travel to europe with dogs

Ultimate Guide: Bringing Your Dog to Europe from US in 2024

August 3, 2023
Dog Travel Tips , Europe Pet Friendly Guides , Uncategorized

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You can bring your dog to Europe from the US in 2024. It’s easier in 2024 than before but it still requires careful preparation and adherence to each European country’s specific regulations . Generally, you will need a valid pet microchip for identification, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), and a pet health certificate from a veterinarian. Some countries may also impose quarantine periods or have breed-specific restrictions but that is very rare.

Additionally, you must check with your chosen airline for their pet travel policies and fees. By meeting all the necessary requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this blog article are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

How to Bring Your Dog to Europe From US

Step 1: you must decide where you want to go (which european country) and when.

The first thing is deciding where to go and when. This, we believe, is the first step because it determines the rest of how you plan and go about obtaining the required documents.

If you decide to go to Europe during the off-season (November – March), then plane tickets and accommodations will be much more affordable than during high season (late May – August). Shoulder season (April – mid June; late September – October) would be a great in-between option in terms of prices and crowds.

As a general rule of thumb, you should give yourself at least 3 months of planning before you leave for Europe with your dog.

Once you choose the country you plan on going to and when, then you can move onto the next step…

Step 2: Book a vet appointment as soon as possible

First, it is mandatory that your pet is microchipped and has their up to date vaccinations in order to travel to Europe. Please double check with your vet about this before booking any appointments. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip.

After ensuring your pet is microchipped and has the necessary vaccines you will need to book an appointment with an accredited vet who can issue you an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate . Not all vets are able to do this. We recommend calling your vet’s office first and confirming before booking an appointment. You can also search this database as well to find an accredited vet.

Below is a script you can use when calling the vet:

“Hello, I plan on traveling to [European Country] on [Date you plan on traveling] and need a pet health certificate done for my pet. Does your office have any vets that are accredited and able to issue this for me?”

To clarify, an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate is a document that is given to you and your pet from a vet, after the vet has deemed your pet healthy enough for travel. You will need the hard copy of this form, embossed and signed by the USDA endorsement office when you fly. Meaning this document can not be shown electronically through your phone or computer. When you are checking into your flight, the airline will required the hard copy of this document. You may also need to show this document upon arrival at your designated country as well.

It is also important to note that if you do not have an European Union pet passport for your dog or pet then you will need to visit the vet and get your pet health certificate done within 10 days of your departure date (your flight date).

More Information About the USDA-Endorsed Pet Health Certificate

To meet your designated country’s requirements for an USDA-endorsed pet health certificate you must obtain this from an accredited veterinarian. They will assist in completing, signing, and dating the necessary certificate. Your veterinarian can then submit the certificate directly to the USDA Endorsement Office through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) or provide you with the paperwork for you to submit to the office yourself. The USDA Endorsement office will then emboss and sign the hard copy and send it back directly to you so you can bring it to the airport. Please note that you will have to pay for shipping.

bodhi mini dachshund dog in paris, petfriendly hotels

Step 3: Book your flight and check airline requirements

Next is making sure you book flights for you and your pet! This step can be done simultaneously with Step 2; however we find that if you get your vet appointment date booked and figure out all that business with the USDA-endorsed pet health certificate then booking your flight becomes more seamless.

We are based in California so flying into a major European city such as Paris, Milan, etc would be the most efficient because they tend to have direct flights. We flew French Bee and loved it! Very straight to the point, cost efficient and we have not experience any delays or cancellations with them.

We listed below the airlines you can bring your dog and fly in cabin with them to Europe from US in 2023. You can click on the links to each airline to be taken directly to their pet policy page.

Aegean Airlines
TAP Air Portugal (We do not recommend flying with them. We experienced a lot of issues with this airline.)
United Airlines

It is also important to note that you will need to buy a soft carrier for your pet if you plan on traveling in cabin with them. We rated the top 5 best dog carriers for 2023 here if you want to check that out!

