What is the EU pet passport

If you’ve ever tried flying with your dog between European countries — or even just crossing a land border by car — you’ll know that pet travel isn’t as carefree as it sounds. But it can be smooth and stress-free… if you have the right travel documents.

The EU Pet Passport is as important as a passport for you (human). It identifies your dog, proves that it has a microchip and mandatory vaccine against rabies.

The passport is what airlines, customs officers, and even ferry operators will ask for — every time you travel.

Important changes from April 2026

Starting in April 22, 2026, there will be key updates to the EU pet passport regulations. These changes focus on the vallidity of current documents for non-EU residents, verification process and ensuring that all health records are more easily accessible to border officials.

To keep you in loop, we have prepared a detailed breakdown of every specific update, including what will change in our comprehensive guide here.

EU pet passport and EU animal health certificate: The difference

The EU Pet Passport (some people call it the EU Animal passport) is for pets that live in the EU (or in a few associated countries). It’s valid long-term and allows easy, repeated travel across borders — like your dog’s permanent travel document.

The EU Health Certificate (EHC), on the other hand, is for pets coming from outside the EU, like the UK or US. It’s valid for just 10 days for entry and requires a new one for every trip.

In short: If you live in the EU → You need a Pet Passport. If you are traveling into the EU from abroad → You need an AHC. 

What is the European pet passport necessary for

The EU Pet Passport is needed when travelling with your dog, cat or ferret across EU borders and/or some neighbour countries. As we explained above, it’s not only for the identification, but you also find there all the necessary information you can’t travel without.

Usually you are asked to show it at airports during check-in, or before boarding a ferry or international train (you can read about Eurostar trains pet policy here). Without it, entry may be denied, or the animal may be placed in quarantine, so it is the pet travel document to have!

You will use it during check-in and customs inspections, especially when arriving by air.

🐾 — Airlines that allow dogs in cabin — ✈️

Where is the EU pet passport valid

The EU pet passport is recognised across all European Union member states. It is also accepted by a number of non-EU countries that follow similar animal health regulations.

The passport is valid in all 27 EU countries 🇪🇺 plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City, Gibraltar.

🐾 — FAQs about pet travel here — ✈️

How to get the pet passport European union

The passport is issued by a vet in the EU. Your dog must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies — in that order.

If everything is in place, most vets can issue the passport even during the same visit. It becomes valid 21 days after the rabies shot, unless it’s a booster given on time.

Also it is important to know that you can’t get this passport outside the EU.

How much does is cost

The price for an EU pet passport depend on the country and clinic which you are visiting as there is no fixed price.

On average, it costs between €20 and €70. Some vets include the passport in the price of a vaccine or microchip. Others charge it separately.

In general, you’ll pay more in countries like Finland, Sweden, Norway or Denmark, while vets in Central and Southern Europe usually offer lower prices.

— How to book a flight for your pet step-by-step — ✈️

What to do if you lose the EU pet passport

If the passport is lost or somehow damaged, all you need to do is to visit any authorised vet in the EU. They’ll check your dog’s microchip and issue a new one — as long as the vaccinations are still valid.

You don’t need to start over, but it is good to have a proof of previous rabies shots if they’re not in the database.

💡 Tip from the Pet Abroad team: A photo of the original passport or a vaccination certificate can help confirm your dog’s rabies status if the document is lost. Just have it scanned or photographed on your phone. Also, you can read more about vaccination for dog travel in this article.

For how long is it valid

The EU pet passport itself doesn’t expire.

But to stay valid for travel, the rabies vaccination must be up to date — usually every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine. If it expires, you’ll need a new shot and wait 21 days before your next trip.

In some cases, you may also need a new passport simply because the old one runs out of space — for example, in the clinical examination section if your vet stamps it before each flight. It’s more common than you might think. At the Pet Abroad team, one of our own dogs is already on passport number four.

FAQs about the EU pet passport

Quick overview of the EU Health certificate

• What it is: The official non-commercial travel document required for pets entering the European Union from a third country.
• Who needs it: Owners relocating or traveling with their pets from outside the EU into an EU member state.
• Issuer: Your accredited veterinarian must complete the paperwork, and the competent government authority in your origin country must officially endorse it.
• Entry validity: The document is strictly valid for 10 days from the date of official government endorsement until you enter the EU border.
• Onward travel validity: Once stamped at your first EU point of entry, the certificate remains valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months, or until the rabies vaccination expires (whichever comes first).

