Travelling to an EU country

Check what you need to do before you can travel with your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU country.

You바카라 사이트™ll also need to check for any additional rules or requirements for the country you바카라 사이트™re travelling to.

These rules also apply to assistance dogs.

There are different rules if you바카라 사이트™re travelling to Northern Ireland or a non-EU country

If you바카라 사이트™re exporting dogs, cats, or ferrets for commercial purposes, such as a change of ownership, check the rules for the country you are exporting to.

1. Microchip your pet

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they바카라 사이트™ll need to be vaccinated again.

2. Get your pet vaccinated against rabies

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. Your vet needs proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.

If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination before your pet can travel.

If your pet has already been vaccinated, check if they need a booster vaccination.

You do not need to wait to travel after a booster vaccination if there has been no break in the vaccine cover.

3. Get a pet travel document

Get an animal health certificate from your vet if you바카라 사이트™re going to an EU country.

Your pet바카라 사이트™s animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for:

  • 10 days for entry into the EU

  • 4 months for onward travel within the EU after you enter the EU

  • 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

You can also use a valid pet passport if it is accepted in the country you바카라 사이트™re travelling to. You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain to enter the EU.

4. Get a tapeworm treatment for your dog

A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in either an animal health certificate or a valid pet passport if you바카라 사이트™re travelling directly to:

  • Finland

  • Ireland

  • Malta

  • Norway

The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before you arrive.

5. Arrive in the country

You바카라 사이트™ll need to go through a when you arrive in an EU country.

You may need to show your pet바카라 사이트™s animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their:

  • microchip

  • rabies vaccination

  • tapeworm treatment (if required)

6. Check your return journey

The rules for returning with your pet into Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) depend on what country you바카라 사이트™re coming from.

Find out what you need to do if you바카라 사이트™re bringing your pet to Great Britain.

7. If you바카라 사이트™re travelling with more than 5 pets

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country unless you바카라 사이트™re: 

Attending or training for an event

You바카라 사이트™ll need written evidence of registration when you travel for an event, including:

  • competitions

  • shows

  • sporting events

All of your pets must meet all the other requirements for pet travel to that country.