Pet Passport for Travel - What Do You Need to Know

“In the dance of travel, we find our true selves twirling to the rhythm of the world.” If this quote resonates with you, then you are a traveler at heart!

Traveling brings adventure, new experiences, fascinating people, breathtaking places, and profound self-discovery. And what could be better than embarking on this journey with a beloved furry companion?

Dogs and travel—two of life’s greatest joys!

While traveling with your furry companion can be an exciting adventure, it comes with a fair share of planning. With that said, one of the essential aspects of preparing for a journey, is having all the necessary documents for yourself and your pet. And a pet passport can be one of these documents!

In today’s article, we will explore what a pet passport is, why it’s important, how to get one, and what to consider for smooth and stress-free pet travel.

What Is a Pet Passport?

A pet passport is an official document that records an animal’s details, including their microchip number (or tattoo code), rabies vaccination, and, in some cases, tapeworm treatment (depending on the destination). It also features the owner’s contact information as well as details about the veterinarian who issued it.

It serves as an identification document that verifies a pet’s health status and confirms their eligibility for travel.

It is important to note that pet passports are issued only to pet owners residing in an EU country and follow a standardized EU model. They are required for travel between EU member countries.

What Pet Species Is a Pet Passport Issued For?

An EU pet passport is issued only to the following species: dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Pet owners traveling to another EU country with pets of other species, e.g. birds, rabbits, rodents, ornamental aquatic animals, and reptiles, need to check the regulations of the destination country.

For How Long Is a Pet Passport Valid?

A pet passport is valid for a lifetime, as long as the pet's health information, such as their rabies vaccination, remains up-to-date.

Who Can Issue a Pet Passport?

Only veterinarians who are authorized by the relevant authorities can issue pet passports.

Pet Travel Requirements Within the EU

Traveling with a pet across the European Union, which includes the 27 EU member states, as well as Norway and Northern Ireland, is relatively straightforward under EU regulations. It’s important to clarify that these rules also apply when bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country.

With several exceptions, dogs, cats, and ferrets may accompany their owners within the EU or enter the EU from a non-EU country if they meet the following requirements:

Be Microchipped

Pets must be microchipped in accordance with the technical specifications outlined in Annex II of the EU Regulation on pet movement. Alternatively, a clearly readable tattoo would be accepted if it was applied before July 3rd, 2011.

Rabies Vaccination

Pets must be vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies Antibody Titration Test

If traveling from a non-EU country, a rabies antibody test may be required. Whether this is necessary depends on the country of departure.

Tapeworm Treatment

Pets traveling to a country that is free of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, need to undergo parasite treatment

Documentation

A valid European pet passport is needed for travel between EU countries or from Northern Ireland. Pets arriving from outside the EU must instead have an EU animal health certificate.

These regulations help ensure the safe and responsible pet travel across borders and protect both animal and public health.

We strongly advise you to verify the specific requirements based on your location and destination.

Countries with Recognized Pet Passports

Passengers traveling with their pets to the EU or Northern Ireland from any of the countries/territories listed below, may also provide a pet passport issued in any of these countries/territories: 

•   Andorra
•   Switzerland
•   Faroe Islands
•   Gibraltar
•   Greenland
•   Iceland
•   Liechtenstein
•   Monaco
•   Norway
•   San Marino
•   Vatican City State

Can You Travel With an EU Pet Passport to Great Britain?

Starting on January 1, 2021, EU pet passports issued to pet owners who are residents of Great Britain are no longer valid for pet travel from Great Britain to an EU member country or Northern Ireland.

EU Pet Passport Vs EU Health Certificate

Similar to an EU pet passport, an EU animal health certificate also serves as an official identification document for pet travel.

However, it is required for pets traveling to the European Union from a non-EU country or territory.

It provides essential details, including the pet’s identity, health status, and rabies vaccination records, and also follows a standardized EU format.

For pets arriving from outside the EU, this certificate must be issued by an official state veterinarian in the country of departure no more than 10 days before the pet enters the EU.

Once issued, it remains valid for travel between EU member states for up to 4 months or until the pet’s rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.

Additionally, pet owners must complete and attach a written declaration to the EU animal health certificate, confirming that the pet’s movement is for non-commercial purposes.

If the pet is traveling under the care of an authorized individual rather than the owner, the owner’s journey must take place within five days of the pet’s or the authorized person’s travel.

These measures help ensure compliance with EU regulations while facilitating safe and responsible pet travel.

Non-EU Pet Health Certificate

Unlike the pet passport, which is specifically required for travel from an EU country or Northern Ireland to another EU country or Northern Ireland, this is not the case with the health certificate.

Many countries have their own pet health certificates that are separate from the EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC). These documents attest to a pet’s health, vaccinations, and compliance with the specific entry requirements of the destination country.

For example:

United States (USDA APHIS Health Certificate)

United Kingdom (APHA- Animal Health Certificate)

Canada (CFIA International Health Certificate)

Australia (DAFF Import Permit & Veterinary Health Certificate

Japan (MAFF Veterinary Certificate)

Traveling with Pets Without Their Owner in the EU

According to the EU pet policy, pets are required to travel with their owner. However, if the owner is unable to accompany their pet, they may authorize another individual to travel with the animal on their behalf and provide a written declaration. 

This arrangement is permitted only if the owner’s journey is within 5 days of the pet’s/authorized individual’s travel.

Pets traveling unaccompanied must comply with the animal health requirements for importing dogs, cats, and ferrets into the EU; or trading them within the EU.

Traveling with More Than Five Pets in the EU

Individuals are allowed to travel with up to five pets. However, if the number of pets exceeds 5, the individual must meet the following conditions:    

•   They must present proof such as registration documentation to verify that the animals are  participating in an exhibition, competition, or sporting event;

and   

•   Each pet is at least six months old.

If these criteria are not met, the pets must comply with health regulations for importing dogs, cats, or ferrets within the EU; or trading them within the EU.

Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

To ensure you and your beloved pet have a smooth and stress-free journey, you should start researching the entry requirements of the destination country in advance, preferably a few months before your trip.

If you are traveling by air, it’s also essential to check if the airline of interest allows pets for the specific route and follow international travel regulations.

Additionally, packing the right essentials can make a big difference! Bring enough food, water, medications, and a few comfort items to ensure your pet is feeling comfortable. If they tend to get anxious, consider using natural calming products or consulting your vet for advice on how to ease their stress.

 Also, don’t forget to carry extra copies of your pet’s passport and any required documentation, just in case!