The European Union has updated its rules regarding the non-commercial movement of pets, enhancing safety and health standards by integrating them into the animal health law framework. These changes aim to clarify and streamline regulations for both pet owners and national authorities by drawing on practical experiences from Member States.
Key updates include:
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Travel Requirements: Pet dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies and, when coming from non-EU countries, undergo a rabies antibody test. A valid European pet passport or EU animal health certificate is necessary for travel.
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Limit on Number of Pets: A maximum of five pets is permitted per vehicle.
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Transit Conditions: There are specified conditions for transiting pets through the EU from one non-EU country to another.
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Return Procedures: The updated rules explain the procedure if a pet is refused entry by a non-EU country and must be returned to the EU.
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Identification: New requirements detail the information that identification documents must include, such as the country of origin code.
Some changes, particularly regarding animal health certificates, will be phased in—with new certificates mandatory from 1 October 2026 and updated ID requirements effective from 1 January 2028. More detailed information is available on the EU’s official website.
