Travelling to the EU with your cat or dog

If you love to travel, but hate leaving your pet at home, then a holiday together to Europe could be just what you need! As long as you plan your trip well in advance, taking pets to the EU doesn't need to be complicated.

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Going on holiday to Europe with your pet can be great fun, but you will need to ensure you have the correct documents in order to travel from Great Britain to the EU, as well as the correct documents to re-enter Great Britain from the EU. You might also want to check whether your pet’s insurance covers international travel.

Here are the key things to know about taking your pet to the EU or Northern Ireland.

Can I travel to the EU or Northern Ireland with my pet?

Yes, you can. But you will need to start planning for your trip at least a month before your intended travel date. Only dogs, cats and ferrets are covered by the current travel guidelines, and private owners can take up to five pets on each trip.

Your pet will need:

• A microchip
• An up-to-date vaccination against rabies
• An animal health certificate (issued within the 10 days before you enter the EU or Northern Ireland)
• Dogs travelling directly to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway will also need a tapeworm treatment. The treatment must be given no less than 24 hours, and no more than 120 hours (five days), before you arrive.

Rabies vaccinations

All dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU or Northern Ireland from Great Britain need to be up to date on their vaccinations against rabies. Rabies vaccinations last for between one and three years, depending on the brand used by the vet. If your pet isn’t already up to date with their rabies vaccinations, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you get an animal health certificate. Day 1 is the day after vaccination.

Pet passports and animal health certificates

Since Brexit, pet passports that were originally issued in Great Britain are no longer recognised by the EU as valid for travel from Great Britain into the EU. All pets arriving into the EU from Great Britain must be issued with an animal health certificate.

You will need to ask your vet if they can issue the animal health certificate, since it needs to be signed by an ‘official veterinarian’.

An animal health certificate will be valid after the date of issue for 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland, and for four months for onward travel within the EU, and for four months to allow re-entry back into Great Britain. If you have a dog, you will also need to understand the rules on tapeworm treatment and re-entering Great Britain.

Always check the latest government advice before you plan your trip, since rules and regulations are subject to change. Remember that if you’re travelling with your pets outside of the EU, different rules apply.

Don’t forget to check that your own travel plans and documents comply with any regulations for travel within Europe, as you may need to apply for a visa or an international driving permit.

Does Petplan insurance cover my pet in the EU?

If your pet falls ill or becomes injured while travelling, it’s reassuring to know that your Petplan insurance could cover your pet’s medical costs. Under our terms and conditions, we will consider any claim should your pet become ill or injured, either before or during your trip to the EU. We also consider claims relating to the loss of pet travel documents while on a trip to an EU country. 

Always check your policy documents and terms and conditions for full details on what is – and isn’t – covered in relation to travel to the EU. Remember that cover varies between providers.

Pet travel advice

Along with the relevant documentation, you will need to pack other essential travel items if you’re taking your dog to the EU. These include their collar, ID tag, bedding and a first aid kit.

If you’re taking your cat to the EU, check out our   for making your holiday as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Be aware that you are not allowed to take pet food into the EU unless that food is specifically required for medical reasons and you have written confirmation from your vet. If you’re travelling in summer, you’ll also need to consider how to keep your cat or dog cool. 

Don’t forget the staycation

Travelling with your pet can be fun, but foreign holidays won’t suit all pets. A holiday in the UK can be a great way to see if travelling with your pet is something you’ll both enjoy, without the extra paperwork you’ll need to complete if you travel to Europe.