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Taking a Dog or Cat to the EU
To bring a dog or cat into the EU from a non-EU country you need an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccine given after the chip and at least 21 days before travel, and an EU animal health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Dogs going to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway also need a tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival.
Requirements at a glance
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785, 15 digits, implanted before the rabies shot |
|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine | At 12+ weeks old, then wait 21 days |
| Rabies titer test | Only from non-listed countries (not needed from US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia) |
| Health certificate | EU animal health certificate, issued within 10 days of arrival |
| Tapeworm (dogs) | Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway: 1 to 5 days before arrival |
| Quarantine | None if the rules are met |
| Plan ahead | At least 4 weeks |
Step-by-step timeline
- 4+ weeks beforeCheck the microchip reads. If the rabies vaccine is not current, get it now: travel is allowed only 21 days after a first (primary) vaccination.
- 21 days beforeEarliest travel date after a primary rabies vaccine. Boosters given before the old one expired need no wait.
- 10 days beforeVisit an accredited vet for the EU animal health certificate. In the US it must then be endorsed by USDA APHIS; in the UK by an Official Veterinarian.
- 1 to 5 days beforeDogs heading to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway: tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment, recorded by the vet.
- ArrivalEnter through a travellers' point of entry. The certificate stays valid for 4 months of travel inside the EU, or until the rabies vaccine expires.
Dogs vs cats
The core rules are the same for dogs and cats. Only dogs need the tapeworm treatment, and only for Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway. Pet ferrets follow the same rules as cats.
Common mistakes
- Giving the rabies vaccine before the microchip. The vet must scan the chip first, or the vaccine does not count.
- Getting the health certificate too early. It must be issued no more than 10 days before you arrive in the EU.
- Assuming a UK pet passport still works. Passports issued in Great Britain stopped being valid for EU travel in 2021.
- Travelling with more than 5 pets. Five is the limit for non-commercial travel unless you are going to a competition or show.
Official source: European Commission: movement of pets
Other destinations
🇬🇧 UK🇺🇸 US🇨🇦 Canada🇯🇵 Japan🇦🇺 Australia
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EU pet passport to visit Europe with my dog?
No. Visitors from outside the EU use an EU animal health certificate. EU pet passports are issued only by vets in EU countries, to pets living there.
How long is the EU animal health certificate valid?
It must be issued within 10 days of arrival. After arrival it is valid for 4 months of onward travel between EU countries, as long as the rabies vaccine stays valid.
Does my puppy need to wait before entering the EU?
Yes. The rabies vaccine can be given from 12 weeks of age and travel is allowed 21 days later, so in practice a puppy must be at least 15 weeks old.
Is there quarantine for pets entering the EU?
No, if the microchip, rabies vaccine, waiting period and certificate are all correct. Pets that do not meet the rules can be quarantined, returned or refused.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.