Everyday
EU pet travel: dates and checklist
Check the main requirements for a dog, cat or ferret before private travel within the EU.
- For tax year 2026
- Rules last checked 24 October 2026
- Takes about 2 minutes
Check before your trip
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Check before your trip
Check before your trip
For private travel within the EU without sale or change of ownership. A vet must confirm the vaccination and documents are valid.
This does not cover travel from outside the EU, more than five pets, commercial movements or young-animal exceptions. Check the destination country's rules.
Dates are calculated from your entries and are not veterinary certification.
This result uses rules that have not yet been verified. For guidance, consult an accountant.
How it is checked
Travel requires a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a European pet passport. The microchip must predate the vaccination.
After a primary vaccination or a lapse, a wait of at least 21 days is required. Some destinations also require dog treatment.
The tool checks whether the travel date is at least 21 days after a primary or restarted vaccination and whether the microchip came first.
For dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland, it checks Echinococcus treatment 24–120 hours before entry.
Sources
- Travelling with pets in the EUΕυρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή — Your Europe
- Pet movements within the EUΕυρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή — DG SANTE
- Pet passport and microchip registrationΕθνικό Μητρώο Ζώων Συντροφιάς
Frequently asked questions
When can my pet travel after its first rabies vaccination?
After at least 21 days have passed since the primary vaccination was completed. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination.
Is there a new waiting period after a booster?
No, if the booster was given before the previous vaccination expired and a vet confirms continuous coverage.
Does this cover travel from outside the EU?
No. Entry from a non-EU country may require a health certificate, antibody test or additional conditions. Check the official rules for the country of departure.