It’s not just EU citizens who can move freely within the European Union. Due to harmonized EU regulations, your cats, dogs, and ferrets can enjoy this freedom too. If traveling in the EU with pets this summer, ensure their pet passport is current, advises the European Commission.
An EU pet passport includes descriptions and details like microchip or tattoo codes, rabies vaccination records, and the issuing veterinarian’s contact. Obtainable from any authorized vet, the passport’s critical requirement is an up-to-date rabies vaccination, applicable even for pets entering the EU from non-member states. For countries free of the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm (e.g., Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Northern Ireland), ensure your pet is treated for this.
Exceptions include the invalidity of UK-issued EU pet passports post-2021 for travel from the UK to the EU or Northern Ireland. Also, the passport applies only to cats, dogs, and ferrets. For birds, reptiles, rodents, or rabbits, check the specific entry requirements of your destination country.
If entering the EU from a non-member state with your pet, you need an “EU health certificate,” similar to the pet passport, detailing health, identity, and rabies vaccination. Obtain it from an official state vet within 10 days of EU entry. Attach a written declaration that the move is non-commercial. Up to five pets are allowed, but over five require proof of participation in events and being over six months old. If not accompanying your pet, provide written authorization for someone else and reunite within five days of movement.
Illustrative photo: pexels-yakup-yi-gi-t-2157870561-35238871
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