We recommend you review your airline’s pet policy in detail and understand the following:

their maximum weight allotment (usually has to be under 17-22 pounds, including the carrier)
their maximum carrier size & carrier requirements
the cost to fly your pet in cabin with you
if there are any additional paperwork needed to check your dog into the flight

Step 4: Ensure your pet and you are ready for travel

Lastly, once everything is squared away you can relax! Well, sort of. We recommend you train your pet for airline travel. Getting your pet used to the carrier, making sure they relieve themselves before the flight, and watching their food and water intake are all things you must do to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want a free guide on how to best prepare your dog for in cabin airplane travel then just sign up to our newsletter below & get it instantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can i take my dog to europe from the us without flying.

In 2023, flying to Europe from the US is one of the fastest ways to travel with your pet. However, there are other options if you prefer not to fly.

Ferry travel with pets is available on many large ships in US and Europe. You can sail for several hours or even days, with accommodations for both you and your pet. The ferries make stops in various countries during the journey.

You also have the option to charter a private yacht as well — but we believe this to be unnecessary and extremely pricey.

Can you bring a dog on a plane to Europe from US?

Yes! You can bring a dog on a plane to Europe. We’ve listed the airlines that allow in cabin pets to fly with their owners above. However, you must meet all the requirements and have the appropriate paperwork in order to do so.

An accredited vet needs to sign the form, and then the USDA endorsement office must endorse it within 48 hours before your pet arrives in Europe. The hard copy of the form must be on hand while traveling. If your pet is just passing through the EU, you don’t need to follow this rule.

Can dogs fly in the cabin from US to Europe?

Yes! In 2023 there are plenty of options if you want to bring your dog to Europe from the US via airplane. When flying to Europe from the USA with your dog, it’s best to choose European flag-carrier airlines as they are more likely to allow pets in the cabin with you. We’ve listed the 2023 airlines that allow pets in cabin above!

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

It really all depends on when you’re traveling and where you’re traveling to. However, bringing your dog on a flight in the cabin usually costs around $125 to $250. Whereas transporting them in the cargo hold can usually be well over $1,000. For international pet shipping, licensed companies usually charge between $1,000 and $6,000. We’ve heard some destinations you have to pay upwards of $10,000 to transport your pet.

How hard is it to bring a dog to Europe?

We would say it’s not hard but it takes work. Before bringing your dog, cat, or ferret to any European Union country, your pet needs to have a microchip. Note that previous vaccinations won’t be valid if given before the microchip. Even if your pet’s rabies vaccination is still valid, it must be re-vaccinated for rabies after getting the microchip. Please also double check with the official USA website here as well as the EU official website here for up to date regulations, updates and changes.

Do dogs need a passport to fly internationally to Europe?

You do not need an EU pet passport for your dog unless you are traveling in Europe with your dog for more than 90 days. However, the European Union EU dog pet passport makes it easier for your dog to travel across Europe.

How much does it cost to travel with a dog in Europe?

It depends! If you are flying into Europe with your dog from the US then it can usually cost $100-250 extra.

However, if you’re traveling around Europe when you are already in Europe then the price can be much cheaper. Sites like Omio are pet friendly and offers affordable prices for pet friendly train rides. Dogs even get to ride for free on most trains (if your pet is in a pet carrier).

Also, if you have an European Union pet passport this allows your dog, cat, or ferret to travel effortlessly within the EU and even to non-EU countries (like UK, Switzerland, Iceland, etc). We highly recommend getting a European Union pet passport for your pet!

What is the weight limit for dogs to fly in cabin?

This will vary across different airlines. So make sure you double check with each airline’s pet policy. We link each airline and their pet policy above to make it easier for you to check!

Generally, however, we have found the weight limit for dogs/pets in the cabin to be 17-22 pounds or less. This includes the carrier’s and your pet’s weight.

Do dogs have to quarantine in Europe?

Good news! Pets traveling between Europe and the US do not need to go through quarantine, so you can bring your pet to your hotel or destination right when you land. The rules are simple: ensure your pet has a rabies vaccine, a microchip, and a health certificate from a USDA vet. That’s all you need to worry about!

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We hope you found this article helpful!

