Are you going to be traveling with your pets in Europe? Whether you’re planning a leisurely vacation in the hills of Tuscany, a cultural escapade in Paris, or a scenic drive along the rugged coasts of the British Isles, bringing your pet along can make your adventure even more memorable.

However, traveling with pets, be it a dog, a cat, or a ferret, involves more than just packing an extra bag.

In this guide, I’ll delve into everything you need to know about navigating the rules and requirements for traveling with these pets in Europe. Both within the European Union and into Great Britain . From securing the right documents to understanding health regulations, I’ve got you covered.

As you can see, ferrets are included in these regulations alongside dogs and cats. This is is due to reasons related to public health, as they are susceptible to rabies as well.

Moreover, pets continue to be a part of our lives even after they pass away. For those carrying the memories of their pets in the form of ashes, I will also touch upon the considerations for traveling with pet ashes internationally. Luckily, they are not so complicated.

EU Regulations for Traveling with Pets

Traveling with your pets within Europe, specifically, within the European Union, can be a seamless experience, provided you adhere to the established regulations.

The EU has specific rules that make it relatively straightforward to travel with your dog, cat, or ferret. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and health of your pet during travel, as well as to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.

You can find all the official EU regulations for traveling with pets here. But below you can find a summary of all that you need to know.

Summary of Regulations for Traveling with Pets in the EU

1. Microchipping and Identification: This is a mandatory requirement for all pets traveling within the EU. The microchip should comply with ISO 11784/11785 standard. If your pet was tattooed before July 3, 2011, and the tattoo is still legible, this is also acceptable​​.
2. Rabies Vaccination: All pets must be vaccinated against rabies. It’s crucial that your pet is at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and that the microchip was implanted before the vaccination was administered. There’s also a waiting period – your pet can only travel 21 days after the initial vaccination​​.
3. Tapeworm Treatment (For Dogs Only): If you’re traveling with a dog to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, you need to treat your pet against the tapeworm Echinococcus. This treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before travel, and the details must be recorded in your pet’s passport or health certificate​​.
4. European Pet Passport: For travel within the EU, your pet needs a European pet passport. This document contains all the essential information about your pet, including details of its microchip and rabies vaccination. You can obtain this passport from any authorized vet​​.
5. EU Animal Health Certificate: If you are traveling to the EU from a non-EU country, your pet will need an EU animal health certificate. This must be issued by an official vet in your country of departure, not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. This certificate remains valid for four months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is sooner​​.
6. Traveling with 5+ Pets: To travel with more than five pets, you must prove that they are traveling for a competition, exhibition, or sporting event, and all pets must be older than six months​​.

UK Regulations for Pet Travel

Traveling to Great Britain with pets involves a set of rules that are slightly different from those of the European Union and other parts of Europe.

Whether you’re taking your pet on a holiday or moving to the UK, understanding these regulations is key to a smooth journey.

You can find all the official regulations for traveling to the UK with your pet here. But below you will find the summary of what you need to consider when bringing your pet dog, cat, or ferret into Great Britain.

Summary of Regulations for Traveling with Pets in the UK

1. Microchipping: Similar to EU regulations, your pet must be microchipped before entering Great Britain. This is a mandatory step to ensure the pet can be identified with you, its owner​​.
2. Pet Passport or Health Certificate: Your pet needs to have a valid pet passport or a health certificate. The health certificate is especially important if you are traveling from a country that isn’t listed in the UK’s pet travel scheme​​.
3. Rabies Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated against rabies. In some cases, especially when traveling from a non-listed country, a blood test is also required after the vaccination to ensure its effectiveness​​.
4. Tapeworm Treatment (For Dogs Only): This is a requirement for dogs entering Great Britain. The treatment has to be administered a specific time before entering the country​​.
5. Travel Route Regulations: There are specified routes that you must use when entering Great Britain with your pet. This is particularly important to note if you are not traveling directly from Ireland​​.
6. Additional Rules Under Certain Circumstances (Balai Rules): If you’re selling or transferring ownership of the pet, if your pet arrives more than 5 days before or after you, or if you’re bringing more than 5 animals not for competition, show, or sporting event, you need to follow extra regulations​​.
7. Travel Arrangements and Accompanying Persons: Check with your travel company to confirm their pet policies, including whether they accept pets and what proof of health they require. Also, pets can travel with someone else if you’ve authorized it in writing​​​​.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pet enters Great Britain safely and legally, avoiding any unnecessary stress or complications.

