Pet import requirements for European Union

European Union at a glance

The detail

Pets that fully comply with EU import requirements are not subject to quarantine upon arrival. The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 Member States located primarily in Europe.

Import requirements

12 weeks & 21 days – See Exemptions

Import requirements, in cluding documentation and quantity limitations, vary depending on the species, the country of origin, and the destination EU Member State. Different animal categories may be subject to specific veterinary and customs requirements.

As of March 1, 2023, the European Union has implemented pre-loading advance cargo reporting requirements under the Import Control System 2 (ICS2).

All cargo shipments entering or transiting the European Union must in clude the appropriate 6-digit Harmonized System (HS6) code on the Air Waybill (AWB) and in the advance cargo declaration.

Examples of HS codes in clude:

010620 – Dogs

010619 – Other live mammals

A non-commercial pet movement is governed by Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and relates to animals not in tended for sale or transfer of ownership and travelling with or near their owner. While the EU legislation does not specify a fixed time period, many competent authorities and operators use a practical guideline of up to five (5) days before or after the owner’s travel to distinguish personal movements from commercial shipments.

A commercial move is generally considered any movement of animals that is not classified as a non-commercial pet movement, in cluding but not limited to movements in volving sale, transfer of ownership, commercial activity, or professional transport.

Commercial imports are subject to additional veterinary and customs requirements, which may in clude the use of approved Border Control Posts (BCP), of ficial veterinary certification, advance notification through EU systems, and compliance with animal welfare and transport regulations.

Specific requirements may vary depending on the species, the country of origin, and the destination EU Member State, and must be verified with the competent authorities prior to shipment.

In exceptional cases, Animals from certain countries may be subject to additional conditions or restrictions, such as temporary bans due to disease outbreaks or additional documentation for countries under special sanitary measures.

Additional requirements may apply depending on the species, transport method, airline, or destination EU Member State, and should be verified prior to shipment.

Identification and microchip

Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be identified with an implanted transponder (see technical specifications in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013)

Regarding the marking - EU countries shall authorise the movement into their territory of dogs, cats and ferrets marked by a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011.

Rabies and vaccinations

Vaccination against rabies - Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by an authorised veterinarian in accordance with Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, as follows:

• the animal was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered
• the date of administration of the vaccine does not precede the date of marking or reading of the transponder
• the period of validity of the vaccination starts not less than 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination, and any subsequent vaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination

Regarding the vaccination against rabies - EU countries may authorise the movement into their territory from territories or third countries listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 of young dogs, cats and ferrets which are less than 12 weeks old and have not received an anti-rabies vaccination or are between 12 and 16 weeks old and have received an anti-rabies vaccination, but 21 days have not elapsed since the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination against rabies.

In that case, the animals must be accompanied by either:

• a declaration of the owner (see model set out in Part 1 of Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013) attached to the animal health certificate stating that from birth until the time of dispatch, the animals have had no contact with wild animals of species susceptible to rabies, or
• their mother on whom they still depend and from the animal health certificate of their mother it can be established that the mother received before their birth a valid anti-rabies vaccination

Dogs, Cats and Ferrets:

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old, microchipped prior to vaccination, and a 21-day waiting period is required after the primary vaccination. Booster vaccinations are valid if administered within the previous validity period.

No other vaccinations are required at EU level; however, additional vaccinations may be recommended or required by airlines or in dividual Member States.

For animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets, vaccination requirements are determined by national regulations of the destination Member State and must be verified prior to shipment.

Tests and treatments

Rabies antibody test - Dogs, cats, and ferrets must undergo a rabies antibody titration test in accordance with Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, as follows:

• the test must be carried out on a sample collected by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the date of vaccination and not less than three months before the date of movement
• the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum equal to or greater than 0,5 IU/ml
• the test must be performed in an approved laboratory

The test is not required for pet animals (dogs, cats or ferrets) moved into an EU country from a territory or a third country listed on: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercial-non-eu/listing_en

• The test does not have to be renewed following a satisfactory result, provided that the pet animal is revaccinated within the period of validity of the previous vaccination
• The three-month period shall not apply to the re-entry of a pet animal whose passport certifies that the test was carried out and documented, with a favourable result, before the animal left the Union.

Treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis -

The pet animal (dog only) must, prior to entering a Member State listed in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/878, or Norway, be treated against the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/772, as follows:

• the treatment must be administered by a veterinarian within a period of not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before the time of scheduled entry
• the treatment must be certified by the administering veterinarian in the relevant section of the passport.

Health certificate and permits

Health Certificate and Declaration - dogs, cats, and ferrets must be accompanied by:

• an animal health certificate (courtesy translations) - see model in Part 1 of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013
• completed and issued by an of ficial veterinarian, or by an authorised veterinarian and subsequently endorsed by the competent authority
• US military VET certificate accepted without endorsement
• valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the of ficial veterinarian until the date of the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' points of entry designated by Member States. In the case of a transport by sea, that period of 10 days is extended by an additional period corresponding to the duration of the journey by sea. For the purpose of further movements into other Member States the certificate is valid from the date of the documentary and identity checks for a total of four months or until the date of expiry of the anti-rabies vaccination or until the conditions relating to animals less than 16 weeks old cease to apply, whichever date is earlier.
• a written declaration completed by the owner or an authorised person (see model in Part 3 of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013) regarding the non-commercial nature of the movement and attesting, where appropriate, the carriage of the animal under the responsibility of an authorised person within up to five days of the movement of the owner.

Regarding the animal health certificate - The movement into an EU country from a territory or a third country of a pet animal (dog, cat or ferret) accompanied by a passport shall be authorised.

-

only if the passport was issued in one of the territories or third countries listed in Part 1 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013, and

if the passport was completed and issued by an authorized veterinarian before the animal left the European Union, and the rabies vaccination remains valid.