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Did this post help you sniff out some useful info for your furry friend?

If so, don’t be shy, give us a bark in the comments section! We love hearing from our fellow dog lovers on the go.

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Traveling With a Dog to Europe: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

By Jessica Kim

Updated on Apr 9, 2024

dog inside a carrier held by a man at the airport

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Traveling to Europe with your dog is a great way to create fun memories and make your travel experience unique. However, there’s no denying that it takes extra time and planning to ensure your dog is ready to travel. You’ll have to make sure that you obtain all the necessary travel documents and work with airline companies and hotels that can accommodate dogs.

It can feel overwhelming as you’re trying to figure out how to travel with your dog to Europe. So, we’ll go over the basics of what you need to do to ensure that you and your dog can travel together.

The 10 Tips for Traveling With a Dog to Europe

1. research the destination country’s travel policy.

Before you start booking flights, make sure to familiarize yourself with your destination country’s pet travel laws. If you’re going to a country that is a member of the European Union, you can start your research by viewing the European Union’s travel requirements for pets. Just keep in mind that while most countries in the European Union have similar travel policies, some can have slightly differing requirements for the types of vaccinations your dog will need.

2. Get Your Dog Microchipped

In order to enter a European Union country, your dog must be microchipped. It’s most convenient to use an ISO-compliant microchip, as customs officials will have scanners for these types of microchips. If your dog hasn’t been microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip, you can either bring your own scanner for your dog’s current microchip or have your veterinarian implant a second one.

Microchipping is still important even if a country doesn’t require it. Traveling can be stressful for dogs, and they’re often more prone to wandering off and getting lost. So, getting your dog microchipped and updating the information associated with the microchip is a standard practice for pet travel.

3. Schedule a Veterinarian Appointment

One of the most significant documents you’ll have to obtain is a pet health certificate. You can start to apply for this certificate by visiting a federally-accredited veterinarian, which is a veterinarian that’s authorized to endorse pet health certificates. A federally-accredited veterinarian can conduct a physical exam and make sure that your dog gets all the vaccines, tests or treatments that are required by the country you’re entering.

Keep in mind that some European countries have varying waiting periods for dogs that can enter their country after they’ve gotten a specific vaccine. So, it’s extremely important to schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as possible in case your destination country requires a waiting period.

4. Receive a USDA Endorsement

Many countries require a health certificate that’s endorsed by the USDA. You can obtain a USDA endorsement by having an accredited veterinarian complete, sign, and date a health certificate. The veterinarian will submit the health certificate to the USDA or provide sufficient paperwork so that you can submit it yourself. The processing period can vary, and it can take several weeks for the paperwork to be processed and endorsed.

5. Book Flights With the Right Airlines

Make sure to read through each airline company’s pet travel policy because they can differ from one another. For example, some companies don’t allow dogs to travel in cargo, and others won’t allow pets on flights that last over a certain number of hours. It’s also important to find out if a company has breed restrictions and won’t allow certain dog breeds on their flights.

It’s best to contact an airline company directly to get the most updated information on their pet travel policies. A representative will be able to walk you through all the documents you need to obtain and ensure that your dog is able to travel with them.

6. Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel

It can take some time to find a pet-friendly hotel abroad, so try to begin your search as soon as you can. Pet-friendly hotels will have their own rules and regulations with dogs on their premises. Most won’t allow unleashed dogs in shared spaces, and some won’t allow dogs to remain unattended in their rooms. As with airline companies, it’s best to contact pet-friendly hotels directly to get their most updated pet policies, as they can change at any time.

7. Purchase an Airline-Approved Travel Crate

Once you’re ready to book a flight with an airline, check to make sure that you have a dog crate that’s compliant with the airline’s requirements. Dogs traveling in-cabin must remain in their crates throughout the duration of the flight, and they must be stowed beneath your seat. So, it’s important to find a crate that’s both comfortable for your dog and in compliance with the airline’s dimension and size requirements.

If you’re looking for a new travel dog crate, it’s best to start your search by asking your airline company if they have any specific recommendations. You must also get your dog acclimated and comfortable inside the crate, so it’s important to start or brush up on crate training at least a few weeks before your flight departure date.