Preparing for Travel

Preparing for travel with your pet is as important as understanding the regulations. Proper preparation ensures your pet’s comfort and safety and avoid any last-minute problem.

Here are some key steps and tips to consider before embarking on your European adventure with your pet:

1. Health Check-Up: Before traveling, it’s advisable to visit your vet for a health check-up. This ensures your pet is fit for travel and its vaccinations are up-to-date. It’s also an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about traveling with your pet.
2. Travel Essentials: Pack all the essentials your pet will need during the journey and the stay. This includes food, water, bowls, a leash, a comfortable carrier or crate, and waste bags. Don’t forget any medications your pet requires. You can also pack their favorite toy or blanket to give them a sense of familiarity.
3. Accommodation and Transportation: Research pet-friendly accommodations and transportation options in advance. Many places in Europe are pet-friendly, but it’s always good to confirm. When booking flights or other transport, check the pet policies to understand the requirements and costs involved.
4. Training and Socialization: If your pet isn’t used to traveling, start preparing them well in advance. Get them accustomed to their carrier or crate and take them on short trips to get used to the motion and confinement.
5. ID Tags and Documentation: Ensure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag that has your contact information. Also, keep all necessary documents, like the pet passport or health certificate, easily accessible during your travel.
6. Emergency Plan: Have a plan in case of emergencies. Know the location of veterinary clinics in the areas you’ll be visiting and have a first-aid kit handy.

Traveling with Pet Ashes in Europe

For many pet parents, the bond with their pet doesn’t end after they pass away. If your pet passes away while you are traveling together, or if you are moving countries, you might want to know the regulations for traveling with pet’s ashes.

You can read this post about traveling with pet ashes internationally for more detailed information. It includes information relevant for traveling to the EU and UK, and also more tips to choose the right containers for traveling with pet ashes.

Some basic things you need to consider for traveling internationally with pet ashes are these:

1. Understand the Regulations: Each airline has its own regulations regarding the transport of pet ashes. Generally, carrying pet ashes is less complicated than traveling with a live pet, but it’s always good to be informed.
2. Choosing the Right Container: Ensure that the ashes are in a secure, well-sealed urn or container. If you’re flying, consider a container made of a material that can easily pass through X-ray machines. For example, wood, plastic, or non-lead-lined ceramic. Otherwise, you might have problems at security checks.

While some websites mention that you might need to carry the certificate of your pet’s cremation, I have not found that in the official guidelines for the EU nor for the UK.

Final Tips

These rules are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet and the public. By following them, you will be traveling hassle-free in or throughout Europe with your pets. But besides the legal regulations, there are additional aspects to consider.

One suggestion is to bring natural products that can help relax your pet during the journey. Especially if you are traveling with your cat, since especially cats can get very nervous during trips. For example, some travelers like to use Rescue Remedy. There are other Bach Flower products that “are highly regarded by pet owners for travel use.

Also, a good idea can be to keep a list of emergency pet services in the area you plan to visit. Having these contacts can be invaluable in case of an unexpected situation.

You might also want to consider getting a travel insurance for your pet. This can provide peace of mind in case of health issues or other travel-related problems, and cover unexpected travel expenses which could sum up to a significant amount.

And if your pet is not used to travel, consider behavioral training sessions. That can help them adapt to new environments and situations more comfortably.

Whether you’re visiting Florence during the summer with your furry friend or moving countries with your pet’s ashes, with proper planning and preparation, traveling with your pet, in any form, can be a smooth process.