What is an EU Animal Health Certificate

This pet travel document, sometimes referred to as Annex IV, is your pet’s official ticket into Europe. An EU animal health certificate proves that your dog, cat, or ferret meets all the strict health, vaccination, and identification requirements necessary to cross European borders.

Unlike commercial transport documents, this certificate is exclusively for non-commercial pet travel. It guarantees border officials that your furry friend does not pose a health risk, specifically regarding rabies, to the destination country.

Did you know there’s also an Intra-EU Health Certificate?

This is a document you need if you are already traveling inside the EU, don’t have a blue EU Pet Passport, and need to cross borders into another EU country.

The standard EU Animal Health Certificate gets you into the EU, this one allows you to move between EU countries. You can get it from a local vet, and it basically proves your dog is microchipped and vaccinated. Take it as a backup solution when you can’t get a proper EU passport especially with all the April 2026 changes.

What’s the difference between EU health certificate, Animal health certificate and EU Pet passport?

EU Health Certificate vs. AHC (Animal Health Certificate) are essentially the same document. The only difference is where you’re coming from. If you’re traveling from the UK, it’s called an AHC. If you’re coming from the US, Canada, or anywhere else outside the EU, it’s called the EU Health Certificate. They both serve the same purpose: a single-use entry ticket to get your pet into Europe.

EU Pet Passport is a different document entirely. It’s a blue, reusable booklet issued only by EU veterinarians. It’s for pets living inside the EU to travel freely between member states.

Who needs an EU Pet Health Certificate

You will need this document if you are entering the EU from any non-EU country. Such as travelers arriving from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.💡 Important note: If you have a valid EU-issued pet passport with up-to-date rabies vaccinations performed in the EU, you may use that instead. However, if a vet outside the EU revaccinates your pet, that passport becomes invalid for entry.

If you are an EU Resident and you are re-entering Europe after traveling to an “unlisted” third country (like Turkey, Egypt, or Thailand), you also need a valid certificate unless you had a rabies titer test performed and recorded in your EU Pet Passport before you left the EU. Find the official list of territories and third countries by the EU here.

Important update: New rules from April 22, 2026

The EU has tightened its travel regulations. From April 22, 2026, new rules (Regulation 2024/1130) change how pet travel documents are handled and here are 3 most important changes:

• No more “instant” passports: You can no longer arrive on a health certificate and immediately exchange it for an EU Pet Passport. Veterinarians in the EU are now prohibited from issuing a passport based only on your entry.
• Mandatory travel on the Health Certificate: Even if you move to the EU long-term, your pet must continue using the original Health Certificate for any travel within Europe. This stays in effect until your pet receives a new rabies vaccination from an EU vet and completes the mandatory 21-day waiting period.
• Digitalization (TRACES): Most certificates are now processed through the TRACES digital system. This means your paperwork will likely include a QR code, making border checks faster but much stricter—digital records leave no room for errors in vaccination dates or microchip numbers.

You can read about the biggest changes to EU pet passports here.

🐾 — The biggest traps between Europe and US — ✈️

Requirements for an EU Health Certificate dog, cat, or ferret

Timing plays an important role in getting your dog, cat, or ferret’s EU health certificate, as you have to follow a specific sequence of events; if you get the order wrong, your certificate won’t be valid.

• ISO-Compliant Microchip: Must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine.
• Valid Rabies Vaccination: Primary vaccines require a 21-day waiting period before travel.
• Tapeworm (Echinococcus) Treatment: For dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, or Norway. Must be given 24–120 hours before arrival.
• Rabies Titer Test: Only required if you are coming from an “unlisted” high-risk country.

How to get the EU Health Certificate step by step

Step 1: Find an accredited veterinarian

Not every clinic can issue travel documents. You must book an appointment with a federally accredited veterinarian who is specifically authorized to fill out international health certificates. For example in the UK you must look for OV (Official Veterinarian), in the US it’s USDA-Accredited Veterinarian, and in Canada visit a Licensed Veterinarian/Private Veterinarian.

Step 2: Plan the 10-day window

The timing is the most important part of the whole process. Your certificate must be completed by your vet and officially stamped by your government within exactly 10 days of your arrival at the EU border.