8. Be Prepared at Customs

Make sure that you have all your paperwork in one place so that you can enter and exit customs with ease. You should have your dog’s endorsed health certificate on hand, and it’s also helpful to have their microchip ID written on any travel documents so that the customs officer can view and verify them quickly.

If your dog is traveling in cargo, you’ll receive a tracking number, also known as an air waybill number, after you’ve checked them in. Make sure to keep this number in a safe spot, as you’ll need it to claim your dog in customs.

9. Consider Getting an EU Pet Passport

If you plan to be abroad in Europe for a long time and will travel to different countries, you may want to consider getting an EU Pet Passport. An EU Pet Passport is an official health document that enables dogs to travel through EU countries with just one health document rather than having health documents for each individual country. The purpose of this passport is to make traveling with dogs easier, but it’s not necessary, especially if you only plan to visit one country.

An EU Pet Passport cannot be issued in the US , and you’ll have to schedule an appointment with an accredited veterinarian in an EU country to obtain one.

10. Take It Easy on the First Few Days in Europe

Traveling can be very stressful for dogs , so it’s important to take it easy once you arrive in Europe. Make sure to spend the rest of the day with your dog, check on their condition, and look for any signs of illness. It’ll also be helpful to map any vet clinics near your hotel in case of any emergencies.

It’ll take a few days for your dog to adjust to being in a new country, so try not to engage in any over strenuous and over stimulating activities right away.

When traveling to Europe with dogs, it’s best to have as much time as possible on your side.

Getting a USDA endorsement on health certificates can take several weeks, and some countries have vaccination waiting periods. So, make sure to contact a federally-accredited veterinarian and start the process of getting a health certificate right away. If you have any questions about pet travel , it’s best to contact the USDA or the embassy of your destination country to obtain the most accurate and updated information.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/pet-travel-info-and-guidance-document/pet-travel-guidance
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pet_travel-european_union_pet_passports

Featured Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad

Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

Travelling to an eu country or northern ireland.

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:

a microchip
a valid rabies vaccination
an animal health certificate , or a valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to
tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta

These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

If you have a pet passport

You cannot use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

You can only use a pet passport if the country you’re travelling to accepts passports for pets coming from Great Britain. The passport must have been issued in one of the following places:

an EU country
Faroe Islands
Liechtenstein
Northern Ireland
Switzerland
Vatican City State

You should check if it’s accepted before you travel and find out if you need any other supporting documents .

If it is not accepted, you’ll need an animal health certificate instead.

Travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland

If you have a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland, contact your vet for advice before travelling.

Read the rules about taking pets to Northern Ireland on the NIDirect website before you travel.

Arriving in an EU country or Northern Ireland

You’ll need to go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

You may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their:

rabies vaccination
tapeworm treatment (if required)

Repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as its rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.

Travelling with more than 5 pets

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you’re attending or training for a:

competition
sporting event

You’ll need written evidence of registration for the event when you travel.

All your pets must:

be attending the event or training
be over 6 months old
meet all the other requirements for pet travel to that country

Exporting pets for commercial purposes

Read the Border Operating Model if you want to export pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland for commercial reasons such as change of ownership.

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Traveling to Europe with a Dog: How to Take Your Dog to Europe - IL

I was talking to a sassy American woman on the cusp of retirement. She was buying my car and asked why I was selling a fairly new vehicle with such low mileage. When I told her I was going to Italy —with no plans to return—she got a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes…then looked a little sad. She would love to go to Europe, she said, but she couldn’t bear to leave her pets behind.

That’s when I gave her the good news: You can take your pets from the U.S. to Europe. In fact, today I’m sitting in a cozy apartment overlooking a moody autumnal landscape in Riga, Latvia, with my dog, Luna, snuggled up on the couch next to me.

Since that conversation, Luna has been to 19 European countries, and we’ve already booked #20 (Lithuania) and started dreaming about #21 (Greece).

So…how did I, a U.S. citizen, get Luna, a U.S.-born pooch here?

