WagbookTravelling with your dog or cat: what needs to be in order?
Microchip, pet passport, rabies vaccination and the 21-day rule: how to prepare for a holiday in Europe with your dog or cat.
A holiday with your dog or cat is wonderful, but you don’t want surprises at the border. Within the European Union, the same basic rules apply to dogs, cats and ferrets. They aren’t difficult, but the order and the waiting time matter. So start well in advance.
1. A microchip, before the rabies shot
Your pet needs a microchip that your vet can read. The chip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is given. If the shot came before the chip, it doesn’t count for travel and has to be repeated.
2. A European pet passport
Your vet issues the blue European pet passport. It holds the microchip number, your details and the vaccinations with date, batch number and stamp. Always take the passport with you; a photo on your phone is a handy backup, but it is not a replacement.
3. Rabies vaccination and the 21-day rule
A valid rabies vaccination is required. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the first shot. After that first vaccination you must wait 21 days before crossing the border. A booster given on time does not restart the waiting period. If the vaccination has expired, you start again with a first shot, including the wait.
4. Extra rules per country
Some countries ask for more. Dogs travelling to Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway need a tapeworm treatment given by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arrival, recorded in the passport. Outside the EU, and for the United Kingdom, different rules apply. Always check the official government website of your destination shortly before you leave.
5. Think about the trip itself
- Bring medication for the whole holiday, plus a few extra days.
- Look up a vet near your destination in advance.
- Protect your pet against diseases that are more common there, such as leishmaniasis or heartworm in southern Europe. Ask your vet what is sensible.
- Make sure your phone number on the tag or in the microchip registry is correct.
How Wagbook helps
In Wagbook you enter your destination and travel date. The travel checklist checks whether microchip, passport and rabies vaccination are in order in time, and warns you if the 21 days after a first shot haven’t passed yet. With PRO you can turn it into a PDF to take along.
This article is general information, not veterinary or legal advice. Rules can change: check them with your vet and the authorities of your destination.
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