Policy. Image Credit: Kampus Production, Pexels. Before you start booking flights, make sure to familiarize yourself with your destination country's pet travel laws. If you're going to a country that is a member of the European Union, you can ...
New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021
The only new requirement for travel to the EU is the use of a certificate, rather than a pet passport: Ensure their dog, cat or ferret is microchipped. Ensure that their dog, cat or ferret is ...
Movement of pets
The adoption of harmonised rules on travelling with pets has made it easier for EU citizens and their dogs, cats or ferrets to enjoy the freedom of movement within the Union. This significant step was made possible by dramatic advances made in the fight against rabies. For movement between EU countries or from non-EU countries vaccination ...
Brexit: How has pet travel to EU countries been affected?
The EU pet passport (which cost between £30 and £60) entitled the pet to travel to and from the EU up to 28 times with no specified time limit, provided the rabies vaccination remained valid.
What is The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)? [All you need to know]
The Pet Travel Scheme has gone through many changes since 2000, making it easier for pets to travel to the UK, to EU countries and other listed non-EA countries (see more information below). Changes to the scheme introduced in January 2012 revoked the need for dogs to be treated against ticks. This change reduced the length of time after ...
Pet travel after Brexit: taking a dog to the EU could cost £300 a time
Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to EU countries (you can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country, Northern Ireland or a few other places but check it ...
How to travel with your pet in the European union (EU)
A pet passport is a document that is required for pets traveling within the EU and some other countries. It records the pet's identification, vaccination, and movement history, and it is issued by an authorized veterinarian. It is important to keep the passport up to date and to take it with you whenever you travel with your pet within the EU ...
Travelling to or returning to Europe with your pet?
Pets, i.e. dogs, cats or ferrets travelling to or returning to EU Member States must be must be accompanied by an animal health certificate according to the model provided in Part 1 of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 as last amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1293. completed and issued by an official veterinarian, or by an authorised veterinarian and subsequently endorsed by the competent ...
Pet travel: here's what you need to know about flying with pets
What does my pet need to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland? When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs: 1) a microchip;. 2) a valid rabies vaccination;. 3) an animal health certificate, or a valid pet passport that's accepted in the country you're going to;. 4) tapeworm treatment for dogs if you're travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland ...
Pet Travel to Europe
In our guide below we have tried to answer all of your essential questions. The information below applies to anyone travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland from Great Britain with their pet cats, dogs or ferrets. This includes assistance dogs. CONTACT US ON +44 (0)1293 551140 or EMAIL US [email protected].
Pet Travel
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel. Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you: Don't see your pet listed below. Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal. Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
Pet Travel New European Regulations
MOVEMENT OF PETS BETWEEN EU COUNTRIES. Cats, dogs and ferrets can travel freely between most EU countries without documentation if they have what is called the EU PET PASSPORT that is issued by veterinarians within the EU. The exceptions are entry into the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and Malta which have additional requirements.
gov
Cats, dogs and ferrets must comply with the rules for pet travel as outlined in sections above. Pets from non-EU countries must enter through a designated Travellers Point of Entry (TPOE) after providing advance notice and undergo a compliance check on arrival. TPOEs are: Dublin Port. Dublin Airport.
Pet Travel
For specialist travel crates, you may find difficulty getting in Belgium; Buy Travel Crates online from CCPS. The correct size and type of pet travel crate is very important otherwise your pet can be refused by the airline at the time of check in. If you are not sure which size or type of travel crate you need for your pet CCPS will advise you!
Pet Travel: Home
[email protected] (353) 1-8401776. If you are planning to travel to a non-EU country with your pet on a short trip or holiday, please select your pet species type and the country you plan on visiting in the tab above, and read the conditions of re-entering Ireland with your pet as vaccination protocols may require up to 3 months wait ...
The Ultimate Guide on Moving to Europe with a Pet
The certificate issued in the US prior to your pet's international travel is necessary for travel to most European countries. EU pet passports on the other hand, are used for crossing borders between EU countries. The pet passport has essentially the same information as the health certificate, but it must be issued by an authorized EU ...

I took my dog to Barcelona to get an EU pet passport: Here's what I learned

What is an EU pet passport?

Why get an EU pet passport?

Can dogs living outside the EU get the pet passport?

What is the process for getting an EU pet passport?

Barcelona is ideal for a Spanish citizenship vacation

Dog-friendly attractions and restaurants

Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

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Traveling With a Dog to Europe: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

The 10 Tips for Traveling With a Dog to Europe

2. Get Your Dog Microchipped

3. Schedule a Veterinarian Appointment

4. Receive a USDA Endorsement

5. Book Flights With the Right Airlines

6. Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel

7. Purchase an Airline-Approved Travel Crate

8. Be Prepared at Customs

9. Consider Getting an EU Pet Passport

10. Take It Easy on the First Few Days in Europe

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New rules for pet travel from 1 January 2021

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What is the Pet Travel Scheme?

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