Research, patience, and paperwork. Here are some simple steps that will get you and your dog safely, legally, and happily to Europe.

1. Make sure your dog is healthy, microchipped, and ready for travel.

To travel internationally with your dog, you’ll need to get an international standard microchip (HomeAgain is a common brand) and make sure your dog is up-to-date on his or her vaccines (especially the rabies shot, of which the most recent shot must be given at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before your trip).

Many countries, including all those in the European Union, require pet dogs, cats, and ferrets to be microchipped before travel. A microchip compatible with ISO standard 11784 or 11785 is recommended. If your pet has a different microchip, consider buying a microchip reader and taking it with you. And note that, if you have to get your dog microchipped, you must do it before you get your dog’s latest rabies vaccine, so at least three weeks before your trip.

2. Check the dog travel policies of your preferred airline.

On some airlines, like Delta, XL Air, or Air France, a few small dogs are allowed to travel in-cabin, while large dogs travel as cargo. Other airlines require that all pets travel as cargo. Keep in mind that many airlines don’t accept pets in cargo during the hot summer months, as this area isn’t air conditioned while the plane is on the runway.

3. Check the requirements and fill out the paperwork for your first destination.

Bear in mind the requirements are set by the country of destination, not the U.S. If you are arriving directly in Italy, you’ll need a veterinary certificate in English and Italian. If you are flying into France , you’ll need one in English and French. And if you are cruising or flying into the U.K., there are a few extra guidelines you’ll need to follow and extra fees you’ll need to pay, which you can find on the DEFRA website .

For any of these countries, you’ll need a USDA-approved vet to fill out the above mentioned paperwork, usually within 10 days of travel (in the case of the U.K., within 5 days). Make sure to ask the vet about their certification. Then you can either mail your papers or drive over to the nearest USDA office for a stamp of approval. This stamped paperwork is what the customs officials will want to see when you arrive.

Keep in mind that each USDA office has slightly different policies (for example: in San Diego, I had to show up between certain hours and wait in line for my paperwork approval; in Denver, I had to make an appointment), so contact your local office ahead of time to find out about appointments, fees, and payment options for the fees.

4. Make sure you’re ready for travel.

If you have a nervous dog, ask your vet about safe sedatives for the trip and make sure to bring your Thunder Shirt or a comforting toy. This is only recommended for dogs traveling in-cabin where you can supervise them.

If you’re flying with your pet in-cabin, you’ll need a soft-sided, flexible pet carrier that will fit under the seat (and don’t trust the marketing—you can find airline seat measurements at www.dogjaunt.com and measure carriers to make sure they’ll fit). You may also want to bring treats to keep blood sugar levels up, a portable water bowl, and pee pads (if your dog is trained to use them), which you can take to the bathroom for a mid-flight potty break.

If your dog is flying as cargo, make sure your hard-sided case meets the airline’s requirements (which vary from airline to airline and can be found on the airline’s website) and consult with your vet about how much food or water to leave with your pet.

5. When traveling between European countries…

The USDA paperwork is officially good for travel within the E.U. for up to 90 days. If you are traveling in or moving to the E.U. for more than 90 days, you’ll need to complete one final step: getting your European pet passport. This passport documents all vaccinations and health check-ups and allows your dog to travel freely in between European countries.

To get a pet passport, you’ll need to make an appointment with a local vet in your first destination. They’ll check your vaccination records (so make sure you have those) and your pet’s microchip and fill out a small passport style booklet that declares your pet micro-chipped and healthy. Usually, this process can be done in the office same day, but it’s always smart to give yourself an extra day or two just in case (my first pet passport, for example, ended up taking two days and two visits due to a typo).

A handful of European countries have additional requirements for pet travel, so if you’re traveling to multiple countries, always make sure to check the official requirements before you go. Norway, and the U.K., for example, require a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet five days (or less) before you cross their borders. And if the U.K. executes a no-deal Brexit this year, there will be additional paperwork required to travel between the E.U. and the U.K.

