dog travel europe to uk

Pet Travel - Can I Bring My Dog With Me to the UK?

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (a move known as "Brexit") formally occurred on January 31, 2020. Following that departure is a transition period lasting until December 31, 2020, during which the U.K. and E.U. will negotiate the terms of their future relationship. This article has been updated as of the January 31st withdrawal, and you can find up-to-date information about details of the transition on the U.K.'s government website .

Yes you can bring your dog, cat or ferret into the UK without having to park them in quarantine. You just have to follow a few important rules. A lot of people still think that if they bring their pets with them into the UK they'll have to put them into a quarantine kennel for six months. Old ideas die hard. It's actually much easier, and kinder for pets and their owners, these days.

The Pet Travel Scheme, known as PETS, has been in effect in the UK for more than 15 years. It's a system that permits pet travel to the UK. Dogs, cats and even ferrets can enter or re-enter the UK from  qualified EU countries and non-EU "listed" countries . Listed countries include named non-EU countries in Europe and elsewhere. Pet travel from the USA, Canada, Mexico , Australia and New Zealand are included. 

In a change from the old quarantine regulations, pets that comply with the PETS rules for EU countries can enter the UK without quarantine from almost anywhere in the world. There are just a few exceptions and extra waiting periods.

What pet owners must do

Preparing your animal for pet travel under the PETS scheme is not complicated but you need to plan ahead and get the process in the works well ahead of time - at least four months if you are traveling from outside the EU. Here is what's required:

• Have your pet microchipped - Your vet can carry this out and it is not painful for the animal. It must be done first, before any inoculation. If your dog has been inoculated against rabies before being microchipped, it will have to be done again.
• Rabies vaccination - Have your pet vaccinated against rabies after being microchipped. There is no exemption from this requirement, even if the animal already had been vaccinated.
• Blood test   for pets entering from outside the EU  - After a 30-day waiting period, your vet should test your animal to make sure that the rabies vaccination has succeeded in giving sufficient protection. Dogs and cats entering from and vaccinated within EU or non-EU listed countries do not have to have a blood test.
• The 3-week/3-month rule  The first time your pet is prepared to travel under the PETS system, you must wait three weeks before you can travel and return to the UK if you are coming into the UK from an EU or listed country. The day of the vaccination counts as day 0 and you must wait a further 21 days. If you are traveling to the UK from an unlisted country outside the EU, your pet must have a blood test 30 days after the vaccination (with the vaccination day counting as day 0) and then wait a further three months after the valid blood test before the animal can enter the UK.
• PETS Documents Once your animal has passed all the required waiting periods and has had a valid blood test, if that is required, the vet will issue PETS documentation. In EU countries, this will be an EU PETS Passport. If you are traveling to the UK from a Non-EU country, your vet must complete a Model Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate which you can download from the PETS website.  No other certificate will be accepted. You must also sign a declaration stating that you do not intend to sell or transfer ownership of the animal.
• Tapeworm treatment Just before you enter the UK, your dog must be treated against tapeworm. This must be done not more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering the UK and not less than 24 hours. This treatment must be carried out by a licensed vet every time your pet enters the UK. If your dog does not have this treatment during the required period, it can be refused entry and placed into a 4 month quarantine. Dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway do not have to be treated for tapeworm.

Once you've fulfilled all the requirements, your animal will be free to travel to the UK as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

There are some exceptions. Pets coming to the UK from Jamaica must be prepared for travel under the PETS requirements in a different country, outside Jamaica. Special extra requirements apply to cats coming to the UK from Australia and for dogs and cats arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.

What else should I know?

Only certain carriers are authorized to transport pets under the PETS system. Before you make your travel arrangements, check the list of authorized carriers for air, rail and sea travel to the UK. The authorized routes and transport companies can change or may only operate certain times of year so check before you travel. If you don't arrive via an approved route, your pet may be refused entry and place in the 4-month quarantine.

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Bringing Your Dogs To UK: Rules and Regulations

The United Kingdom is one of the most beautiful countries to visit, and not to mention one of the best ‘ Pet-Friendly Places’ In the world, with over 8 million dogs living in the UK, and with the vast open countryside, it’s definitely a place worth visiting.

With all the history and great views to admire, Bringing your Dogs to UK is a must for any dog lover. But as we all know with most countries there are rules you need to follow first if you want to bring any pet to the UK. So in this article I’ve made a list of everything you need to know when travelling with your dog to UK.

Rules and Regulations

The United Kingdom is considered a rabies-free country and falls under European Union Regulations . So there are some rules you need to follow when travelling with pets to the UK.

Also, your dog will need to be checked over by an official veterinarian before you can travel with your dog to the UK.

If you do not follow any of the requirements listed below your dog can be put in Quarantine for up to 4 months and refused entry which is the last thing you want.

So always check with your local vet before starting your journey. You can find all this information at  GOV.UK . Click on the link to view.

When bringing your dogs to the UK You must have a valid EU Dogs passport.

If you do not have a dog’s Passport and you coming from a Non-EU country then you must have an official veterinary certificate called a Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) when bringing your dog to the UK.

Your dog must arrive in an EU country within 10 days of the certificate being issued this is very important. All pet passports and certificates are issued by an Official Veterinarian.

To get this certificate or passport, simply contact your local vet and they can advise you further, your dog will need to go through some medical checks as well, this is normal for any pet that’s going abroad.

Dogs Microchip

Before you can enter the UK you will need to get your dog micro chipped before you can travel, this is normally done before the rabies shot. All dogs that are not micro-chipped will be refused to enter the country. This is now law in the UK.

Having your dog micro-chipped is not only law, But this will give you peace of mind.. Say your dog is lost in a country you don’t know, At least all your information is stored on the micro-chip that way when your dog is found you the owner can be located quickly.

Dogs Rabies Vaccination

All dogs must be over 12 weeks old to receive this rabies vaccination this can be given at the same time as the usual annual booster vaccinations.

