What is an EU pet passport?
The EU pet passport is an official document that certifies your pet's identification and vaccination records. The passport is required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling between EU countries. It can only be issued by a veterinarian and requires valid microchip identification and rabies vaccination. The passport is your pet's identity document for international travel.
Travelling within the EU
Travelling with a pet within the EU is relatively straightforward. The requirements are a valid EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel). The rabies booster interval is 1–3 years depending on the vaccine, and validity must cover the entire journey. Some countries have additional requirements, such as echinococcus treatment when travelling to the United Kingdom.
Travelling outside the EU
When travelling outside the EU, requirements vary by country. Some countries require a rabies titre test (antibody determination), which must be performed at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel. Additionally, a separate veterinary health certificate, import permit, or quarantine may be required. Contact us well in advance — we will clarify the requirements for your destination country and help schedule examinations and vaccinations correctly.
How to apply for a passport?
You can obtain an EU pet passport at our clinic. The passport requires a microchip (if your pet does not have one, we will implant it during the same visit) and a valid rabies vaccination. Book an appointment for passport application — the visit includes a health check, microchip implantation if needed, and rabies vaccination. You receive the passport on the same day. If you are planning a trip, start preparations early — some requirements involve waiting periods of several weeks.
Frequently asked questions about EU pet passports
<strong>How early should I apply for a passport?</strong> We recommend starting the passport application at least 1–3 months before the planned trip. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel within the EU. For travel outside the EU, the titre test requires a 30-day wait after vaccination and a 3-month wait before travel. Contact us in good time so we can plan the schedule together. <strong>Is rabies vaccination required?</strong> Yes, rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling between EU countries. The vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. The vaccination's validity period depends on the vaccine used — typically 1–3 years. Vaccination details are recorded in the passport and validity is checked at border crossings.