European countries not yet in the E.U. are also subjected to additional requirements (Montenegro, for example, is a high rabies risk country and you will need a blood titer test done by an E.U.-approved lab at least 30 days before your trip if you want to re-enter the E.U. after visiting the pretty coastal vacation spot).

6. Finally, enjoy your new home.

Dogs are absolutely adored in France, Italy, and other European countries. They’re often allowed in restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. Overall, Europe is far more pet-friendly than the U.S.

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How to Fly To Europe With a Pet In The Cabin

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Cheap fares to Europe are relatively easy to find, and more and more hotels are becoming pet friendly . But if you're planning on taking your pet with you to Europe, you'll need to choose your airline selectively. Some airlines don't allow pets in the cabin — and among the airlines that do allow pets in cabin, some charge significantly higher fees than others or require much smaller carrier dimensions.

This guide covers the current options for flying with your pet in cabin between the US and Europe. Policies for pets traveling as checked baggage, pets traveling as cargo, service animals and emotional support animals are different and aren't considered in this guide. Plus, since it's best to minimize transit time when traveling with pets, only airlines offering direct flights between the US and Europe are included.

If you want to jump to a summary of the airlines that allow pets in cabin on at least some flights between the US and Europe, click on "Comparison Table" in the table of contents below. Otherwise, details are given for each airline in individual sections below.

Direct flights to/from Moscow (SVO) : Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Most types except "potentially dangerous" dog breeds, brachycephalic dog breeds (such as French bulldogs, because of potential respiratory trouble), rodents and reptiles

Maximum carrier dimensions : 125cm (about 49 inches) sum of length, width and height for hard-sided carriers, 135cm (about 53 inches) sum of length, width and height for soft-sided carriers

Maximum carrier weight : 8kg (about 17.6lbs)

Fee : 75 euros (about $92)

Direct flights to/from Madrid (MAD) : Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), seasonal destinations

Pets allowed : Dogs, cats, some birds, fish, aquarium turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs and small rabbits

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 35cm by 25cm (about 21 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : 150 euros (about $184) departing Europe, $165 departing the US

Direct flights to/from Paris (CDG) : Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Seatle (SEA), Washington (IAD)

Direct flights to/from Paris (ORY) : New York (JFK)

Air France's long-haul Premium Economy, which allows pets (Photo by Brendan Dorsey / The Points Guy)

Pets allowed : Dogs (except Category 1 and Category 2 as defined by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry ) and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 46cm by 28cm by 24cm (about 18 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches), must be soft-sided. Air France sells carriers on their website, although use of these carriers isn't required.

Fee : 125 euros (about $154)

Restrictions : Pets can't fly in the business class cabin.

Direct flights to/from Belgrade (BEG) : New York (JFK)

Pets allowed : Dogs and cats that aren't dangerous or aggressive

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 30cm by 24cm (about 15 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : 85 euros (about $104)

Air Tahiti Nui

Direct flights to/from Paris (CDG) : Los Angeles (LAX)

Pets allowed : Dogs and cats that weigh less than 5kg (about 11lbs)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 35cm by 20cm (about 15 inches by 13 inches by 7 inches)

Fee : $150 when departing LAX, 150 euros (about $184) when departing CDG

Direct flights to/from Rome (FCO) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK)

Direct flights to/from Milan (MXP) : New York (JFK)

Alitalia's US flights are mostly on the Airbus A330-200, whose coach class, with armrest that cannot be fully lifted, is seen here. (Photo by Alberto Riva / The Points Guy)

Pets allowed : Dogs, cats, ferrets and canaries

Maximum carrier dimensions : Varies by aircraft, but generally 40cm long by 20cm wide by 24cm high (about 15 inches by 9 inches by 7 inches). Soft-sided carriers can be slightly taller.

Maximum carrier weight : 10kg (about 22lbs)

Fee : $200 when departing the US, 125 euros (about $154) when departing Europe

Austrian Airlines

Direct flights to/from Vienna (VIE) : Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs or cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 118cm (about 46 inches) sum of length, width and height

Fee : 70 euros (about $86)

Brussels Airlines

Direct flights to/from Brussels (BRU) : New York (JFK) and Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 118cm (about 46 inches) sum of length, width and height, must be soft-sided. Brussels Airlines sells approved carriers at BRU for 45 euros (about $55), but passengers may provide their own if it meets the requirements.