Step 3: Get the certificate completed

During your appointment, the veterinarian will examine your pet, verify the microchip and vaccination records, and fill out the necessary health certificate paperwork.

Step 4: Secure the official government endorsement

A signature from your regular vet is not enough. After the vet completes the form, you must submit it to your country’s official government agency (such as the USDA in the US or CFIA in Canada) for the final endorsement. This official government stamp is mandatory, and without it, border officials will reject the paperwork immediately.

How much does an EU Health Certificate cost

The price of an EU health certificate isn’t fixed. It depends on many factor such as your country, veterinarian, and how many pets you are taking with you. Generally, the total cost is split into two parts:

1. Veterinary Fees: Most clinics charge for a physical exam plus a separate fee for the time spent completing the complex international paperwork.
2. Government Endorsement Fees: This is a flat fee paid to your government authority (like the USDA or APHA) to officially stamp the document.

On average, pet owners in the United States pay between $150 and $400. In the United Kingdom, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) typically costs between £100 and £250. Also if you are in a rush and need overnight shipping for the endorsement, remember to factor extra courier costs as well.

How long is the dog health certificate for travel valid

The Animal Health Certificate is valid for 10 days to enter the destination country. Once you’re inside the EU, it stays valid for up to 4 months for travel between EU countries.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Got any questions about EU health certificate for your pet? Here you can find the most common questions and clear answers!

Overview of changes to EU pet passports

• Residency is key: EU Pet Passports are now strictly reserved for residents of the European Union. If you live in the UK, USA, Canada, or elsewhere, your EU passport is no longer a valid travel document for entry into the EU.
• The “Lifetime” rule has ended: The rule that a passport remains valid for the lifetime of the pet now applies only to EU residents. For non-residents, even passports issued before April 2026 are now considered void for entry.
• Mandatory AHC: All non-EU residents must now obtain a single-use EU Health Certificate or an equivalent official third-country certificate for every single entry into the EU.
• Five-Pet limit per vehicle: The non-commercial travel limit is now firmly capped at five pets per private vehicle (not per person), unless you have proof of attending a competition or show.
• Stricter verification: Border officials are increasing checks on the timeline between microchipping and rabies vaccinations, as well as verifying the owner’s residency status.

You can find more information about each of these topics down in this article.

💡Keep in mind that while some carriers, like Eurotunnel or Irish Ferries, may not yet enforce strict residency checks, don’t take the risk! Border officials and EU vets are increasingly verifying residency, and incorrect paperwork can lead to fines, pet quarantine, and more.

Validity of Current Documents – The Reality as of April 22, 2026

Following the implementation of the new Animal Health Law and APHA Briefing Note 14/26, EU Pet Passports held by residents of non-EU countries (including the UK, USA, Canada, and others) are no longer valid for entry into the European Union. The transition period is over, and border officials are now treating these documents as void for non-residents.

This means that even if your pet’s EU passport is physically valid, with up-to-date rabies vaccinations from an EU vet, it is no longer a valid travel document if you do not officially reside in the EU. Reports from the first days of enforcement show that some carriers, such as Eurotunnel and certain ferry operators, are not yet consistently checking residency. However, this does not mean you are in compliance. The risk of being stopped at an EU Border Inspection Post or having future vaccinations declared void by an EU vet remains very real.

To travel legally and avoid fines or pet quarantine, all non-EU residents must now obtain a single-use Health Certificate for every entry into the EU. The “lifetime of the pet” validity for passports is now exclusively reserved for owners with primary and official residence in an EU Member State.

For pet owners whose primary and official residence is inside the EU, nothing changes—your current pet passport remains valid, as long as the microchip and rabies vaccinations are up to date. But for travelers from North America and the UK, this is the end of the EU passport as a “convenient shortcut”. Every entry into the EU now requires a new health certificate.

New EU pet regulations mean stricter checks and e-Passports

Border and airport checks are now much more rigorous. Officials aren’t just confirming that your pet’s microchip was implanted before the rabies vaccine—they’re also increasingly checking your residency status. If you present an EU Pet Passport, be prepared to show secondary proof of residence, like a national ID or residency permit, to confirm you’re using the document legally.

The EU is also speeding up the switch to electronic pet passports and digital health certificates, integrated with the TRACES system. This digital move means better traceability and safer travel, as vaccination records are now directly linked to official databases.

