The EU Pet Passport is an official document that proves your dog is microchipped, vaccinated and fit for travel. It’s required for crossing European borders — whether you fly, drive or take the ferry. Valid in all EU countries and more, it makes pet travel in 2025 safe and smooth.
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.
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 Animal Health Certificate (AHC), 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. 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.
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.
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
What is an EU Pet Passport?
An EU Pet Passport is an official document issued by an authorized EU vet (or a vet in EU-recognized countries like Norway or Switzerland). It records your pet’s microchip ID, rabies vaccination, and other health information — and is valid for life, provided vaccinations stay current.
Can I fly with my dog without an EU Pet Passport?
No. Airlines and border controllers require a valid EU Pet Passport (or, for non-EU residents, an Animal Health Certificate). Without one, you’ll likely be denied boarding, fined, or your pet may be placed in quarantine.
Is the EU Animal Health Certificate the same as a Pet Passport?
Not at all. The EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a one‑time document, valid for 10 days upon entry from non-EU countries (e.g. UK, US) and covers up to 4 months within the EU European Union +1 acrossthepondpet.com +1 . The EU Pet Passport, in contrast, is reusable indefinitely.
Can I get an EU Pet Passport if I don’t live in the EU?
Not from outside the EU. You must be in the EU (or in an EU-associated country) and present your pet to an authorized vet there.
How long is an EU Pet Passport valid?
Indefinitely, as long as the rabies vaccination remains current. If the vaccine lapses, your pet must receive a booster — stamped in the passport — and then wait at least 21 days before traveling.
Do puppies need an EU Pet Passport?
Yes—but only after they’re at least 12 weeks old and have received a rabies vaccination, with a 21-day waiting period before any international travel.
What if I lose the EU Pet Passport?
Microchip records remain intact. To travel again, visit any authorized EU vet: they’ll issue a replacement passport based on your pet’s microchip and up-to-date health data.
Can I use an EU Pet Passport for pets other than dogs, cats, or ferrets?
No. The EU Pet Passport is only valid for dogs, cats, and ferrets. For other animals (e.g., rabbits, reptiles, birds), check national regulations, that is why additional certificates or permits may be required.