EU Pet Passport: What It Is and How to Get One

Traveling with your pet across Europe can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some preparation — especially when it comes to documentation. One of the most important documents you’ll need is the EU Pet Passport. This official veterinary-issued booklet makes it possible to travel freely with your dog, cat, or ferret between EU countries and certain approved non-EU countries without the need for quarantine or repeated health checks. It's part of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which was originally introduced on 1 October 2001 and helps reduce the amount of paperwork required when travelling with your pet across EU countries.

The EU Pet Passport includes essential information such as your pet’s microchip identification number, rabies vaccination details, and other relevant health records. It also contains your contact information and the signature of an authorized veterinarian. These passports are only issued by licensed vets within the EU, and only after your pet has been properly microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Without these steps, the passport cannot be issued.

Getting an EU Pet Passport is a straightforward process, but you need to plan ahead. First, make an appointment with an official veterinarian who is authorized to issue pet passports. They will scan or implant your pet’s microchip to ensure it meets EU standards. The chip must be readable and comply with ISO 11784 or 11785. Once your pet is microchipped, the vet can administer the rabies vaccination. This shot is required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling within the EU, and your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive it. After vaccination, there is a mandatory 21-day waiting period before your pet is eligible to travel. Once these requirements are met, the vet will issue the passport — a small blue booklet that serves as proof your pet is healthy and travel-ready.

The EU Pet Passport is valid indefinitely, but only if your pet’s rabies vaccinations are kept up to date. If a vaccination expires, a new one must be administered and the 21-day waiting period will apply again. It’s important to maintain accurate and updated records to avoid problems at border crossings or airline check-ins. The passport is accepted in all EU member states and several non-EU countries such as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. However, if you’re traveling from the UK to the EU post-Brexit, the old UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU. UK pet owners must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate for each trip, issued no more than 10 days before travel.

Additional requirements may apply depending on your destination. For example, countries like Finland, Ireland, and Malta require dogs to be treated for tapeworm before entry. This treatment must be recorded in the pet passport and administered by a vet between one and five days prior to travel. It’s always a good idea to check the latest rules with the veterinary authority or border agency of the country you are visiting. Usually, the animal and its papers are checked upon both departure and arrival.

If you're moving to the EU from a non-EU country, your pet won’t yet have an EU passport. In this case, you’ll need to enter with a valid health certificate issued by an authorized vet in your home country, along with microchip and vaccination documentation. Once inside the EU, you can go to an EU-licensed vet to get an official pet passport based on the documents you brought with you.

The EU Pet Passport system has made traveling with pets significantly easier, but it only works if the proper steps are followed. Always ensure your documents are in order, your pet’s vaccinations are current, and your travel plans comply with the rules of your destination. With a little preparation, you and your furry companion can enjoy stress-free adventures across Europe.