Read more about new EU pet regulation from 2026 on here.

New limits on the number of traveling pets

The updated rules now limit non-commercial travel to a maximum of five pets per journey. If you exceed this number, your trip automatically falls under commercial transport rules—meaning different border entry points and much more complex paperwork.

For non-EU residents, each pet must have its own Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or any other equivalent third-country certificate. Grouping pets under one old EU passport is no longer permitted.

The only exception? If you’re traveling to a competition, show, or sporting event, you must have official written proof listing the registered pets and event details. Without this information, traveling with six or more pets will be once again treated as commercial transport, no matter their status as personal companions.

Resources

Here are the official resources and links regarding the 2026 EU pet travel updates:

• Official European Commission Portal on Pet Movement
• “Your Europe” – Travel Rules for Pets and Other Animals
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/20 – Full Legislative Text in pdf
• USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the USA to the EU
• GOV.UK – Taking Your Pet Abroad from the UK
• APHA Briefing Note 14/26

Pet travel documents you need for a flight

Before flying with your dog or cat, make sure you’ve got all the right paperwork sorted ahead of time. What you’ll need depends on a few things — where you’re going, which airline you’re flying with, and whether your pet is traveling within the EU or beyond.

You’ll usually need an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate, proof of recent vaccinations, and maybe even a few extra forms from the airline. It’s easy to forget about this stuff until the last minute, but without it, they might actually not let you fly.

EU Pet passport: What it is and how to get it

The EU Pet Passport is the go-to document for travelling with your dog or cat across Europe. It includes your pet’s ID, microchip number, and proof of rabies vaccination — everything needed to meet EU rules. You’ll get it from an EU-authorised vet after your pet is microchipped and vaccinated. Read more about the changes and key updates to the EU Pet Passport starting 22 April 2026 here.

In some cases, extra treatments like tapeworm prevention are required — e.g. when travelling to Finland, Ireland, or Malta. Also known as a dog passport or cat passport EU, this important booklet is your pet’s ticket to smooth border crossings in most EU countries, especially if traveling by plane.

🐾 — Official: Travelling with pets in the EU — ✈️

What’s required to get a pet passport

Getting a dog EU passport is actually quite easy. The non-negotiable requirements are valid rabies vaccinations and also make sure, that your pet is microchiped. This information, along with others, is listed in the animal passport itself.

Keep in mind, that the passport can only be issued by an EU-authorised veterinarian — typically during a single appointment where your vet checks your pet’s ID, vaccination status, and overall health. In some cases, tapeworm treatment may also be needed.

Once you obtain the dog passport, the document stays valid as long as rabies boosters are kept up to date but if you travel more often, it is possible that after some time you will run out of spaces for health checks, for example, in which case you should go to a veterinarian who will issue you a new passport.

Read more about dog’s vaccination for travel here.

Pet health certificate vs pet passport: What’s the difference

In short:

• EU pet passport = reusable travel document for EU-based pets
• EU health certificate = single-use entry document for pets coming from outside the EU (e.g.USA, UK, Canada,…)

Explained: 

The EU Pet Passport is a permanent document issued by an authorised vet in an EU country. It includes your pet’s identification, vaccination records, and travel history — and is valid for repeated travel within the EU, as long as vaccinations stay up to date.

A health certificate for pet travel, on the other hand, is usually a one-time document and used when you travel to the EU from a non-EU country (like the UK or USA). The certificate confirms that your pet meets all EU entry requirements — including valid rabies vaccination and microchip identification. Also, usually must be issued right before travel (typically within 10 days).

🐾 — Airlines that allow dogs in cabin — ✈️

Vaccination & Microchip requirements

You simply cannot do without mandatory rabies vaccination and a microchip when flying with a pet.

• Microchip identification – Your dog must be microchipped before any vaccination is done. The chip is scanned to confirm your pet’s identity throughout the journey.
• Valid rabies vaccination – After the chip is in place, your dog needs a rabies shot. It has to be given minimum of 21 days before actual travel day. Boosters are required every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine.

Some countries also have mandatory tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival. These are Malta, Finland and Ireland..

Also make sure your vet records everything properly in the pet’s passport or health certificate, as it always checked during the check-in and and may be reviewed again during your journey.

