If you are looking to travel to Europe with your pets, you’ll need to have the correct documentation to make it a stress-free journey.

This travel advice guide looks at government guidance, the differences between the UK and Europe, and what countries you are not allowed to take your pets.

Can I take my pets to Europe by car?

Yes! Holidaymakers from the UK can generally take their pets to Europe by car, however, there are specific requirements you'll need to meet. 

These include only certain species being allowed - and those that can travel will need to be microchipped, have had their rabies vaccinations, and have an official Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

There are many other rules that pet owners need to abide by - so check the local rules for travelling with pets.

What is a pet passport?

Although the term "pet passports" is commonly used, in the UK, they have been replaced by Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) for travel to the EU and Northern Ireland.

An AHC is an internationally-recognised travel document that required for going on holiday with your dog, cat, or ferret from Great Britain to the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland.

The AHC document must be issued by an official veterinarian in Great Britian, and each AHC can be used for up to five pets.

Before travelling with your pet, make sure to check the necessary requirements for that nation. Check with the Government's official advice.

Additionally, verify any specific rules or regulations for the country you're visiting as they can differ.

It is important to remember that pet travel requirements also apply to assistance dogs.

Different rules apply if you're traveling to a non-EU country, and some pets may need medical treatment before, during, and after travelling.

Seven essential tips for travelling with pets

The UK Government has the following seven-point guide on travelling with pets to Europe to ensure the advice is clear:

Microchip your pet

Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. If this isn't done, your pet will need to be vaccinated again.

Vaccinate your pet against rabies

Any pet must be vaccinated against rabies before travelling. Your vet will need proof that your pet is at least 12 weeks old before administering the vaccine.

If your pet requires a rabies vaccination, you'll need to wait 21 days after the vaccination before travelling.

For pets already vaccinated, check if a booster shot is needed. You don't need to wait after a booster if there's been no gap in vaccine coverage.

Pet travel documentation

If travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, you’ll need an animal health certificate from your vet.

This certificate is valid for:

• 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
• 4 months for onward travel within the EU after entering
• 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain

Alternatively, you can use a valid pet passport if accepted by your destination country. Note that pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for entering the EU.

Tapeworm treatment for your dog

If travelling directly to the following countries, your dog must receive tapeworm treatment, recorded in either the animal health certificate or a valid pet passport

• Finland
• Ireland
• Malta
• Northern Ireland
• Norway

The treatment must be administered between 24 hours and 5 days (120 hours) before arrival to that nation.

What to do at ‘point of entry’?

Upon arrival in an EU country or Northern Ireland, you’ll need to go through a travellers' point of entry.

You may need to show the animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, proving your pet has the following:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Tapeworm treatment (if required)

Return journey to Great Britian

The rules for returning with your pet to Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland) depend on your country of departure.

Make sure you’re familiar with the requirements for bringing your pet into Great Britain.

The Government provides advice on this on its official website.

Traveling with more than five pets

If you’re traveling with more than five pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland, it must be for one of the following reasons – either attending or training for an event or exporting for commercial purposes.

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Can I drive my dog to France?

Yes, you can drive to France with your pet dog, as long as it has the valid documentations, including being microchipped, and vaccinated against rabies.

In order to gain entry into France from the UK, the dog will need a pet passport, known as a Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

Here are some helpful tips to remember when taking your dog to France:

• Book a check up and vaccinations with the vet
• Research the best locations for travelling with a dog (including best route from the UK to France)
• Get your pet's Animal Health Certificate as soon as possible
• Visit a vet in France to get tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before returning home
• Since leaving the EU, you are not allowed to travel across borders with meat or dairy products - including pet food
• In some places in France, muzzles are mandatory
• Make sure you have pet travel insurance

Can I drive my dog to Italy from UK?

If you are planning to drive to Italy from the UK, your pet dog will need to be microchipped, and have an up to date vaccination against rabies.

The dog will also need a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

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Can I drive my dog to Spain?

Yes, you can drive to Spain with your pet dog – and to any other nation within the European Union.

However, it will need to have a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC), be microchipped, and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

What do I need to drive with my dogs to Germany?

To legally take your pet dogs to Germany from the UK, they need to be vaccinated against rabies, be microchipped (with the accompanying documentation), and have a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

Where not to drive in Europe with your dogs?

Although the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) covers the European Union and a few other countries in Europe, there are two nations that you might not be able to use them to take your pet dogs.

Iceland and the Faroe Islands have very strict rules for travelling pets, due to any potential impact on biodiversity.