Travelling to Europe with Your Dog?
From passports and vaccinations to packing the first-aid kit, we've brought together the essentials to help you prepare for your next European adventure together.
Last checked: 8 October 2026. Rules change — always confirm with the official sources linked in each section before you travel. This page is general guidance, not legal or veterinary advice.
1. Pet passports, animal health certificates and microchips
Which travel document your dog needs depends on where you are travelling from.
From Great Britain
- Travelling from Great Britain to an EU country, you need an animal health certificate (AHC) from your vet. It is valid for travel within 10 days of being issued, and up to 5 pets can go on one certificate.
- Your dog must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination — otherwise the vaccination must be repeated. EU carriers read ISO 11784/11785 microchips; check with your travel company if yours is different.
Within the EU
- Dogs living in the EU travel with an EU pet passport issued by an authorised vet, showing the microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
From other countries
- Arriving in the EU from outside the EU usually requires an EU animal health certificate completed by an official vet in the country of departure. Rules differ by country — check the official EU guidance.
Sources: GOV.UK — Travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland · Your Europe (EU) — Travelling with pets · European Commission — Movement of pets · Last checked 8 October 2026
2. Rabies vaccinations and country-specific entry requirements
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs travelling between countries in Europe.
From other countries
- Some countries outside the EU also require a rabies antibody blood test and a waiting period. This depends on the country — follow the official EU guidance for your departure country.
Everyone
- Your vet needs proof your dog is at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating. You must wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination (or the last of the first course) before travelling. Keep boosters up to date — a missed booster means starting again.
- Individual countries can have additional rules. We do not summarise them here — always check the official authority of the country you are visiting.
Sources: GOV.UK — Travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland · Your Europe (EU) — Travelling with pets · Last checked 8 October 2026
3. Tapeworm treatment and other veterinary requirements
Some destinations require a vet-recorded tapeworm treatment shortly before you arrive.
From Great Britain
- Northern Ireland: a free Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) removes the need for rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment from Great Britain; the microchip is still required.
Everyone
- Dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway must be treated for tapeworm by a vet, recorded in the travel document.
- Treatment must contain praziquantel (or a proven equivalent) and be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before arrival.
Sources: GOV.UK — Tapeworm treatment (leaving GB) · Your Europe (EU) — Travelling with pets · Last checked 8 October 2026
4. Travel insurance and veterinary emergency cover
Check your policy before you go — cover for treatment abroad varies.
Everyone
- Ask your pet insurer whether your policy covers vet treatment in the countries you are visiting, how long it covers trips abroad, and how to claim.
- Save the details of a vet near your accommodation before you arrive. Your holiday host may be able to recommend one.
Sources: British Veterinary Association — Pet owners · Last checked 8 October 2026
5. Essential dog first-aid and medical supplies
A small kit helps with minor problems on the way. For anything serious, contact a vet.
Everyone
- Pack any regular medication with enough spare for delays, plus copies of your dog’s vaccination records and prescriptions.
- A basic kit can include bandages, sterile wound dressing, a tick remover, blunt-ended scissors and saline. Ask your own vet what is right for your dog.
Sources: PDSA — Pet Health Hub (vet charity) · British Veterinary Association — Pet owners · Last checked 8 October 2026
6. Travelling by car, ferry, train and air
Every operator sets its own pet rules, prices and booking limits.
From Great Britain
- Returning to Great Britain, you must use an approved route and transport company (unless travelling from Ireland or within the UK).
Everyone
- Check each ferry, shuttle, rail or airline operator’s pet policy before booking — many have limited pet spaces.
Sources: GOV.UK — Bringing your pet to Great Britain · Last checked 8 October 2026
7. Preparing for hot weather and long journeys
Southern Europe can be very hot in summer. Plan breaks, shade and water.
Everyone
- Never leave a dog in a parked car. Heatstroke can be fatal — learn the signs and what to do from veterinary guidance.
- Carry fresh water and a bowl, stop regularly, and travel in the cooler parts of the day where you can.
Sources: RSPCA — Heatstroke in dogs · Last checked 8 October 2026
8. Returning home with your dog
Plan the return leg before you leave.
From Great Britain
- Entering Great Britain, your dog needs a microchip, rabies vaccination and a valid travel document, and must be treated for tapeworm by a vet 24 hours to 5 days before arrival — unless arriving directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
- If you are delayed beyond 5 days after treatment, your dog may need treating again. Book the vet appointment near your holiday home in advance.
Within the EU
- Returning within the EU, keep your EU pet passport and rabies vaccination valid. Check your home country’s rules if returning from outside the EU.
From other countries
- Check your home country’s official authority for its entry rules before you travel.
Sources: GOV.UK — Bringing your pet to Great Britain · GOV.UK — Tapeworm treatment for dogs entering GB · Your Europe (EU) — Travelling with pets · Last checked 8 October 2026
9. Official government travel information and useful links
- GOV.UK — Taking your pet dog abroad
- GOV.UK — Travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland
- GOV.UK — Tapeworm treatment (leaving GB)
- GOV.UK — Bringing your pet to Great Britain
- GOV.UK — Tapeworm treatment for dogs entering GB
- Your Europe (EU) — Travelling with pets
- European Commission — Movement of pets
- RSPCA — Heatstroke in dogs
- PDSA — Pet Health Hub (vet charity)
- British Veterinary Association — Pet owners
For the specific rules of the country you are visiting, contact that country’s official veterinary or customs authority. Last checked 8 October 2026.
Personal journey planner — coming soon
Soon you’ll be able to enter your departure country, destination, travel method and dates to get a tailored checklist. Until then, use the sections above and our printable checklist.