Airline-specific paperwork: What airlines may ask for

When flying with your dog, your vet’s documents aren’t always enough. Some airlines require additional paperwork to approve your pet for travel — especially for cabin transport. Depending on the airline, you might need to:

• Submit a “fit to fly” form signed by your vet (common with Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and others)
• Fill out a pet-in-cabin request for approval in advance
• Provide exact crate dimensions and photos for cargo travel
• Confirm that your pet meets breed and weight limits

These airline-specific forms are usually requested after booking and must be submitted within a deadline — though some (like TAP Portugal) might ask for them at the airport.

Tip from the Pet Abroad team: Check your airline’s pet policy well in advance — each one plays by different rules. 🙂

— How to book flight for your dog here — ✈️

Pet travel documents for non-EU travel

If you’re traveling outside the EU — for example to the UK, USA, or Canada — your pet will most likely need an animal health certificate rather than EU Pet passport.

This certificate basically shows that your dog ticks all the boxes for entering the country — like having a valid rabies shot, a microchip, and sometimes even a deworming treatment or extra tests. It usually needs to be done by an official vet kinda close to your travel date, like within 10 days or so.

Just remember to always check the rules of the country you’re visiting as each one can have slightly diffrerent requirements.

🐾 — Pet travel between UK and Europe — ✈️

Checklist: Prepare your dog’s travel paperwork

Here’s a quick overview of the documents your dog may need to fly — depending on your destination and airline.

🐾 — ICAO pet safety news 2025 — ✈️

FAQs

What the DOT Form actually is

The DOT Form, officially called the Service Animal Air Transportation Form, is a document required by U.S. airlines for passengers travelling with trained service dogs.

It confirms that the dog is healthy, well-behaved, and officially recognised as a service animal. The form applies only to U.S. airlines and doesn’t concern pets flying as regular companions.

When you need the DOT form for service animals

You’ll need the DOT Form only if you’re travelling with a trained service dog on a U.S. airline, whether the flight is domestic or international. Airlines such as Delta, United or American Airlines use it to verify that the animal truly qualifies as a service dog under U.S. Department of Transportation rules. The form helps them confirm your dog’s training and behaviour before allowing it to travel in the cabin free of charge.

If you’re flying with a European carrier, or your pet is simply travelling as a companion in a carrier, you won’t need this document at all. In that case, the airline will treat your animal under the standard pet travel policy, which only requires health and travel documents — not the DOT form.

↪️ You can find & download the DOT form for service animals here.

When you don’t need it

If your cat or dog is travelling as a regular pet, you don’t need to worry about the DOT form at all. It doesn’t apply to pets flying in-cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, even if the flight is operated by a U.S. airline. These animals are simply subject to the airline’s standard pet travel policy, which usually involves weight limits, carrier dimensions, and valid health documents.

You also won’t need this form for emotional support animals, as U.S. airlines no longer recognise them as service animals. In those cases, the pet travels like any other animal — under the airline’s pet rules, with a separate fee and space reservation required.

What pets need instead

If your pet travels as a normal passenger — not a service dog — you won’t need any DOT paperwork. What you do need are the usual pet travel documents. Inside the EU, that’s a pet passport with your vet’s signature, microchip number and proof of rabies vaccination.

When coming from the U.S. or another non-EU country, the equivalent is an EU Health Certificate. It’s a one-time document your vet issues just before you fly — usually within ten days of departure. Airlines might also ask for a health note from your vet confirming your pet is fit to travel – it’s known as “fit-to-fly” document.

Common mistakes travellers make

One of the most common mix-ups happens when travellers confuse the DOT form with a health certificate. The DOT form is purely for service dogs on U.S. airlines, while a health certificate is what every pet needs for international travel. They’re two completely different things, but the names often throw people off.

Another mistake is trying to register a regular pet as an emotional support animal, hoping to skip fees or carrier limits. U.S. airlines no longer accept ESAs as service animals, so that trick doesn’t work anymore. It’s always better to follow the airline’s pet policy from the start — it saves time, stress and sometimes an awkward chat at the check-in desk.

FAQs about DOT pet travel requirements

Pet travel requirements in Europe – by country and airline

When you are getting ready to travel with a dog or a cat in Europe, there are two sets of rules: what the country requires, and what the airline demands. And both matter equally.

