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The EU pet passport, explained
The EU pet passport is an official booklet, issued by an authorised vet in an EU country, that lets a dog, cat or ferret travel between EU countries. It records the owner, the pet's description and microchip, rabies vaccinations and other treatments. It is only issued to pets living in the EU; visitors from outside use an EU animal health certificate.
What's inside an EU pet passport
| Section | What it records |
|---|---|
| Owner | Name, address and signature of the owner |
| Description | Name, species, breed, sex, date of birth, colour, photo (optional) |
| Marking | Microchip number, date and place of implantation |
| Rabies vaccination | Vaccine, batch, date given and valid until, signed and stamped by the vet |
| Rabies antibody test | Blood test result, if one was needed |
| Tapeworm treatment | Echinococcus treatment for dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway |
| Other treatments and vaccines | Other parasite treatments, core vaccines, clinical examinations |
Who can get one
Only an authorised vet in an EU country (and a few non-EU countries that use the same system, such as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican) can issue an EU pet passport, for a pet living there. The pet needs a microchip first. If you move to the EU, register with a local vet and ask for one.
Visiting from the US, UK or Canada?
You do not get an EU pet passport for a visit. Your pet travels on an EU animal health certificate, issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by your government's vet service. Full steps: taking a dog or cat to the EU.
How long is it valid?
The passport itself does not expire. It is valid for travel as long as the rabies vaccination recorded in it is valid. When the pages fill up or the passport is lost, your vet can issue a new one from your pet's records.
UK pet passports after Brexit
Pet passports issued in Great Britain stopped being valid for travel to the EU and Northern Ireland on 1 January 2021. UK residents now need an animal health certificate for each trip. EU and Northern Ireland pet passports can still be used to enter Great Britain. See UK pet travel rules.
Keep a digital copy
A paper passport can get lost, wet or left at home. The PetStamp app scans the vaccination pages with on-device text recognition, so you have every date on your phone and get a reminder before the rabies vaccine runs out. The paper passport stays the official document.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EU pet passport if I live in the US?
No. EU pet passports are issued only to pets living in the EU (and a few partner countries). Visitors use an EU animal health certificate.
Does the EU pet passport expire?
No, but it is only valid for travel while the rabies vaccination recorded in it is valid.
Can I use my EU pet passport to enter the UK?
Yes, a valid EU pet passport can be used to bring a dog or cat into Great Britain, alongside the tapeworm treatment for dogs.
What do I do if I lose my pet's passport?
Ask your vet for a new one. They can reissue it from their records, but vaccines given elsewhere may need proof.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.