The EU pet passport system
If you're travelling between EU member states (or from the EU to the UK and back), your dog needs an EU Pet Passport. This is issued by a registered vet and contains your dog's microchip number, vaccination history, and your contact details. It's not just a formality — border controls do check, and dogs without the correct documentation can be refused entry or quarantined.
The EU Pet Passport covers: microchip implantation (ISO standard), rabies vaccination (must be current and administered after microchipping), and any country-specific treatments (such as tapeworm treatment required for entry into Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Malta).
UK post-Brexit note: If you're travelling from the UK to the EU, you'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel — not an EU Pet Passport. AHCs are single-trip documents and cannot be reused. Budget for €100–200 per trip for the vet appointment and certificate.
Timing requirements you cannot shortcut
The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry into most EU countries if it's a first vaccination (or if the previous vaccination has lapsed). This is a hard rule — a vaccination given 15 days before travel is not valid, regardless of the circumstances. Plan at least 4 weeks ahead for any international dog travel.
What to pack for your dog
- EU Pet Passport or AHC (UK) — valid and current
- Rabies vaccination certificate (inside the passport)
- Microchip details — keep a photo of the number on your phone
- Vet contact and emergency vet at destination researched in advance
- Pet insurance documents
- Collar with ID tag showing your current phone number
- Lead and harness (some countries require leads in public)
- Muzzle (legally required in some public spaces in certain countries)
- Food — enough for the trip plus 3 days extra
- Food and water bowls (collapsible for travel)
- Familiar blanket or bed (reduces anxiety in new environments)
- Flea and tick treatment — up to date
- Tick remover
- Poo bags (×plenty)
- First aid kit — basic wound dressing, antiseptic, tweezers
Destination-specific rules
Rules vary significantly between European countries. Some key differences:
- Germany — dogs welcome almost everywhere, including many restaurants and public transport. Some breeds classified as "dangerous" (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, etc.) require permits and muzzles in some states.
- France — dogs allowed on most regional trains (small dogs in a carrier travel free; larger dogs require a half-price ticket). Many restaurants allow dogs on terraces.
- Italy — dogs generally well-tolerated. Muzzles required on public transport. Many beaches have designated dog-friendly areas.
- Scandinavia — strict about wildlife protection; dogs must be kept on leads in natural areas between April and August to protect nesting birds.
- Spain — rules vary by region. Dogs are often welcome in holiday apartments but check in advance.
Filter for "pet-friendly" on Booking.com, but always call ahead to confirm — the policy for "small dogs under 5kg" is not the same as "large dog welcome." Get confirmation in writing if possible. Many holiday rentals on Airbnb are genuinely dog-friendly with outdoor space, which is often better for larger dogs than hotels.
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