For your pet to travel under the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), an EU Pet Passport is a necessity. Whilst in the EU, you can obtain a pet passport for your cat, dog or ferret from an authorised veterinarian. The EU Pet Passport enables harmonised rules for pet travel, making it easier for EU citizens and their pets to enjoy the freedom of movement within the European Union. From 1 January 2021 current EU Pet Passports issued in Great Britain (GB) or Northern Ireland (NI) are no longer valid, an Animal Health Certificate is required instead. As an interim measure, NI pet owners can contact their vet, who will update their pet passport appropriately to allow travel.
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What is a Pet Passport?
The EU pet passport is a legal document detailing important information about your pet, including their date of birth and microchip number. It also includes information about the owner and a description of the animal to help authorities identify your pet. Pet passports include a record of any vaccinations your pet has had, as proof that they are compliant with the rules of the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
After Brexit, pet passports are no longer issued in Great Britain (GB) for travel to an EU country, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is needed instead. You must enter the EU within 10 days of the AHC being issued by your vet. Check the new rules for pet travel from GB to the EU.
It’s best to contact your vet as soon as you know that you are going to travel with your pet so that you can commence the pet passport process. All the requirements that your pet needs for travel will be recorded on this document, such as the rabies vaccination details and microchip number, so make sure everything is completed by your vet. Depending on your destination country, there may be additional recommended treatments to protect your cat, dog or ferret, so always let your vet know where you are heading.
Which types of animals can have an EU Pet Passport?
EU pet passports are issued for dogs, cats and ferrets only, so if you’re travelling to another EU country with any other pets, such as birds, fish, reptiles, rodents or rabbits, check the national rules of the country you are planning to visit for information on the entry conditions.
Who can issue an EU Pet Passport?
Authorised veterinarians within countries of the European Union can, of course, issue EU pet passports. The following Part 1 Listed Countries are also authorised to issue pet passports in accordance with the PETS Scheme:
- Andorra
- Azores and Madeira
- Canary Islands
- French Guiana
- Gibraltar
- Greenland and the Faroe Islands
- Guadeloupe
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Martinique
- Mayotte (French territory)
- Monaco
- Norway
- Réunion (French territory)
- Saint Barthélemy (French Territory)
- San Marino
- Saint Martin (French part of the island – French territory)
- Switzerland
- Vatican City State
How long does it take to get a Pet Passport?
Pet Passports can be issued within 24 hours by your vet, but as you have to wait 21 days to travel after the rabies vaccination is complete, you should arrange the pet passport at least one month before you are due to travel.
Does an EU Pet Passport expire?
The pet passport is valid for life, as long as you keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date.
How much does a Pet Passport cost?
It costs around €100 for a pet passport, depending on your vet and country of origin. If your pet also has to be microchipped, it will approximately be an extra €20.
