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Taking pets on holiday
A successful car holiday with your dog or cat starts with the right preparation. When it comes to taking pets across the border, there are strict conditions. Without these basic matters in order, your dream trip could end in an administrative nightmare at the border. Discover here how to prevent your holiday plans from falling through.
The basic European rules
Travelling with your dog, cat, or ferret within the European Union (EU) is relatively straightforward, provided you adhere to a number of uniform rules. These rules are in place for good reason; they protect animal health in all member states. Regardless of your destination, such as Germany or Spain, the following three things must always be in order.
1. Identification with a microchip
Every animal crossing the border must be identifiable. This is done with a subcutaneous transponder, better known as a microchip. This chip is implanted by a vet and contains a unique registration number. This number must be linked to your details in a national database. Before departure, check if your animal has a chip. Also, verify that the registration in the database is still current with the correct address and phone number. A chip without correct registration is, in practice, worthless.
2. The EU pet passport
The blue EU pet passport is your pet’s official identification document. You receive this document from your vet. It contains all important details about your pet, such as the microchip number, your contact information, and an overview of all vaccinations and treatments. Ensure the passport is fully and correctly completed by the vet. This is the first document a customs officer or controlling official will ask for.
3. Rabies vaccination
The most important condition for travel is a valid rabies vaccination. This vaccination is compulsory for dogs, cats, and ferrets. There are a few essential rules associated with it:
- The animal must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of the first vaccination.
- After the first vaccination, you must observe a waiting period of 21 days before you are allowed to cross the border. The vaccination is only valid after this period.
- Booster vaccinations must be given within the period indicated by the manufacturer. If the period has expired, it will be considered a first vaccination again, and the 21-day waiting period will apply again.
Therefore, plan your visit to the vet well in advance. A common mistake is vaccinating too late, which disrupts your travel plans due to the mandatory waiting period.
‘ Good preparation is essential for your animal’s well-being and the success of your holiday. ’
Specific rules and common destinations
While the basic rules apply across the entire EU, countries may impose additional requirements. It is your responsibility as an owner to investigate these.
En route to Spain and France
For a car holiday to Spain, your dog or cat essentially needs the three basic requirements: a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination. France applies the same rules but is strict about the age of young animals. An animal must be at least 12 weeks old for the rabies vaccination. Additionally, there is a 21-day waiting period. Therefore, a puppy or kitten younger than 15 weeks is not allowed into the country.
Risks of a check without valid papers
What happens if you are checked by French customs and your dog’s vaccination is not in order? The consequences are severe, and French authorities are known for their strict enforcement. Measures can vary:
- Return to country of origin: In the most favourable case, you will simply be denied entry to the country and must turn back.
- Quarantine: Authorities may place the animal in quarantine at your expense until it meets all health requirements. This can be a lengthy and costly process.
- Seizure or worse: In extreme cases, if a risk to public health is suspected, the animal may be seized or even euthanised.
You absolutely want to avoid these risks. Good preparation is therefore not an unnecessary luxury, but an absolute necessity for your animal’s well-being and the success of your holiday.
New rules in the EU
The EU is working on even stricter rules. The main changes will be mandatory registration in a centrally accessible EU database and online travel registration prior to your departure. This is intended to further curb the control of animal origin and illegal trade. While this means some extra administration for travellers, it serves a greater purpose: the protection of animals and humans.
Also, don’t forget to consider the temperature inside the car during longer car holidays. On warm days, a stationary car can quickly overheat, which is dangerous for your pet. Therefore, plan regular stops in the shade, ensure plenty of drinking water, and consider a sunshade for the windows. This way, your four-legged friend will remain comfortable and safe throughout the journey.
This article is just the beginning of your travel preparation. On the Traveler Tips website, you will find many more practical guides and in-depth articles on planning the perfect road trip, the most beautiful routes through Europe, and useful checklists for your equipment. Discover more and travel smarter and with more experience.
Frequently asked questions
For travelling with a pet within the EU, an identification chip, an EU pet passport, and a rabies vaccination are compulsory. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before departure. From 2026, the rules will become stricter, with mandatory registration in an EU-wide database and online travel registration at least 5 days in advance. Always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country, as additional requirements such as deworming treatment may apply. For travel outside the EU, a rabies titre blood test is often required, which must be carried out within the EU.
For cross-border travel within Europe, pets must have an identification microchip and be registered in a Dutch database. From 2026, EU rules will become stricter, making a microchip and registration in an EU-wide database compulsory. Travellers will also need to report their travel and animal details online at least 5 days in advance. In addition to the microchip, an EU pet passport and a rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before departure) are required.
Yes, in addition to the standard vaccinations and microchip, additional documents or treatments are compulsory for certain countries. For example, deworming treatment is compulsory for Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway. For non-EU countries, a rabies titre blood test is often required, in addition to a legalised EU passport. From 2026, EU rules will be further tightened with mandatory online travel registration and an EU-wide database for pets.
The most current and reliable information about entry requirements for pets per destination within Europe can be found at the LICG (National Information Centre for Companion Animals). Up-to-date lists are available there, including for non-EU countries in Europe. Additionally, it is always advisable to consult the official websites of the relevant countries or the NVWA and Europa.eu. From 2026, new EU rules will apply with mandatory microchip registration in an EU-wide database and online travel registration, at least 5 days before departure.
To make the journey for your pet comfortable and stress-free, start preparations in good time, such as arranging an identification microchip, an EU pet passport, and the correct vaccinations, including rabies (at least 21 days before departure). Check the specific entry requirements of the destination country, as additional requirements such as deworming treatment may apply. Consult official sources such as LICG and NVWA and book a vet visit well in advance to prevent stress. Please note that from 2026, new EU rules for online registration and an EU-wide database will apply.