You must wait 21 days from the date of your dogs rabies vaccination before travelling with your dog to UK or any other EU member state.

Dogs Tapeworn Treatment

Your dog will need to have  Tapeworn  treatment this is normally given in tablet form and need’s to be given 5 days before travelling, The time and date needs to be recorded in the dogs passport to prove the treatment has been administered.

Once you have completed all these’s checks you can then apply to receive your dogs health certificate or passport.

Dog Breeds Banned In The UK

The  Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 that prohibit or restrict certain types of dog breeds in UK and codifying the criminal offence of allowing a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.

This is after eleven horrific attacks that happen in 1991 and now this act has banned the sale, purchase or exchange of the types of dog breeds in UK that they consider Dangerous.

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

Unfortunately if you own any one of the dog breeds listed above you won’t be able to bring your dog in UK.

Transportation

So once you have done everything mentioned above, the next thing you need to do is, check the regulations for the transport you are planning to use to travel with your dog to the UK.

If you are thinking about taking your dog on a plane or a ferry, the first thing you want to check is are dogs allowed on the plane or the Ferry you plan to use and if so.. what are the Regulations?

You need to think about the ‘weight of your dog’ and ‘the size of your dog’ the ‘breed of dog’ whats the size requirement must your pet carrier be.

All of these things you need to take into account before booking your transportation for you and your dog to the UK.

The good news is after doing a lot of research on this, Below I’ve set out the requirements you need to know and ways on how to travel with your dog to the UK.

Dog On A Plane

Now there are many Airlines that will let you take a Dog on a plane, Some will even let you travel with your dog in the cabin, but this depends on the size of your dog.

If you have a big dog, and when I say a big dog, I mean the average size of a German shepherd then your dog will have to travel in the cargo.

Here’s an example is taken from one of my other articles, I’ll leave the link below so you can go check it out.

but British Airways have Regulations when taking a Dog on a plane. Not only that but they are one of the best Airlines to travel with your dog.

British Airways:  Allow guide dogs in the cabin and other pets that weigh less than 6KG, They must be transported in a portable dog carrier or cage, with maximum dimensions of 20 x 30 x 20 cm .  If they weigh more than 6KG your dog will need to travel in the cargo hold.

British Airways have now partnered with a company called Pet Air UK which is run and owned by qualified veterinary surgeons and has been flying pets all over the world since 2004 that offer’s a comfortable and convenient way to export their pets from the UK. For more Information Click Here .

If you are planning on travelling with your dog in the cabin then you should find this article very helpful called 10 Airlines that accept dogs in the cabin

Dog On A Ferry

Travelling with your Dog on a Ferry to the UK is another option. Depending on which ferry you use, Here is another Example:  Brittany Ferries  travel to and from the UK and have some Pet-Friendly ferry cabins so your dog can travel with you but you will be an extra fee for this.

When boarding the ferry the check-in agent will require the following..

• Your booking reference
• Your passports (including the pet passports)
• That your dog has a microchip
• That you have a dog muzzled

Once these’s checks have been completed your dog’s microchip will then be scanned by the agent, At this point, your dog will need to be muzzled at all times.

Dog on a Train

There are lots of travel lines in the UK that will let you take a dog on a train however if you planning on crossing the channel into the UK then this is going to be a bit tricky, Unfortunately, Eurostar UK /France /Belgium trains do not allow any pets on board.

Only Guide dogs are allowed with strict rules. and the guide dog must have been trained from one of the following companies below…

• Assistance Dogs UK
• Assistance Dogs International
• The International Guide Dog Federation

Your also required to show documentation when arriving in or if you departing from the UK.

One option. If your planning on using a train is, first use Folkestone Taxis to run you from Calais to Folkestone using the Eurotunnel shuttle, Once your in the UK taking your dog on a train will be much easier.

Most trains in the UK are happy to take dogs on board. If you are not sure which trains will accept your dog, read this article called Can-you-take-dogs-on-trains there you find a detailed list of trains in the UK that will let you take a dog on a train.

Dog in a Car

Crossing the channel with your dog in a car is another option, again all the rules above apply, you still need to show all the relevant documents upon your arrival in the UK.

If you are planning on crossing the channel by car, then make sure you pack plenty of water, Dogs get hot fast when travelling in a car, especially in the summer, So lots of water is needed to keep your dog hydrated.

So after going through this article it may sound complicated, But it is fairly straightforward, Long as your dog is healthy and passes all the tests with your local vet then you shouldn’t have any problems getting a passport or health certificate CVI.

Just remember to check your dog’s weight and the dimensions of your dog carrier before you check in on any flight.

and also you must wait 21 days from the date of your dog’s rabies vaccination before you can travel.

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European Pet Travel

Pet Taxis Via Eurotunnel

Do you need a taxi for you & your pet.

We can help! European Pet Travel will get you there safely & in comfort. From any major UK or European Airport.

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Do you need a taxi for your pet?

We can help! Let European Pet Travel transport you & your pet easily, safely & in comfort.

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We know how important it is to be able to take your pet with you on holiday or when moving home within the UK.

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Safe & reliable taxis for you & your pets

At European Pet Travel we safely transport your pets across the UK and Europe in our DEFRA standard vehicles. Operating 24/7 to transfer all creatures great and small via the Eurotunnel. Whether your an expat who’s relocating, or you’d like to bring your pet on holiday, European Pet Travel allows you to travel safely and securely with your animals. 

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Safe & reliable transport for your pets

Why choose european pet travel.

We provide a fleet of air conditioned vehicles, including estate vehicles, that can be either 6 or 8 seaters. We are able to offer Executive travel to our clients, please contact for more information. You and your pet can sit back and relax during your journey as our professional drivers transport you to your destination safely and on time. Your pet stays with you at all times in the comfort of one of our pet taxis. 

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Expect nothing but first class service from Brussels to Bristol or Paris to Plymouth.