Even if your pet’s papers are perfectly valid for border control, the airline can still refuse boarding if the carrier doesn’t match their standards or the weight is over their limit. And the other way round: meeting the airline’s rules won’t help if your documents don’t pass at customs.

1. Country requirements

Every country in Europe works under the same EU rulebok, but of course the details can still vary. Altought the basics are always the same: your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have the right travel document. Inside the EU this is usually the Pet Passport. From outside the EU or from the UK, you’ll need an EU Health Certificate (EHC), issued by an official veterinarian not earlier than ten days before entry. Once you’re inside the EU, the same AHC covers you for up to four months of onward travel, provided the rabies jab is valid.

Then come the extras. Some countries demand tapeworm treatment before arrival — Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway all apply this rule, and it has to be administered one to five days before travel. A few states also insist on entry through a specific “travellers’ point of entry”, where vets are on duty to check documents on arrival. And in rare cases, such as Malta, there can be a pre-approval system where you register your dog online before you fly in.

Examples of country requirements

United Kingdom

After Brexit, the UK no longer accepts EU Pet Passports. Entry requires an Animal Health Certificate issued within ten days of travel, plus tapeworm treatment for dogs given one to five days before arrival.

Malta

Malta follows EU rules but is stricter than most. Dogs must be pre-approved online before the flight and checked by an official vet at the airport. Tapeworm treatment is also mandatory.

United States

Flying from the US into the EU requires an AHC endorsed by the USDA. The process involves microchip verification, rabies vaccination, and a vet check, and must be approved by the official authority. Without that endorsement, entry will be refused.

France

For EU-based travellers, a valid Pet Passport is enough. From outside the EU, an AHC is required. France is one of the top dog travel destinations in Europe, especially Paris and the South of France.

Spain

Spain applies the standard EU rules. Rabies vaccination is strictly enforced and must be at least 21 days old if it was the first jab. The same paperwork covers travel to the Canary Islands and Balearics.

Italy

Italy follows EU standards but made headlines in 2025 by allowing dogs over eight kilos in cabin on certain domestic routes. A first in Europe — though only on selected Italian airlines.

Germany

Germany accepts Pet Passports and AHCs but has additional breed bans. Dogs such as Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers cannot be brought into the country at all, regardless of documents.

Portugal

The mainland, Madeira and the Azores all follow the same rules. A Pet Passport or AHC is required. Flights to the islands often have limited pet hold capacity, so early booking is essential.

Greece

EU documents apply as normal. The only catch: not all island airports are approved entry points for pets. For many trips you may need to arrive first via Athens or Thessaloniki.

2. Airline requirements

Airlines do not care only about the paperwork. Their main focus is how and where the animal will travel. Weight and size are usually the deciding factors. Dogs under eight kilos including the bag oftenfly in the cabin. Larger ones usually go in the hold, in a pressurised and temperature-controlled compartment. Carriers must be IATA-approved (read more about IATA here) and sized so the animal can stand, turn and lie down comfortably.

Each airline adds its own layer of rules. Lufthansa accepts pets in cabin up to eight kilos, with a soft-sided carrier (here are our top 5 travel bags) that fits under the seat. Air France has a similar limit but slightly different carrier dimensions. Ryanair, on the other hand, does not accept pets at all — only assistance dogs on certain routes. These differences are not negotiable. If your pet does not meet the airline’s exact policy, boarding will be refused.

Documents are also checked at check-in. Even if your dog has a Pet Passport or an AHC, the airline staff will go through it page by page before issuing a boarding pass. That is why online check-in is usually impossible when flying with pets.

🐾 — Complete guide: Flying with cats — ✈️

Examples of airline requirements

Lufthansa

Accepts pets in cabin up to 8 kg including carrier. Larger dogs travel in the hold. Brachycephalic breeds are not accepted in the hold for safety reasons. Booking must be requested at least 72 hours in advance.

Check our full guide on pet policy in Lufthansa here.

Air France

Allows cats and dogs in cabin up to 8 kg with a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat. Larger pets travel as checked baggage or cargo. Snub-nosed breeds face restrictions, particularly in the hold. You can find our full guide on Air France pet policy here.

KLM

Follows the 8 kg cabin rule. Pets can also travel in the hold, but space is limited and must be reserved early. Brachycephalic breeds are not accepted in the hold. Read more about KLM pet policy here.

