Travelling in the EU with your dog: pet passport and rules

Travelling with a dog inside the European Union is easier than many people think. The rules are the same in every EU country, set by EU Regulation 576/2013. What catches people out is the timing: the paperwork takes at least 3 weeks, so start early.

The 4 things your dog needs

1. A microchip. It must meet the ISO standard and be implanted before, or on the same day as, the rabies vaccination. A rabies vaccination given before the chip does not count.
2. A rabies vaccination. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated.
3. 21 days of waiting. After the first rabies vaccination, your dog may travel only after 21 days. Boosters given on time, before the previous one expires, need no new wait.
4. An EU pet passport. Your vet issues it and records the chip number and the vaccination in it.

This means a puppy can travel at 15 weeks at the earliest. Plan holidays with a young dog around that date.

Extra rule for some countries: tapeworm

Finland, Ireland and Malta, and Norway outside the EU, also require a tapeworm treatment given by a vet 1 to 5 days, that is 24 to 120 hours, before your dog enters the country. The vet records it in the passport. Count the hours carefully, arriving too early or too late means the treatment does not count.

Other things to check

• Breed rules. Some countries restrict or ban certain breeds, or require a muzzle and lead in public. Check the rules of every country you drive through, not only the destination.
• Number of animals. The pet rules cover up to 5 animals per person. More than that counts as commercial transport.
• Outside the EU. The United Kingdom, Switzerland and non-EU countries have their own rules. Check their official government pages before you book.

By car

Secure your dog in a crash-tested crate or with a crash-tested harness and belt. Stop every 2 to 3 hours for water, a short walk and a toilet break. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, the inside heats up dangerously within minutes, even on mild days and even with the windows slightly open.

By plane, train and ferry

Each company sets its own rules. Many airlines allow small dogs in the cabin up to about 8 kg including the carrier, and bigger dogs only in the hold, which is stressful and best avoided. Ferries often have kennels or pet cabins that sell out early. Trains in many countries take dogs with a ticket, small dogs often free in a carrier. Many buses and trains require a lead, and a muzzle for larger dogs. Book the dog when you book yourself.

Packing list

• Pet passport, and a copy or photo of it.
• The usual food, enough for the whole trip, because a sudden change upsets many stomachs.
• Water bowl, lead, spare collar with your phone number.
• Bed or blanket that smells of home.
• Poo bags, a towel and any medicines.
• The number of a vet near where you stay.
• Tick, mosquito and sandfly protection. Ask your vet what your destination needs.

Timeline

At least 4 weeks before you leave: check the chip and vaccination dates with your vet and get the passport. 1 week before: check the rules of every country on your route. Rules can change, so your vet and the official pages of the countries are always the final word.