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We provide a fleet of air conditioned vehicles, including estate vehicles, that can be either 6 or 8 seaters. We are able to offer Executive travel to our clients, please contact for more information. You and your pet can sit back and relax during your journey as our professional drivers transport you to your destination safely and on time. Your pet stays with you at all times in the comfort of one of our pet taxis. 

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Our process.

For more clarity, see how we operate from the start of the journey to the end. 

Book your journey with us by filling out our quotation form and arrange for one of our CRB vetted drivers to meet you and your pet. 

After scheduling a pet transfer, one of our specialist drivers will pick you and your pet up from a previously agreed location.

Our professional drivers will make sure that both you and your pet arrive at your final destination safely. 

Pet Travel FAQ

No, we are a pet taxi service and can take you and your pets through Eurotunnel to your detination, in the UK or Europe and major European airports.

We can transport your pet all over the UK, Europe and if needed international pet transport is available. Get in touch if you have a specific destination and we will be happy to give you a bespoke quote for your pet travel.

We will collect your pet from your chosen location, which can be agreed upon through our pet travel booking process. 

To bring a dog into the UK it must have been microchipped and this must be done prior to necessary inoculations/vaccinations*

All dogs must have had a rabies injection at least 21 days prior to travel, they must also be wormed.  Once the animal has been given the worming medication (which must be done at a vets with a stamp on your pet passport that shows both the date AND time of medication given), you must then wait 24 hours before the animal can travel.  

The animal can then only enter the UK within 120 hours of the medication being given.

For European travel,  a valid pet passport with evidence of medication is needed – just like humans need visas or passports when travelling internationally. However, if an animal will be entering the UK from outside Europe then they’ll have additional requirements: proof of age (in some cases) and vaccinations; again similar to what human travellers would encounter during international flights.

*We would always recommend checking with DEFRA for all up to date pet travel regulations. 

You do not currently require any documentation to take a pet from the UK to Europe*

We have a range of executive vehicles to ensure comfort for you and your pet throughout your journey with us. This can be either our Mercedes Vito or BMW 5 Series.

We specialise in meeting our clients at any European airport, as our drivers have a lot of experience in travelling abroad. Just let us know your particular train station or airport.

Yes, our vehicles can accommodate more than one pet, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

This journey takes around 35 minutes, there may be some transfer time involved, if you are not with us we will contact you with an update on when you can expect your pet to be dropped off. 

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Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

• August 3, 2023
• Dog Travel Tips , Europe Pet Friendly Guides , Uncategorized

You can bring your dog to Europe from the US in 2024. It’s easier in 2024 than before but it still requires careful preparation and adherence to each European country’s specific regulations . Generally, you will need a valid pet microchip for identification, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and a pet health certificate from a veterinarian. Some countries may also impose quarantine periods or have breed-specific restrictions but that is very rare. 

Additionally, you must check with your chosen airline for their pet travel policies and fees. By meeting all the necessary requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog article are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 1: you must decide where you want to go (which european country) and when.

The first thing is deciding where to go and when. This, we believe, is the first step because it determines the rest of how you plan and go about obtaining the required documents.

If you decide to go to Europe during the off-season (November – March), then plane tickets and accommodations will be much more affordable than during high season (late May – August). Shoulder season (April – mid June; late September – October) would be a great in-between option in terms of prices and crowds.

As a general rule of thumb, you should give yourself at least 3 months of planning before you leave for Europe with your dog.

Once you choose the country you plan on going to and when, then you can move onto the next step…

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

First, it is mandatory that your pet is microchipped and has their up to date vaccinations in order to travel to Europe. Please double check with your vet about this before booking any appointments. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip.

After ensuring your pet is microchipped and has the necessary vaccines you will need to book an appointment with an accredited vet who can issue you an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate . Not all vets are able to do this. We recommend calling your vet’s office first and confirming before booking an appointment. You can also search this database as well to find an accredited vet.

Below is a script you can use when calling the vet:

“Hello, I plan on traveling to [European Country] on [Date you plan on traveling]   and need a pet health certificate done for my pet. Does your office have any vets that are accredited and able to issue this for me?”

To clarify, an USDA-endorsed   pet health certificate is a document that is given to you and your pet from a vet, after the vet has deemed your pet healthy enough for travel. You will need the hard copy of this form, embossed and signed by the USDA endorsement office when you fly. Meaning this document can not be shown electronically through your phone or computer. When you are checking into your flight, the airline will required the hard copy of this document. You may also need to show this document upon arrival at your designated country as well.

It is also important to note that if you do not have an European Union pet passport for your dog or pet then you will need to visit the vet and get your pet health certificate done within 10 days of your departure date (your flight date). 

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

To meet your designated country’s requirements for an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate you must obtain this from an accredited veterinarian. They will assist in completing, signing, and dating the necessary certificate. Your veterinarian can then submit the certificate directly to the USDA Endorsement Office through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or provide you with the paperwork for you to submit to the office yourself. The USDA Endorsement office will then emboss and sign the hard copy and send it back directly to you so you can bring it to the airport. Please note that you will have to pay for shipping.

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Next is making sure you book flights for you and your pet! This step can be done simultaneously with Step 2; however we find that if you get your vet appointment date booked and figure out all that business with the USDA-endorsed pet health certificate then booking your flight becomes more seamless. 

We are based in California so flying into a major European city such as Paris, Milan, etc would be the most efficient because they tend to have direct flights. We flew French Bee and loved it! Very straight to the point, cost efficient and we have not experience any delays or cancellations with them.

We listed below the airlines you can bring your dog and fly in cabin with them to Europe from US in 2023. You can click on the links to each airline to be taken directly to their pet policy page.

• Aegean Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal (We do not recommend flying with them. We experienced a lot of issues with this airline.)
• United Airlines

It is also important to note that you will need to buy a soft carrier for your pet if you plan on traveling in cabin with them. We rated the top 5 best dog carriers for 2023 here if you want to check that out!