Iberia & Vueling

Both allow small pets in cabin, again up to about 8 kg. Vueling offers more low-cost options but with stricter booking limits and Iberia is always a solid choice.

easyJet

Does not allow pets, with the sole exception of assistance dogs. This surprises many pet owners booking popular holiday flights. We have an article about their pet policy here.

Wizz Air

Like easyJet, pets are not permitted on board. Only assistance dogs are allowed. Read more about the Wizz Air pet policy here.

TAP Portugal

Accepts pets in cabin up to 8 kg and in the hold on most routes. For Madeira and the Azores, spaces are limited so early booking is vital.

Finnair

Allows small pets in cabin up to 8 kg. For hold travel, Finnair is one of the more pet-friendly airlines in Northern Europe, but reservations must be made well in advance.

Ryanair

Has a strict no-pet policy. Only certified assistance dogs are allowed, and only on selected routes. For anyone travelling with a dog or cat, Ryanair is simply not an option.

Common pitfalls

The most frequent problem is the timing of the rabies vaccine. The microchip must always be implanted before the jab; if it’s the other way round, the vaccination is invalid in the eyes of border control. Another trap is the ten-day validity window for the Animal Health Certificate. If you collect it too early and travel later, it will be rejected at entry.

Transit flights also create confusion. The country where you first land in the EU is the place where your pet’s documents are inspected — even if you’re just changing planes. This catches many travellers by surprise.

🐾 — When you need DOT form — ✈️

FAQs about pet travel rules

Why tapeworm treatment for dogs travel is required in some EU countries

Some EU countries, like Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta, have stayed free from a dangerous parasite called Echinococcus multilocularis. This type of tapeworm may be harmless to dogs, but if it spreads in wildlife or gets into the environment, it can pose a serious risk to humans and other animals. That’s why these countries have strict rules in place to prevent its introduction.

To keep things safe for everyone — from local wildlife to other travellers — dogs traveling to these specific countries must be treated with a specific worming medication shortly before arrival.

Which countries require Echinococcus treatment for dogs

Some EU countries have taken extra precautions to stay free of Echinococcus multilocularis, a dangerous tapeworm that can affect wildlife and even humans. To protect their ecosystems, these countries require dogs to receive a certified deworming treatment before entering their borders — no matter where you’re coming from.

Current list of countries that require tapeworm treatment 2026

• Finland
• Ireland
• Malta
• Norway

🐾 — Everything about Finnair pet policy — ✈️

Timing of the Echinococcus treatment for dogs

To meet the requirements, the tapeworm treatment must be given no earlier than 120 hours and no later than 24 hours before entering the country — that’s within a 1 to 5 day window.

It’s a small time frame, so it’s worth planning your vet visit and travel date carefully. The exact time and date of treatment will need to be recorded by the vet in your dog’s EU pet passport or EU health certificate.

What medication is accepted

Most vets will use a standard deworming tablet that’s approved for travel — usually one that contains praziquantel, which is commonly used for tapeworm prevention. You don’t need to worry about choosing the right product yourself — just let your vet know you’re preparing for travel and they’ll take care of it.

What matters is that the product name is clearly written in your dog’s passport or certificate, along with the date, time, and vet’s stamp.

Can I give my dog the worming tablet myself before travel?

Even if you’ve got experience giving your dog tablets at home, the tapeworm treatment for travel needs to be done and recorded by a vet. That’s not just a recommendation — it’s part of the official entry requirements.

The vet will not only give the treatment, but also document the exact time and date, the name of the product, and their signature and stamp in your dog’s EU pet passport or animal health certificate.

🐾 — All about pet travel documents here —

Common mistakes to avoid

We’ve made some of these ourselves — and seen others run into them too, so we are bringing you some tips and things to pay attention to:

• Bad timing – treatment must be given 1 to 5 days before arrival.
• Missing vet stamp or product name – without it, the passport entry isn’t valid.
• Doing it yourself – only a vet can administer and record it for travel.
• Forgetting it’s needed every time – not just the first trip.

🐾 — Step by step: How to book a flight with pet —

FAQs about dog worming travel EU

Resources:

• European Commission – Pet travel regulations
• Finland – info about pet travel
• Ireland – info about pet travel
• Malta – info about pet travel
• Norway – info about pet travel