If you are travelling within the European Union with a pet, the rules are not the same for all animals. The basic distinction is between dogs, cats and ferrets, for which there is an EU pet passport, and other pets, such as birds, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles or aquarium fish, for which you must check the national rules of the country of destination.
Dogs, cats and ferrets
For a dog, cat or ferret to travel from one EU country to another, it must be accompanied by a valid EU pet passport. The passport is issued by an authorised veterinarian and includes the animal’s details, the owner’s details, the microchip or tattoo number, and information about rabies vaccination.
The animal must also be identified with a microchip, or with a clearly readable tattoo if the tattoo was applied before 3 July 2011. It must also have a valid rabies vaccination. In the case of a first vaccination, the animal may travel only after at least 21 days have passed since the vaccination was completed.
These rules apply to the non-commercial movement of pets. This means that the animal is travelling with its owner, or with an authorised person, and is not being transported for sale or transfer of ownership. If the animal is not travelling exactly at the same time as the owner, it may be accompanied by another person, but the owner must travel within five days before or after the animal’s movement, and a written declaration must be available.
For non-commercial travel, up to five dogs, cats or ferrets may usually be moved. This limit may be exceeded in special cases, such as participation in a competition, exhibition or sporting event, provided that the necessary proof is available and the animals are more than six months old.
When extra attention is needed
Some countries require additional conditions. For example, when travelling with a dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, treatment against the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis is required. This is why, before every trip, it is advisable to check not only the general EU rules but also the specific requirements of the country of destination.
If you are travelling from a non-EU country into the EU with a dog, cat or ferret, different rules apply. The animal must be accompanied by an animal health certificate and, depending on the country of origin, an additional rabies antibody test may be required. In many cases, entry into the EU must take place through a designated travellers’ point of entry, where document and identity checks are carried out.
Special attention is also needed for travel from Great Britain to the EU. After Brexit, EU pet passports issued to residents of Great Britain are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to an EU country or to Northern Ireland.
What applies to birds, hamsters and other pets
The EU pet passport does not apply to all pets. It applies only to dogs, cats and ferrets. If you are travelling with a bird, hamster, rabbit, another rodent, reptile, aquarium fish or another companion animal, you must check the rules of the country you are travelling to.
This means that for birds or small rodents there is no single EU passport equivalent to the one that applies to dogs, cats and ferrets. The destination country may require a veterinary certificate, specific health conditions or other checks. For birds, particular attention is needed because special health rules may apply, especially during periods of increased risk of avian diseases.
In addition to government rules, you should also check the rules of the transport company. Airlines, ferry companies and railway companies may have their own conditions for transporting animals, such as a specific carrier, weight limits or restrictions for certain species.
Before you leave
Before travelling, first check which category your pet belongs to. If it is a dog, cat or ferret, you will need an EU pet passport, a microchip or a recognisable old tattoo, and a valid rabies vaccination. If it is a bird, hamster, rabbit, reptile or another animal, you must check the national rules of the country of destination.
It is also advisable to contact your veterinarian and the company you will be travelling with in good time. This will help you avoid problems at the border, at the airport, at the port or during boarding.