We recommend you review your airline’s pet policy in detail and understand the following:

• their maximum weight allotment (usually has to be under 17-22 pounds, including the carrier)
• their maximum carrier size & carrier requirements
• the cost to fly your pet in cabin with you
• if there are any additional paperwork needed to check your dog into the flight

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Lastly, once everything is squared away you can relax! Well, sort of. We recommend you train your pet for airline travel. Getting your pet used to the carrier, making sure they relieve themselves before the flight, and watching their food and water intake are all things you must do to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want a free guide on how to best prepare your dog for in cabin airplane travel then just sign up to our newsletter below & get it instantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can i take my dog to europe from the us without flying.

In 2023, flying to Europe from the US is one of the fastest ways to travel with your pet. However, there are other options if you prefer not to fly.

Ferry travel with pets is available on many large ships in US and Europe. You can sail for several hours or even days, with accommodations for both you and your pet. The ferries make stops in various countries during the journey.

You also have the option to charter a private yacht as well — but we believe this to be unnecessary and extremely pricey.

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Yes! You can bring a dog on a plane to Europe. We’ve listed the airlines that allow in cabin pets to fly with their owners above. However, you must meet all the requirements and have the appropriate paperwork in order to do so.

An accredited vet needs to sign the form, and then the USDA endorsement office must endorse it within 48 hours before your pet arrives in Europe. The hard copy of the form must be on hand while traveling. If your pet is just passing through the EU, you don’t need to follow this rule.

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

Yes! In 2023 there are plenty of options if you want to bring your dog to Europe from the US via airplane. When flying to Europe from the USA with your dog, it’s best to choose European flag-carrier airlines as they are more likely to allow pets in the cabin with you. We’ve listed the 2023 airlines that allow pets in cabin above!

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

It really all depends on when you’re traveling and where you’re traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000. We’ve heard some destinations you have to pay upwards of $10,000 to transport your pet.

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

We would say it’s not hard but it takes work. Before bringing your dog, cat, or ferret to any European Union country, your pet needs to have a microchip. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip. Even if your pet’s rabies vaccination is still valid, it must be re-vaccinated for rabies after getting the microchip. Please also double check with the official USA website  here  as well as the EU official website  here  for up to date regulations, updates and changes.

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

You do not need an EU pet passport for your dog unless you are traveling in Europe with your dog for more than 90 days. However, the European Union EU dog pet passport makes it easier for your dog to travel across Europe.

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

It depends! If you are flying into Europe with your dog from the US then it can usually cost $100-250 extra.

However, if you’re traveling around Europe when you are already in Europe then the price can be much cheaper. Sites like Omio are pet friendly and offers affordable prices for pet friendly train rides. Dogs even get to ride for free on most trains (if your pet is in a pet carrier).

Also, if you have an European Union pet passport this allows your dog, cat, or ferret to travel effortlessly within the EU and even to non-EU countries (like UK, Switzerland, Iceland, etc). We highly recommend getting a European Union pet passport for your pet!

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

This will vary across different airlines. So make sure you double check with each airline’s pet policy. We link each airline and their pet policy above to make it easier for you to check! 

Generally, however, we have found the weight limit for dogs/pets in the cabin to be 17-22 pounds or less. This includes the carrier’s and your pet’s weight.

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

Good news! Pets traveling between Europe and the US do not need to go through quarantine, so you can bring your pet to your hotel or destination right when you land. The rules are simple: ensure your pet has a rabies vaccine, a microchip, and a health certificate from a USDA vet. That’s all you need to worry about!

We hope you found this article helpful! 

Travel Dog Bodhi 🐶

Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?

If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.

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8 thoughts on “ultimate guide: bringing your dog to europe from us in 2024”.

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Any arliner that permits my dog coffee in cabin even if weight in at 22kg ?, i am willing to purchase additional seat to travel to stockholm, sweden , since traveling in the cargo area seems like a big misstake.

i am travelin from Nuevo Laredo and if easier i take him over to laredo Texas, help would be appreciated ..

For dogs that weigh 22kg, we believe that is over the weight limit to fly in cabin for most airlines. You may have to consider flying your dog in the cargo/hold or through private/semi private airlines.

Great article, but I do have a question about American Airlines. When I checked on their website, it said no pets in cabins on international flights from US to Europe/UK. Can you clarify if I misread something?

Hello Carly! It seem that American airlines has updated their policy and will not allow pets in cabins for any US to Europe flights anymore. We are working to update our page to meet 2024 changes, thanks!

Hi, is it possible to buy my dog a seat? I have a 29lb frenchie. I travel to Europe every year and want to take him with me. I’d be willing to get business class or first class tickets so he has more space and whatnot. 0% chance he’d stay Under a seat for that long. Any tips on if this would help? I’ve checked some of the airlines and there’s nothing specific about this from what I saw.

Hello Saba! That’s really awesome to hear you travel to Europe every year and you’re looking to bring your frenchie with you – traveling is not the same without our furry friends by our side 🙂 To answer your question, we know some airlines allow you to buy a seat, however the conditions do vary for each airline. We’ve had real great success just calling the customer service and they should be able to help you out.

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I wanted to stay in apartments or houses—but i was a brand-new college grad on a budget.

This is One Thing , a column with tips on how to live.

After I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to travel for a few months, so I secured a part-time job that could be done remotely. I didn’t want to do my work shifts from a hostel bunk bed or random cafés that stayed open late. (I’d be in Europe, thanks to an EU passport, and my gig was based in the states.) Paying for Airbnbs the entire trip would eat up way too much of my paychecks. It was kismet that just as I was starting to plan my travels, my friend sent me a video about a couple traveling the world and dog-sitting along the way, using an app called Trusted Housesitters .

As an avid dog lover, I thought it was perfect. I paid a little over $100 to make an account, then started browsing housesits around the world. I adorned my profile with pictures of me and the various dogs in my life, and applied for opportunities across the ocean. Before I had even left the United States, I had three gigs set up: I’d spend about 10 days in Scotland and Wales, then three weeks in Amsterdam.

