The European Pet Passport

The European pet passport is an essential document for traveling abroad with your dog, cat or ferret. What are the requirements for obtaining one? What information does it contain, and how do you obtain it? Air Transport Animal explains everything you need to know about this document and how to ensure a trouble-free trip with your pet.

What Is the European Pet Passport?

 The European pet passport is a document issued by veterinarians and required for all travel by pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) within the member states of the European Union (Malta, Portugal, etc.) as well as in certain non-EU countries.

It is a standardized official document attesting to your pet’s identity and its compliance with health regulations, particularly with regard to the rabies virus. Without this passport, your pet will not be able to cross borders or will be subject to restrictions such as quarantine.

The passport also serves as an international health record, taking the place of the vaccination record. It’s essential to make sure it is complete and up to date before each trip abroad, especially by ensuring that vaccinations are renewed before they expire and that anti-parasite treatments are administered within the time limits required by certain destinations.

What Information Is on It?

The European pet passport contains all the information needed to identify your pet and its owner:

• Identification details of your pet’s microchip or identification tattoo
• The owner’s contact details: name, address and telephone number
• A description of the animal: species, breed, sex, date of birth, etc.
• A declaration certifying that the animal is in good health and fit to be transported.

This document also records all information related to the animal’s state of health and attests to its vaccination status:

• Rabies vaccination
• Other vaccinations (according to the requirements of the destination country)
• Anti-parasite treatments (ticks and echinococci) if necessary
• Results of any blood tests required for certain non-EU countries.

It provides proof that your dog, cat, ferret, etc. has been vaccinated against rabies and meets the health requirements of the destination country.

How to Obtain a European Passport for Your Pet?

There are several steps to obtaining this document for your pet:

1. Appointment with Your Vet

Only authorized veterinarians can issue this document. During the consultation, make sure your pet is identified by a microchip or tattoo. This identification is compulsory before the passport can be issued.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is required to obtain a passport. If your pet has not yet been vaccinated, the veterinarian will give the injection. Please note that 21 days must elapse after the first vaccination for it to be valid for travel.

3. Passport Completion and Issuing

The veterinarian will record the animal’s identification details, any vaccinations administered and any other treatments (deworming, antiparasitics, etc.). He will then give you the passport, duly completed and signed.

The passport can be issued immediately at the consultation, provided that all conditions (identification and vaccination) have already been met. If rabies vaccination is required, allow 21 days after the injection before the passport is valid for travel.

 Once obtained, make sure you keep your passport up to date, especially for vaccination reminders. In the event of change of ownership or loss, contact your vet to obtain a duplicate or have the information changed.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price of a European pet passport is around 15 euros. However, this amount may vary, depending on the vet and the fees charged. It may also increase if your pet needs to be vaccinated against rabies or identified by microchip, as these are essential for the passport to be issued.

Rules for Traveling with Your Pet in the EU and Abroad

Traveling with Your Pet within the European Union

Travelling with your pet within the European Union requires:

• A European passport
• Identification by microchip or readable tattoo (if issued before 2011)
• An anti-rabies vaccination: this must be up to date and carried out at least 21 days before travel, except for booster doses.
• Certain specific treatments required by the destination country, such as anti-tick treatment or worming against tapeworms (echinococcosis).

Traveling with Your Pet outside the EU

International regulations vary according to the country of destination. In addition to European requirements, the following may be required:

• An animal import permit
• A country-specific health certificate stamped by the DDPP
• Blood tests, e.g. for rabies antibody titration
• Specific treatments and vaccinations: anti-parasite treatment, Leptospirosis vaccine, etc.
• Booking of a quarantine period

Before traveling, check with local authorities and/or Air Transport Animal teams to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

Can a European Passport Be Delivered for Other Animal Types (Rabbits, Birds, etc.)?

No, the European passport is reserved for dogs, cats and ferrets. For other types of animals (rabbits, birds, rodents, reptiles, etc.), rules vary from country to country and species to species. You will often need to provide a specific health certificate, issued by an approved veterinarian and to comply with special regulations.