For movements from territories or third countries not listed in Part 1 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013, an EU animal health certificate is required.

Regarding the passage through a travellers’ point of entry:

• Pet animals entering an EU country from a territory or a third country listed in Part 1 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 are not required to pass through a travellers' point of entry.
• EU countries may authorise registered military or search-and-rescue dogs to move through a point of entry other than a travellers’ point of entry.

An import permit is not needed for the non-commercial import of Pet animals into the European Union, provided all EU pet movement requirements are met.

An import permit may be required in the following cases:

Commercial imports

Change of ownership or sale

CITES-listed species

Special categories (e.g. research animals)

In such cases, permits and prior authorizations are issued by the competent authority of the destination Member State, and requirements may vary by country.

HC (EU) 2019-commercial - As of July 2019; November 30, 2019 was the last day the previous cert. could be issued.

HC (EU) 2019-non-commercial - As of November 1, 2019

Member States - EU countries' specific in formation:

https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/ms-websites_en

Quarantine

Pets that fully comply with EU import requirements are not subject to quarantine upon arrival.

Quarantine may be imposed only in cases of non-compliance, such as missing or in valid documentation, in complete vaccinations, or failure to meet testing requirements. In such cases, animals may be placed in of ficial quarantine facilities, returned to the country of origin, or otherwise handled in accordance with the decision of the competent authority of the destination Member State.

Home quarantine prior to entry is not required under EU regulations.

Restrictions and banned breeds

There are no EU-wide breed bans applicable at the European Union level. However, in dividual EU Member States may impose breed-specific legislation (BSL) restricting or regulating the import, ownership, or movement of certain dog breeds (e.g. fighting or dangerous breeds).It is essential to verify the specific breed regulations of the destination Member State prior to ship

Customs, agents, and airports

Personal (Non-Commercial) Move: No

Commercial Shipment: Yes

Personal Move: No

Commercial Move: Yes

Each European Union (EU) Member State designates its own approved ports of entry, in cluding International airports, ports and ground transportation authorized for the entry of live animals and pets, in accordance with EU veterinary and customs regulations.

Customs clearance procedures within the European Union vary by Member State, port of entry, and type of movement (personal or commercial).

Entry into the European Union must take place through of ficially designated ports of entry authorized for veterinary controls, in cluding Travellers’ Points of Entry (TPE) for non-commercial pet movements and approved Border Control Posts (BCP) for commercial imports.

Pets entering the EU must comply with applicable veterinary, customs, and animal welfare regulations. Animals may travel in cabin, as checked baggage, or as manifest cargo, subject to airline policies, animal species, and destination country requirements. Containers must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) where applicable.

Customs and veterinary in spections are carried out during of ficial operating hours, which vary by location. Arrivals outside regular hours or on weekends may require prior notification or appointment and may result in delayed clearance. Animals generally remain in their transport containers until clearance is completed.

Import taxes or fees may apply in certain cases, particularly for commercial shipments, and requirements should be verified with the competent authorities of the destination Member State prior to shipment.

Refer to each EU country profile

Export notes

When leaving an EU Member State with a pet, export requirements depend on the destination country, the species, and the purpose of travel (temporary travel or permanent relocation).

Pet owners and shippers are advised to verify destination-specific export requirements with the relevant authorities prior to travel.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

The European Union implements and enforces the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) through EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.

CITES permits are required only for animals listed under CITES Appendices A, B, C, or D. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are not subject to CITES restrictions.

For CITES-listed species, import and export permits must be obtained in advance from the competent authorities of the exporting and importing countries, and additional restrictions may apply depending on the species and Member State.

Pets other than dogs, cats, and ferrets are subject to the national regulations of the destination EU Member State, and requirements may vary depending on the species and country of origin. Additional permits, health certifications, or veterinary controls may apply.

Importers should verify species-specific requirements prior to shipment.

Animal Welfare Regulations

Animal movements within and into the European Union must comply with EU animal welfare legislation governing the protection of animals during transport.

The primary legislation applicable is:

• Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.
• Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (where applicable).
• Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on of ficial controls.

Key Welfare Requirements:

• Animals must be fit for transport.
• Transport must not cause in jury or unnecessary suffering.
• Adequate ventilation, space, temperature control, food, and water must be provided.
• Containers must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations (for air transport).
• Pregnant animals in the last stages of gestation and animals unfit for transport are prohibited.
• Long journeys require certified transporters and approved vehicles.
• Journey logs may be required for commercial moves.

For air transport, compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) is mandatory in addition to EU rules.

Pet owners and shippers should be aware that EU import requirements are strictly document-driven, and even minor discrepancies (e.g. microchip number format, vaccination dates, or in complete endorsements) may result in delays, refusal of entry, or additional controls upon arrival.

All documentation must be accurate, legible, and consistent across certificates, passports, and transport documents. Advance coordination with the destination airport, airline, and competent veterinary authority is strongly recommended, particularly for commercial shipments or arrivals outside standard office hours.

For movements from non-EU countries, careful attention should be given to the correct completion of EU Health Certificates, in cluding endorsement by the appropriate authority, in accordance with of ficial guidance.

Guidelines for completing the EU Health Certificates (per USDA):

• Commercial Certificate
• Non-Commercial Certificate

Export requirements are harmonized at EU level

Official contacts

Country Contacts (Government, Agencies)

Department Name:

European Commission – Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE)

Website:

https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement_en

Member States – Competent Authorities:

https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/ms-websites_en

Border Inspection Posts / Border Control Posts (BCP):

https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-products-movements/border-control-posts_en

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-02-26.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

Other destinations: Albania · Andorra · Austria · all destinations