Just like when setting up drinks through a dating app, you do have to be vigilant and pay attention for red flags when talking to potential hosts. My stay in Scotland was less than ideal for many reasons—the situation could have been easily avoided if I had listened to my gut and declined that gig. (The app does do background checks, and there’s an opportunity for both sides to leave reviews, meaning you don’t go in completely unaware.) But the other dog-sits were fantastic. One experience went so well that last fall, I returned to Amsterdam to once again to dog-sit Pretzel, a lovely Maltipoo, while her parents got married and went on their honeymoon.

Although I opted for longer sits abroad, there is also the option to just watch a furry friend stateside for a weekend. (If you do go internationally, be mindful that you might potentially need a work or tourist visa.) I just checked the app, and as I’m writing this, there are opportunities available in cities that include Austin, Atlanta, and Boulder.

Of course, you have the responsibility of taking care of someone else’s dog—you need to do some planning and can’t just leave the pet alone all day, and the owners don’t pay you. But the free accommodations feel like a fair exchange to me. I also love that many of the dog-sit locations are in more residential areas, so you’re able to experience local life in whatever city you’re in. Plus, you get to hang with a cute dog. What could be better?

Taking Your Dog to Europe: Vaccines & Paperwork

So, you’re planning on taking your dog to Europe, whether on a holiday or for a longer stay. Europe is a great place to take your dog, as it’s certainly the most dog-friendly region of the world. Plus it’s usually easy to travel between countries in Europe with a dog , at least within the European Union (EU). But, how do you travel to Europe with your dog in the first place, in particular the EU?

Travelling to the European Union with a Dog

If you’re travelling to the EU with your dog, the rules to enter with your dog are virtually the same for every country. There’s no need to track down different rules for each country, you just need to learn the one set of rules.

The complete rules are set out on this single page on the European Commission website. The rules are fairly clear and this page should always be your final port of call (as sometimes rules do change). But to save you deciphering this page, here’s everything you need to know about taking your dog to Europe in simple language.

What Countries are in the European Union?

Currently, there are 27 countries in Europe that are part of the EU. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The same rules for dogs apply to all these countries.

Note that the UK has now left the EU, although the rules to travel with a dog to the UK are still essentially the same.

Microchip Your Dog

Your dog needs to have a microchip (“transponder”) to travel to the European Union, which should be readable by standard microchip readers. The one exception is for dogs that have a clearly readable tattoo that was applied before 3rd July 2011.

For many other countries, such as my home country of Australia, this is already generally done to all puppies. Even if you’re not taking dogs to Europe, it’s still a good idea to have them microchipped so that they are more easily reunited with you if they become lost.

Vaccinate Your Dog Against Rabies

Europe is largely rabies free , although wildlife-mediated rabies still occurs in some countries, including in the EU. Due to this, it’s a requirement that your dog is vaccinated against rabies before travelling to the EU.

If you’re vaccinating your dog for the first time, it must be completed at least 21 days before arriving in the EU (plus allow time for the rabies antibody titration test, if required, see below). Otherwise, any booster vaccinations must have been completed before the previous vaccine expired. (If not, you’ll need a new “primary” vaccine and to wait at least 21 days.)

I’ve heard reports that for a primary vaccine, generally it is treated as only being valid for 12 months, though I can’t find this written down officially. If it is a three year vaccine, your dog should have a booster shot before the end of the first year. Alternatively, to be certain, make sure you dog was vaccinated between 21 days and one year before entering the EU.

If you’re newly microchipping your dog, the microchip needs to be done  before the anti-rabies vaccine. Note that your dog also usually needs to be at least 12 weeks old when the anti-rabies vaccine is administered (there are a few exceptions for some countries).

Also consider a vaccination for leishmania if heading to Southern Europe – check out  my tips for avoiding leishmania

Is a Rabies Antibody Titration Test Required?

Depending on the country you are travelling from, a rabies antibody titration (titre) test may be required. This test confirms that your dog has been successfully vaccinated against rabies.

To see whether your country is exempt from this requirement, check the countries listed in both tables on this page . Some of the exempt countries include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Most other countries in Europe but not in the EU are also on the list. This means your dog does not require this test.

If your country is not exempt, the test must be done at least 30 days after your dog is vaccinated for rabies (if vaccinated for the first time) but not less than 3 months before arriving in Europe. It needs to be done by an authorised veterinarian and tested in an approved laboratory , with an antibody level equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml detected.

Once this test has been successfully done once, it doesn’t need to be renewed as long as your dog is revaccinated before any anti-rabies vaccine expires.

Is a Worming Treatment Required?

Depending on the country you are travelling to (not from in this case), your dog may require an additional preparation step, a worming treatment.

Before travelling with your dog to Finland, Ireland or Malta (plus Norway or the United Kingdom), they need to be wormed against  Echinococcus multilocularis . This treatment must be done by a veterinarian, between 24 hours (1 day) and 120 hours (5 days) of your scheduled entry time.

Note that this step also applies if you’re within the EU and are travelling into any of these countries, except for travelling directly between them.

For instance, if you’re travelling to France and then travelling to the UK, your dog needs to have a worming treatment between 1 day and 5 days before your arrival in the UK. (See my full guide to travelling between countries in Europe .)

Paperwork to Enter the EU with Your Dog

Naturally, all of this needs to be documented somewhere and presented on arrival in Europe, in the same way that you need a passport. For your dog, this is called an “animal health certificate” (or officially, the “EU Annex IV”). This also certifies that your animal is in good health and is up-to-date on the standard dog vaccines.

The health certificate needs to be completed and issued by an official veterinarian, or else by an authorised veterinarian and then endorsed by the relevant government authority. (Check with your government.) 

It needs to be issued by the official veterinarian within 10 days of entering the European Union. The only exception is for transport by sea, where the period is extended by the duration of the sea journey.

