Entry Requirements for the Dog

Brief facts on the subject

• For dog and cat travel within the EU, marking, valid rabies vaccination and EU pet passport are essential.
• The marking shall match the entry in the pet passport.
• Additional requirements may apply for individual countries, such as treatment against certain parasites.
• Puppies, certain animal species and travel from non-EU countries are subject to special rules.
• Transit countries must be checked as well as the actual destination.
• Transport providers may set their own conditions for box, leash, muzzle or booking.
• Return to the EU may require other proof than departure.

Anyone who crosses a border with a dog or cat should not check the documents only on the day of departure. Relevant are the current regulations of the destination country, all transit countries and the transport provider. The EU information on travelling with pets provide a reliable entry; Binding individual questions should be clarified with the veterinarian and the competent authority.

Compare documents in time

Microchip number, pet passport and vaccination date must match. A rabies vaccination does not automatically apply immediately after the first vaccination. Anyone who returns from a third country should also leave before leaving clarify which proof of re-entry is required. The general guide to Holidays with a dog combines this examination with accommodation and everyday life; For cats, additional information is given Holidays with cat.

Check the route and means of transport

In the case of train, ferry or flight, the company's conditions of carriage apply in addition to state rules. A confirmed accommodation does not replace a transport reservation. For breaks, luggage and emergencies, the instructions help to Traveling with a dog and to the general Travel arrangements.

Booking accommodation only after entry check

Only when the trip is legally and practically possible should a suitable accommodation be chosen. The pet permit, number and size of animals, additional costs and house rules must be confirmed in writing. In Rent a holiday home You should check the contract and cost.

Entry is not equal to beach release

A valid microchip, pet passport and rabies protection do not automatically allow entry to any beach, sanctuary or means of transport. The Official EU overview on travelling with pets mainly concerns border and document checks. For the beach, additionally municipality, spa administration, beach operators and seasonal advice of the specific place are checked.

This is especially important for a round trip with several coastal towns. A stretch of beach may allow dogs, while the neighboring access or boardwalk has other rules. Also dunes, mudflats, breeding areas National parks have their own protection requirements. The Choosing a Dog Beach It is therefore in the daily schedule and not in the entry documents.

File documents and beach information separately

The travel documents shall contain pet passports, vaccination documents, chip numbers and proofs for transit countries. In addition, the address of the accommodation, the concrete beach section, permitted times, linen rules and a Evasiveness is stored. For North Sea, Baltic Sea and foreign destinations apply the instructions on site.

Prepare for entry step by step

Start with the destination and all transit countries. For dogs and cats, identification, vaccination status and travel documents must match; deadlines can play a role. Check the information on the Pet ID and have open questions clarified in time in the veterinary practice. A copy of the documents belongs in the luggage separately from the originals.

1. Determine the destination and transit route.
2. Check chip, ID and vaccinations for plausibility and deadlines.
3. Complement the requirements of the means of transport and the accommodation.
4. Plan return trip, stopovers and emergency contact.
5. Research beach, nature conservation and linen rules at the destination separately.

The entry permit does not mean that every animal can go to any beach or in any means of transport. Landlords can also request a pet permit, an additional cleaning or information on the number of animals. Clarify this before paying. Helping with the rest of the planning Holidays with a dog, Holidays with cat and the Holiday checklist.

Check documents and return travel not only on the day of departure

Keep originals, copies and emergency contacts separately. Before returning, check whether transit countries have the same requirements as the country of destination and whether the animal is sufficiently cared for during a long journey can be. In the event of illness or delay, it should be possible to contact the veterinarian, transport provider and accommodation.

Rules for beaches, nature reserves, restaurants and public transport vary locally. They supplement the entry check but do not replace it. For a specific trip, the information about traveling with animals, Notes for dogs and the General travel arrangements be used side by side.

Frequent questions about entry requirements

Is the EU pet passport alone sufficient?

No. Labelling, vaccination and possible additional requirements must also be valid.

Do the rules also apply to cats?

Many basic rules apply to dogs and cats, but transport and local husbandry can be regulated differently.

Do I need to check transit countries?

Yes. Entry or transport requirements can also become relevant in transit.

When should I go to the veterinarian?

So early that vaccinations, documents and, where appropriate, additional treatments are effective and documented in time.

What applies when travelling outside the EU?

The requirements vary greatly. Check exit, destination, transit and later re-entry separately.

Can the landlord request further proof?

Under the lease agreement, house rules or proof can be agreed. These conditions should be clear before booking.

Where can I find specific destinations?

After the test, accommodation in France, Italy, Croatia or Denmark are compared.