The Complete Guide to Travelling with Pets in Europe

Travelling to Europe with a dog or cat comes down to four things: a microchip, a rabies vaccine, the right travel document, and the extra rules of each country you visit. This guide gives you the shared EU rules in one minute, then points you to our detailed guide for every destination.

The EU rules in one minute

Microchip first. Dogs, cats and ferrets need an ISO microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccine.
Rabies vaccine. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old, and the vaccine needs to be given at least 21 days before travel.
Passport or certificate. EU residents get an EU pet passport from a local vet. Since 22 April 2026, passports are issued only to owners whose main residence is in the EU. Everyone else (US, UK, Canada, Australia and others) travels with an Animal Health Certificate. Norway, Switzerland and Iceland are treated like EU countries for passport purposes.
New certificate format. From 1 October 2026, non-EU travellers need the new EU-standard animal health certificate.
Five pets per vehicle. Non-commercial pet travel is capped at 5 pets per vehicle.
Coming in 2028. From 1 January 2028, updated pet passports and new identification rules become mandatory.

Our full explainer: EU pet passport: who still needs one. Planning ahead? Start with the 6 weeks before checklist.

Country by country: the rule that surprises people

The EU baseline is the same, but every country adds something. Here is one rule from each destination most likely to catch you out, with a link to the full guide.

Distinctive pet travel rule in each country
Country	The rule to know	Read more
Italy	Muzzle carried at all times, 1.5 m leash in public; no breed bans	Italy by train
France	Category 1 and 2 dangerous-dog rules can stop a dog at the border	France dangerous dogs
Spain	PPP licensing for listed breeds; Renfe now takes dogs up to 40 kg	Renfe pet policy
Germany	Four breeds and their crosses are banned from entry; puppies under 15 weeks cannot enter	Germany breed ban
Switzerland	No federal leash law: each of the 26 cantons sets its own rules	Swiss leash rules
Sweden	Non-commercial pet imports must be reported to customs (Tullverket)	Tullverket step
United Kingdom	Dogs need tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before entry	UK tapeworm timing

Getting there with a pet

By car or Eurotunnel. Driving is the simplest way to cross with a pet. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle lets your pet stay in the car for the crossing: see our guides for dogs on Eurotunnel to France and dogs on Eurotunnel to the UK.

By ferry. Ferry crossings to France and ferries to the UK each have their own pet rules and booking steps.

By train. Rules differ by operator: Trenitalia and Italo, SNCF, Renfe, Deutsche Bahn and SBB. Eurostar does not take pets: here is why and what to do instead.

Health hazards worth knowing before you go

Processionary caterpillars in France: contact can cause severe reactions, so treat it as a vet emergency.
Ticks and FSME risk zones in Germany: know where the risk areas are and watch for symptoms after a bite.
Heat and heatstroke in Spain: walk early or late, and never leave a pet in a parked car.
Algal bloom poisoning in Sweden: check lakes and coastal water before letting a dog swim.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to travel to Europe with a dog or cat?

At minimum: an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel (the pet must be at least 12 weeks old), and a travel document: an EU pet passport if you live in the EU, or an Animal Health Certificate if you do not. Each country then adds its own rules on top.

Can I still get an EU pet passport if I live outside the EU?

No. Since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are issued only to owners whose main residence is in the EU. Travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and other non-EU countries use an Animal Health Certificate instead, and from 1 October 2026 it must use the new EU-standard format.

How many pets can I take in one vehicle?

Non-commercial pet travel is capped at a maximum of 5 pets per vehicle under the EU rules that applied from 1 October 2026.

Which European countries ban certain dog breeds?

It varies a lot. Germany bans entry for four breeds and their crosses, and France prohibits Category 1 dogs outright. Spain and France use licence and permit systems for listed breeds, while Italy and Sweden have no breed bans. Always check the country guide for your breed.

Can I take my dog to the UK from Europe?

Yes, but the UK has its own rules: dogs need a vet-administered tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before entry, and a valid EU-issued passport or a Great Britain Pet Health Certificate. Missing the timing window can mean refused entry or quarantine at your expense.

Can pets travel on Eurostar?

No. Eurostar does not take pets on the London to France route. Drivers can use Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, where the pet stays in the car for the roughly 35-minute crossing, or a ferry.

Do the rules change?

Yes, and often. Always confirm with the official authority or your vet before you travel; each guide on this site links to its official sources.

Free download: Europe pet travel checklist (PDF), a printable summary of this guide.

Rules change, so confirm with the official authority before you travel. See how we use official sources.

Choose your destination

Open a country guide for documents, transport, stays and health.

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