Pets on trips: Which ones are allowed? Under what conditions?

Requirements and necessary documents

When it comes to taking your furry friends on trips, there are certain rules and documents you need to be aware of. Dogs and cats can join you on your travels, but there are specific requirements that must be met.

First and foremost, your pet should have a microchip with certain specifications or a clearly legible tattoo. Additionally, they must possess a valid European pet passport or a European animal health certificate if you're traveling from a country outside the European Union. Plus, they must be vaccinated against rabies, which is also necessary for domestic travel.

There's an exception to the rabies vaccination requirement, though. In certain cases, when a certified veterinarian deems it medically unsuitable, vaccination may be prohibited. Keep in mind that the earliest your pet can be vaccinated against rabies is at 12 weeks of age. Failure to vaccinate your pet can result in a hefty fine of 500 euros for the owner.

European passport for pets

The European pet passport can be obtained from an approved veterinarian who is authorized by the competent authority. It remains valid for the lifetime of your pet, as long as the rabies vaccination is kept up to date. This passport is essential for international travel with your pet and contains crucial information, such as the pet's rabies vaccination history, detailed descriptions of the animal (including microchip or tattoo code), and the contact details of both the owner and the issuing veterinarian.

European health certificate

For travel from countries that are not part of the European Union, you'll need a European health certificate. This document includes specific information about your pet, such as their identity, rabies vaccination status, and overall health. The certificate must be issued by a state veterinarian from the country of departure no later than 10 days before your pet enters a European Union country. This certificate is valid for travel between European Union countries for a period of 4 months from the date of issuance or until the rabies vaccine expires. It's worth noting that you should also include a written declaration stating that the pet is not being transported for commercial purposes.