Fee : 70 euros (about $86) when departing Europe, $90 when departing the US

Direct flights to/from Frankfurt (FRA) : Anchorage (ANC), Las Vegas (LAS), Minneapolis (MSP), New Orleans (MSY), Phoenix (PHX), Pittsburgh (PIT), Portland (PDX), Washington (BWI)

Pets allowed : Dogs (except fighting breeds and snub-nosed breeds) and cats (except snub-nosed breeds)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 20cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 7 inches)

Maximum carrier weight : 6kg (about 13.2lbs)

Fee : 99.99 euros (about $123) — or 94.99 euros (about $117) if booked more than 30 days before departure. Pets can be easily added while purchasing a flight on the Condor website.

Restrictions : Condor requires a pet passport when departing Germany, so arrange that in Europe before your return flight.

Delta Airlines

Direct flights to/from New York (JFK) : Amsterdam (AMS), Athens (ATH), Barcelona (BCN), Berlin (TXL), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), Lisbon (LIS), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Nice (NCE), Paris (CDG), Prague (PRG), Rome (FCO), Reykjavik (KEF), Venice (VCE), Zurich (ZRH)

Delta's Economy class on the new Airbus A350, now flying to Amsterdam (Photo by Zach Honig / The Points Guy)

Direct flights to/from Atlanta (ATL) : Amsterdam (AMS), Barcelona (BCN), Brussels (BRU), Düsseldorf (DUS), Frankfurt (FRA), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO), Stuttgart (STR)

Direct flights to/from Detroit (DTW) : Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO)

Direct flights to/from Boston (BOS), Minneapolis (MSP), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA) : Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG)

Direct flights to/from Cincinnati (CVG), New York (EWR), Raleigh (RDU) : Paris (CDG)

Direct flights to/from Orlando (MCO), Portland (PDX) : Amsterdam (AMS)

No UK or Ireland destinations are included on the above lists since Delta doesn't transport any live animals in the cabin on these flights.

Maximum carrier dimensions and weight : Varies based on itinerary, but animals must fit into their carrier "without touching or protruding from the sides"

Fee : $200 when departing the US, 200 euros (about $246) when departing Europe

Restrictions : Pets can't be carried in International Business, International First and International Delta One cabins.

Direct flights to/from Zurich (ZRH) : Denver (DEN), Los Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), San Diego (SAN), Tampa (TPA)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 23cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches), must be soft-sided

Fee : 70 euros (about $86) or 90 Swiss Franc (about $92). The fee includes a seat reservation.

Direct flights to/from Helsinki (HEL) : Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO)

Pets allowed : Dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents

Maximum carrier dimensions : 35cm by 30cm by 20cm (about 13 inches by 11 inches by 7 inches) for hard-sided, 56cm by 45cm by 25cm (about 22 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches) for soft-sided

Fee : $100 from the US to Europe, 75 euros (about $92) from Europe to the US

Restrictions : Pets can't be carried in the business class cabin on international flights.

Notes : The request to carry a pet in cabin can be completed online .

Direct flights to/from Madrid (MAD) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO)

Pets allowed : Various, must be approved by Iberia booking office. The only type of animal explicitly prohibited is weasels.

Maximum carrier dimensions : 45cm by 35cm by 25cm (about 17 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches)

Fees : $150 when departing the US, 150 euros (about $184) when departing Europe

Restrictions : Dogs that belong to a list of dangerous breeds or have a particular "build, muscle, height and weight" must wear a muzzle when out of their carrier for security check.

Direct flights to/from Amsterdam (AMS) : Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Salt Lake City (SLC), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

With KLM, you can fly your pet to Europe on a 747 like this one (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 46cm by 28cm by 24cm (about 18 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : $125 for flights departing the US, 125 euros (about $154) for flights departing Europe

Restrictions : Pets can't be carried in the business class cabin on transatlantic flights.