There’s also a second form that you’ll need to fill in yourself, stating that your dog’s movement is non-commercial and that if someone else (an “authorised person”) is transporting the dog, it is being done within 5 days of your movement.

For the forms, head here .

Where Can Your Dog Enter the EU?

Your dog must enter the EU through entry points designated by each country, where documentary and identity checks are then able to be performed. The possible entry points for each country are listed here . Generally most major airports are included.

Travelling to Other European Countries with a Dog

For other European countries that are not in the EU, the rules to enter the country with a dog vary, although often the same steps apply for dogs entering the EU.

I can provide details on some countries, including the following:

Iceland: The process is more onerous. Dogs can only be imported from approved countries and a a 14-day quarantine period is required, see the government website . I recommend leaving your dog behind unless you are moving to Iceland long term.

Norway: The rules are similar to those in the EU. Norway also requires a worming treatment for your dog, similar to Finland, see above. See the latest government rules .

Switzerland: The rules are similar to those in the EU. See the latest government rules .

Turkey: Read my full post on Travelling to Turkey with a Dog , although the rules are not that clear and their application varies.

United Kingdom: The rules are essentially the same as those for the EU, although there is now a Great Britain-specific pet health certificate. Read my full post on Travelling in the UK with a Dog .

I recommend checking the relevant government websites for the full details required, including that you have the latest rules, although a handy place to start is the IATA Travel Centre (under Customs, Currency and Airport Information).

Also note that the following European countries (according to my investigations) do not recognise 3-year rabies vaccines, requiring yearly vaccine: Belarus, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine.

Travelling Between European Countries with a Dog

Once you have arrived in Europe with your dog, you might be planning to travel to multiple European countries. Luckily, it’s often quite easy to travel between European countries with your dog, particularly in the European Union. Check out my guide to travelling with a dog between European countries .

In particular, if you travel to the EU with your dog, their health certificate used to enter the EU remains valid for four months, or until the expiry date of their rabies vaccine, whichever occurs first. During this time, the certificate can be used for their transport into other member states of the EU.

If you want to stay longer and travel to other European countries, head to a local vet and get your pet a European pet passport . From then on, this is the important paperwork document for your dog, including their rabies vaccine.

While most human tourists to Europe have restrictions on how long we can stay, there’s no upper limit on how long your dog can stay in Europe.

You May Also Like

• Travelling in Europe with a Dog: The Ultimate Guide
• Rules to Travel With a Dog Between European Countries
• How to Get an EU Pet Passport

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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31 thoughts on “Taking Your Dog to Europe: Vaccines & Paperwork”

“Rabies Antibody Titration Test (Usually)”

Why include “usually”?! This is very poor writing and makes readers confused over something so important! Use your brain, please!

Hi Jay – I fully explain what is meant by this in the text under the headline. It’s just the headline, and I can’t fully explain everything just in a short phrase. Hope the post helped you! Shandos

I am trying to find out if I need additional health certificates when I am returning to the US with my dog. I brought her with me to Austria and have been here with her for two months. Do you have any helpful information regarding this? I will fly out from Frankfurt, Germany. I cannot get a clear answer from anyone. I do not have a “pet passport” but maybe next time I will invest in one.

Hannah – I’m flying from France to the US later this month, and I’m getting a health certificate for my dog. The US regulations aren’t that clear, the main thing required is just a rabies certificate. But other travellers from the US have told me to get a health certificate (“letter of good health”) to be sure. Plus, my airline and some other airlines require it for the flight, so it’s a no brainer. I’ve also been advised that for the US authorities, they prefer it as a separate letter rather than the entry in the EU Pet Passport.

About getting the EU pet passport – one of the best advantages if you get one and get a vet to record your rabies vaccine in it (some vets aren’t okay with doing this, and require a new vaccine), is you can use it next time to return to Europe, if you plan to return soon. If you have the EU pet passport and the rabies vaccine hasn’t expired, you don’t need to go to your vet in the US again then have the paperwork certified by the USDA, just use your EU pet passport.

Thank you for this detailed article and kudos to you for answering so politely to the rude comment you received in May 🙂 We are moving to The Netherlands from Bolivia and I am looking for information about the cost of the custom’s paperwork once we arrive with the dog. Do we have to pay any custom’s fee?

Thanks Cecilia, I think I remember that comment 🙂 I don’t believe there’s a customs charge for pets arriving in the Netherlands. I’ve heard from other travellers arriving in the Netherlands with small dogs travelling in the cabin that sometimes their paperwork hasn’t even been looked at, so I’m pretty sure they haven’t paid a fee. The same would also apply to checked-in pets, that are collected at the oversize luggage area, before you walk through customs. Are you travelling with your pet in the cabin or as checked-in luggage, or as cargo?

A possible exception I can think of would be for pets travelling as cargo. Our dog had to travel like this from Australia to Madrid. However, because of the extra hassles of collecting him from the cargo terminal (plus our lack of Spanish), we had our pet transport company organise the pick-up and delivery to our hotel, so I don’t know if there was a fee. I know there are customs fees for pets travelling to the UK as cargo (the only option for pets arriving via air in the UK), but I think that’s an unusual case.

Just to confirm, I would ask your airline or email the airport. I would be interested in hearing the response!

Thank you for this information in a much more attractive format than the official one. In another place, you mention ferries and say that you found only “these two” allow dogs with passengers traveling by foot. Which two? We are struggling with how to get from Southampton to St Malo. The ferry seems to require us to have a car, and then there is a huge fee when we drop it off in France.

Katherine – The two ferries in southern England allowing foot passengers to take dogs are the DFDS ferry from Newhaven (near Brighton) to Dieppe and the Stenaline ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. The former one will suit you best – hopefully there are decent train connections at either end! I’ve reviewed our experience here: http://www.travelnuity.com/dfds-ferry-dieppe-newhaven-dog/ . Enjoy your trip!

We are moving from the US to UK but are planning to fly into Paris and then ferry over to UK. Do you know what the requirements are for this situation? Do we need two sets of health certs etc. I know the dogs will need the deworming, but now I am concerned we may need an EU passport and titer test.

