The European Union is home to some of the most pet-friendly countries in the world. Pets and pet parents love travelling to these countries because of the numerous pet-friendly amenities and activities. Travelling with your pet between member countries of the European Union is simple. However, if you are travelling to the European Union from a non-listed country, the process is slightly more complex.

International pet travel to the European Union is possible only if all pet import regulations are met satisfactorily. Here’s all you need to know if you are planning to travel with your pet dog or cat to a country in the European Union:

Which countries constitute the European Union?

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. The European Union came into being in 1993 to promote trade by ensuring free movement of people, goods and services between the member countries. Currently, the EU has 27 member states. They are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

What are non-listed countries?

Member states of the European Union have three categories of countries for international pet transport based on the rabies status. The three country categories are:

• EU member countries
• Third or unlisted countries – These are other European states and countries with a low incidence of rabies. They are Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Croatia, Faroe Islands, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation, San Marino, Switzerland, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St. Martin, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Wallis and Futuna.
• Non-listed countries – All countries that do not fall under the first two categories are included in the non-listed category. These countries have a high incidence of rabies, and the pet import rules for these countries are different from the other two categories.

Pet import regulations for pet transport from a non-listed country to the European Union

Pets travelling to the European Union must follow these pet import regulations to enter the EU successfully.

Microchip

All pet dogs and cats travelling to the EU must be identified by an ISO-compliant microchip implanted between the shoulders. Make sure the microchip is registered and that all pet details are recorded accurately.

Vaccinations

All pet dogs and cats flying to the European Union from non-listed countries require a rabies vaccination and a rabies titre test before they can travel.

• The rabies vaccination must be administered by a vet per the manufacturer’s instructions. The vaccine has to be given after the microchip is implanted.
• A blood sample for the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) has to be drawn not less than 30 days after the rabies inoculation.
• The sample must be sent to an EU approved laboratory for analysis.
• The rabies titre test measures the antibodies in your pet’s blood to check the vaccination’s effectiveness. The European Union requires a level of at least 0.5 IU/ml for your pet to travel.
• If your pet dog or cat meets the required conditions, they can travel to the EU after three months from the date of the rabies titre test.

Puppies and kittens must complete their rabies vaccination course, rabies titre test and waiting period before flying to the EU. Pet dogs and cats must be at least seven months old to travel to the European Union.

Veterinary health certificate

Pet dogs and cats travelling to the EU need a veterinary health certificate endorsed by an authorised vet. The health certificate must have the following details:

• Proof of rabies vaccination with batch number, date of vaccination and other details
• Rabies titre test results
• Evidence of internal and external parasite treatments
• Microchip details
• Pet owner’s contact details

Quarantine 

There is no mandatory quarantine for pets as long as all import criteria are met satisfactorily.

Pet transport to the European Union

Bringing your pet cat or dog to the EU from a non-listed country can be challenging for pet parents who are not aware of the pet import regulations. All the requirements have to be followed accurately for your pet to enter the EU. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to unnecessary delays, quarantine or worse, your pet could be sent back to the country of origin.

If you plan to transport your pet dog or cat to an EU member country, it is advised to partner with an experienced pet travel agency to help manage the travel. An accredited pet travel agent will ensure your pet has the proper documentation, the correct vaccines and will fly on the best possible route. Reach out to Petraveller for more information on pet transport to the European Union and a free pet travel quote.