Direct flights to/from Warsaw (WAW) : Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 20cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 7 inches) on longhaul aircraft, 45cm by 30cm by 20cm (17 inches by 11 inches by 7 inches) on other aircraft

Fee : 280 Polish Zloty (about $83) when departing Poland, 70 euros (about $86) when departing from other European countries, $100 when departing the US

Direct flights to/from Frankfurt (FRA) : Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), Orlando (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), Seattle (SEA), Tampa (TPA), Washington (IAD)

Direct flights to/from Munich (MUC) : Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs (non-dangerous breeds or dangerous breeds aged between four and six months) and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 23cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : $115-126 for flights departing the US, 100-110 euros (about $115-126) for flights departing Europe

Direct flights to/from Paris (ORY) : New York (EWR) until the end of Summer 2018

Maximum carrier dimensions : 45cm by 30cm by 24cm (about 17 inches by 11 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : $196 on flights departing the US, 125 euros (about $154) on flights departing Europe

Direct flights to/from Copenhagen (CPH) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

Direct flights to/from Stockholm (ARN) : Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (EWR)

Direct flights to/from Oslo (OSL) : New York (EWR)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 25cm by 23cm (15 inches by 9 inches by 9 inches), carrier must be specifically designed for flight transport

Fee : $115 when departing the US, 95 euros (about $117) when departing Scandinavia. There may be an additional pet fee levied on connecting flights.

Restrictions : No pets can travel in business class.

Direct flights to/from Zurich (ZRH) : Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK), San Francisco (SFO)

Direct flights to/from Geneva (GVA) : New York (JFK)

The economy cabin of a Swiss 777 (Photo by J Keith van Straaten / The Points Guy)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 23cm by 40cm (about 21 inches by 9 inches by 15 inches), must be soft-sided

Fee : 103-126 Swiss Franc ($106-129), 90-110 euros ($111-135) or $103-126 — the exact price depends on route

Notes : Swiss' Airbus 330/340 doesn't have underseat storage in the First class cabin and only has underseat storage in the last row of the Business class cabin. For business and first class passengers with pets in seats without underseat storage, the "crew will stow the transport container in the cloakroom, in one of the overhead luggage compartments or under another passenger seat during take-off and landing." After a dog died in an overhead bin on United , I hope Swiss reconsiders their policy to store pets in the overhead bin.

TAP Portugal

Direct flights to/from Lisbon (LIS) : Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA), New York (EWR, JFK)

Direct flights to/from Porto (OPO) : New York (EWR)

Maximum carrier dimensions : 40cm by 33cm by 17cm (about 15 inches by 13 inches by 6 inches), must be soft-sided

Maximum carrier weight: 8kg (about 17.6lbs)

Fee : 150 euros (about $184)

Restrictions : No pets can travel in the executive cabin on long-haul flights.

Notes : The pet's documents may need to be emailed ahead of time to Portugal's Veterinary Directorate-General and a 40 euro (about $49) veterinary examination fee may be required at the port of entry.

Turkish Airlines

Direct flights to/from Istanbul (IST) : Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD)

Pets allowed : Dogs (no dangerous breeds), cats and some caged birds

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 23cm (21 inches by 15 inches by 9 inches)

Fee : Depends on the route, should be between $160 and $205

Restrictions : Dogs and cats as well as cats and birds can't be carried on the same flight. Dogs and birds can travel on the same flight as long as they're seated as far from each other as possible.

Ukraine International

Direct flights to/from Kiev (KBP) : New York (JFK)

Pets allowed : Dogs (except French / English bulldogs and dogs younger than six months on flights to the US) and cats

Maximum carrier dimensions : 55cm by 40cm by 20cm (about 21 inches by 15 inches by 7 inches), must be soft-sided

Fee : 100 euros (about $123) if paid more than 24 hours before departure, 200 euros (about $246) within 24 hours of departure or at check-in, 240 euros (about $295) at the gate

United Airlines

Direct flights : to various European cities from United hubs in Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (EWR), San Francisco (SFO) and Washington (IAD)

The Economy cabin on a United Boeing 777-300ER (Photo by The Points Guy)

Pets allowed : