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EU citizens are not the only ones enjoying freedom of movement within the European Union. Thanks to the adoption of EU rules on traveling with pets, your cats, dogs, and even ferrets can enjoy this right. If you are traveling in the EU with your four-legged friend this summer, make sure your EU pet passport is up to date.
The EU pet passport contains a description and details of your pet, including a microchip or tattoo code, rabies vaccination record, and contact details of the vet who issued the passport. You can get an EU pet passport for your dog, cat, or ferret from any authorized veterinarian. The most important requirement, which also applies to pets traveling to the EU from a country outside the European Union, is that your pet's vaccination against rabies is current. Also, if you are traveling to a country with a high incidence of (Echinococcus multilocularis), a type of cystic tapeworm (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland), your pet must have been treated against this tapeworm.
There are a few more exceptions to be aware of. Since 2021, EU pet passports issued to residents of Great Britain are no longer valid for travel with pets from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland. It's also worth remembering that the EU pet passport is only valid for cats, dogs, and ferrets. If your pet is a bird, reptile, rodent, or rabbit, you should check the national rules of the country you plan to visit for information on entry requirements.
If you are traveling to the EU with your pet from a non-EU country, the document you need to show is the EU animal health certificate. Like the EU pet passport, the EU animal health certificate contains information about your pet's health, identity, and vaccination against rabies. It must be obtained from an official state veterinarian in your country no later than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. You must also attach a written declaration to your pet's EU animal health certificate stating that its transportation is for non-commercial reasons.
You can travel with up to five pets, but if you have more than five pets (dogs, cats, or ferrets) you must provide proof that they are participating in a competition, exhibition, or sporting event and are over 6 months old. If you do not plan to accompany your pet on their travels, you must give written permission for another person to accompany your pet on your behalf. However, you must reunite with your pet within 5 days of their move.
