9. Travelling with a dog or cat

What your pet needs

• European pet passport – issued by an authorised vet, for travel between EU countries. Coming from outside the EU you need an EU animal health certificate instead.
• Microchip – or a clearly readable tattoo made before 3 July 2011.
• Rabies vaccination – the animal must be at least 12 weeks old for the first vaccination, and after it you must wait at least 21 days before travelling. The vaccination must be done after the microchip and entered in the passport.
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs going to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland – given by a vet 1 to 5 days before you arrive and recorded in the passport (not needed when travelling directly between these countries).

Good to know

• You can take up to five pets; more only for competitions or shows, with proof, and the animals must be over 6 months old.
• Rules for other animals (rabbits, birds, reptiles) are set by each country.
• Airlines, train companies and buses have their own rules and fees for pets – check before you book.
• Coming from some non-EU countries, your pet may also need a blood test for rabies antibodies.

Sources: Your Europe – travelling with pets Checked: 2 October 2026.