As long as you do it before Brexit (because it’s still up in the air what will happen after it), prepare one set of EU health certificates with the end destination of the UK. Once you arrive in the EU, this is valid for 4 months (get it stamped at customs at the airport), although of course you need the extra worming step also done for the UK. You would only need to get a EU passport if you don’t get the worming done until you arrive in Europe.

Hey there! So I’ll be heading to Spain with my dog, he’s a German Shepherd and about 100lbs. Do you have any advice about getting him on the plane? Do you know what to do once I have all the necessary documentation?

Unless your dog is an emotional support animal, he’ll need to go in the hold, either as checked baggage or cargo. Many airlines offer this service, but due to the pandemic some airlines have temporary stopped this. I recommend checking with multiple airlines that fly your preferred route as to whether they currently offer this (e.g. American Airlines, Delta, Iberia). They’ll also have information on the required crate size. Before flying, I recommend getting a crate as soon as possible and familiarising your dog with it. Dogs that are crate trained handle flying a lot better.

Hello, thank you for your blog it is very interesting. I am hoping to travel from Mauritius to Barcelona with my Basset Hound. What pet transport company did you use in Barcelona to deal with collecting your dog from Customs? Many thanks in advance for your help.

Kristine – My Australian transport company, Jetpets, organised with BaggagePets in Spain for the delivery to my hotel. Here is their website: https://www.baggagepets.com/?lang=en . Wishing you a smooth journey!

Dear Shandos,

Do you know of any vets either in Calais or near by or Dieppe or near by that do the Rabbies Tritarion Test? How long do EU laboratories take to get the results and certificate back? Kelly

Kelly – I’m really sorry, but I had this test in my home country of Australia, so didn’t have it done in Europe. I recommend asking in my Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw ).

Hi Shandos,

many thanks for this very useful information. We are planning to travel to Spain by car from the UK and I have a couple of questions. Will we need any extra paper work/vaccines when returning to the UK? Did you need a Rabbies Tritarion Test when you went to Spain?

You won’t need the rabies titration test to travel between the UK and Spain. However, your dog will need a worming treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arriving back in the UK. This should be recorded on your dog’s pet passport (from an EU country or I believe pre-2021 UK pet passports) or a health certificate.

Hello Shandos

I am relocating to Spain from Australia in February. I have been exploring Pet transport companies, and they all seem to be very expensive.

Would you recommend me to bite the bullet and use their services? They average around $5000 AUD + $950 customs in Spain on arrival. It seems bizarrely expensive.

With thanks on your thoughts.. and have really appreciated reading your page.

That’s quite a bit more than I paid back in 2017, but it varies greatly depending on the size of your dog (my dog is quite small) and a lot of prices have gone up due to Covid – even flying pets domestically in Australia using pet transport companies has shotu in price. As it is, most airlines flying out of Australia require you to use a pet transport company. I know I could only find the option of booking my pet directly with Qantas back in 2017 if we instead went to London. So, it’s probably your only option. I hope all goes smoothly with your move! We can’t wait to return to Europe with our dog one day.

Hello thank you for your reply.

It helps take the weighing up of pros and cons out of it.. She is a little dog.. mostly Jack Russel, so definitely not paying for size…

Qantas will only fly with an agent now too.. so it looks like it is the only way to go..

Hi, thank you so much for the article, really helpful! Just wanted to ask something, I know its a bit tricky, but on your experience, how strict are on the borders (traveling from UK to France by ferry) with the rabies vaccination dates? We Need to travel urgently, it’s going to be like 4 days short of the 21 days, and I’m not sure how worried should we be. Thank you!

I’m sorry, but I haven’t crossed from the UK to France since Brexit, so don’t know how strict they are. Your issue may arise when getting a health certificate, when they will also check for the rabies certificate.

Thanks a lot for this post and for all the travel stories with Schnitzel! I am planning a trip to Italy with my Pet from Canada. I am having a hard time finding local vets or information on ASL to book appointments to get the return docs. Do you have any tips? I will be in Cinque Terre about 4 days prior to my return so I will probably request the health checks there.

Love your posts!

Lais – I’m sorry, but I haven’t had to do this myself yet, or visit a vet in that area. I recommend asking in my FB group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogfriendlytravelrtw , as I’m sure some other members have visited the vet and ASL in Italy.

I will be bringing my dog with my to Europe for the holidays and have done a few times before already, so am aware of the USDA health certificate requirements in general. The only difference is that this time I will divide my time between two different countries within the EU (France and Italy). Therefore I will fly within Europe with her again after the initial flight from New York. Will the 1 international health certificate with the address of the hotel in Paris be sufficient when we fly to Italy? Or could they insist on me having a dog passport? (Which obviously I cannot obtain from the US and getting one in Italy has proven quite difficult the last time I was there).

Just trying to avoid being presented with unpleasant surprises when boarding my flight between France and Italy and at the Italian border/customs.

Many thanks !

The health certificate for the US is valid for further travel within the EU for a further 4 months. We travelled from Spain to Portugal (by car, so no-one checked) and then flew from Spain to France before getting an EU pet passport for our dog. Some airline check-in staff may expect a pet passport and not be familiar with the health certificate, so allow extra time at the airport. But the health certificate is acceptable. And they won’t check anything when you arrive in Italy. On the other hand, I’ve heard some reports of non-residents still getting EU pet passports in Paris, so that’s another possibility. Wishing you all the best with your trip!

We are traveling with our dog to Southern Ireland then returning to the UK before traveling to Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Sweden.He is fully up to date with his vaccinations and rabies. He has a Health Certificate from last summer. Will this have to be renewed and will he have to have a vet’s worming tablet before entering or re entering the UK from Ireland, or the other countries? .

When travelling from Great Britain to the EU, a new health certificate is required each time, also before your 2nd trip to the Netherlands. Your dog will require a tapeworm treatment before travelling to Ireland (pets from Great Britain are no longer exempt), between 24 hours and 5 days before arriving in Ireland, but not returning to Great Britain from Ireland. Your dog will also require a tapeworm treatment when returning from Netherlands/Germany/Denmark/Sweden.

Thank you for this post, so far the one easiest to understand. I am planning on taking my dog from Canada to Montenegro with a connection in Poland. Canada does not require Titer Test, but Montenegro is not a rabies free country. Would I have problems to enter Poland from Montenegro on my way back? Should I do the Titer Test in Canada to be safe? Also, my trip will be 14 days, do I need a new Health Certificate in Montenegro or can I go back with same paperwork issued in Canada? Thanks for your help.

Thanks for your comment Jessica! Montenegro is not part of the EU, so its rules may be slightly different (although they are usually similar to those for the EU). I haven’t been able to locate them online and even the US government doesn’t provide information for transporting pets to Montenegro.

I would definitely do a titre test for your dog, as this is required to travel from Montenegro into the EU. For more information, see: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-travel-between-european-countries/

I’m not sure about the health certificate for the return trip. I’m not across the rules for Canada as I still haven’t visited, plus sometimes it is only required by the airline, with each airline having their own rules.

Hope this helps!

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Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain

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

Microchipping for pet travel can only be done by:

• a vet nurse, student vet or student vet nurse (directed by a vet)
• someone trained in microchipping before 29 December 2014, and with practical experience
• someone who has been assessed on an approved training course - contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) if the course was in Northern Ireland

Make sure your vet puts the microchip number in your pet passport or health certificate . The date must be before your pet’s vaccinations.

Reading the microchip

If you travel by air, train or ferry on approved routes, staff will check your microchip if it meets International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.

If your pet’s microchip does not meet ISO standards, you may have to bring your own microchip reader when you travel. You should check with your travel company before you leave.

Your pet will be refused entry or put into quarantine if its microchip cannot be read when you enter or return to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

If the microchip cannot be read

You’ll have to do all the preparation again if your vet cannot read the microchip. This means you’ll have to ask your vet to:

• rechip your pet
• revaccinate your pet
• take new blood tests if you’re travelling from country that is not ‘listed’
• issue a new pet passport or health certificate
• record the old and new microchips in the ‘Marking of animals’ section of the new passport

You’ll have to wait the required time before you can travel if your pet is revaccinated or has new blood tests.

If the microchip can only sometimes be read

Your vet should try to read the microchip. If they get a reading, they can rechip your pet (the original chip is not removed).

This must be recorded in the current pet passport or a new passport with:

• the number of the old and new chips
• the date they were read
• the date the new chip was inserted

The vet must sign and stamp the page in the pet passport.

Your vet should record in the ‘Others’ section of the pet passport that your pet has been rechipped.

You do not need to have your pet microchipped if it’s been tattooed with an identification number and all of the following are true:

• your pet was tattooed on or before 3 July 2011
• the tattoo is clearly legible
• your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed

Your vet must record the date of tattooing, the tattoo number and the date of the rabies vaccination in the pet passport or health certificate.

Part of Bring your pet to Great Britain: step by step

Step 1 : check if you can bring your pet.

• Check if you can bring your pet
• Find out how you're allowed to travel to Great Britain
• Check different rules for guide and assistance dogs

Step 2 : Get your pet microchipped

• Check the rules for microchips

Step 3 : Get your pet vaccinated against rabies

• Check the rules about rabies vaccinations

You must wait for a set period of time after vaccination before you can travel.

Depending on the country you're travelling from, you might also need to get a blood test.

and Get tapeworm treatment

If you have a dog, you may also need to get tapeworm treatment before you travel.

• Check the rules about tapeworm treatment

Step 4 : Get a pet travel document

• Check which travel document you need

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Thousands of flights to and from Europe affected by suspected Russian jamming

About 46,000 aircraft have logged GPS problems over Baltic Sea since August, says report

Flights in and out of Britain are among thousands that have been affected by suspected Russian jamming of GPS systems.

More than 2,300 Ryanair flights have reported incidents of GPS interference since last August, according to a report, as well as almost 1,400 at Wizz Air, 82 at British Airways and four from easyJet.

About 46,000 aircraft in total have logged problems with GPS over the Baltic Sea in the same time period, the Sun reported, based on analysis of flight logs with the website GPSJAM.org. Most of the GPS problems reported on the website have come in eastern Europe , bordering Russia.

The satellite-based GPS forms part of an aircraft’s navigation system, and interference can pose a safety risk.

The UK government confirmed in March that an RAF plane carrying the defence secretary, Grant Shapps, had its GPS signal jammed while flying near the Russian Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, while heading back to the UK from Poland.

Although Downing Street said the move did not threaten the safety of the aircraft, a defence source described it as “wildly irresponsible”.

The International Air Transport Association and the EU Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) held a summit in January to discuss GPS jamming and “spoofing”, or sending bogus signals, with Easa reporting a sharp rise in the number of attacks.

While Easa said countering the threat was a priority, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority played down the risk and said jamming was often associated with military activity but did not mean commercial planes were being directly targeted.

Glenn Bradley, the head of flight operations at the CAA, said: “Aviation is one of the safest forms of air travel and there are several safety protocols in place to protect navigation systems on commercial aircraft.

“GPS jamming does not directly impact the navigation of an aircraft, and while it is a known issue, this does not mean an aircraft has been jammed deliberately.”

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A Ryanair spokesperson said: “In recent years there has been a rise in intermittent GPS interference which has affected all airlines. Ryanair aircraft have multiple systems to identify aircraft location, including GPS. If any of the location systems, such as GPS, are not functioning then the crew, as part of standard operating procedures, switch to one of the alternate systems.”

An easyJet spokesperson said there were “multiple navigation systems onboard commercial aircraft as well as procedures in place which mitigate against issues with GPS that can occur for various reasons”.

BA was approached for comment.

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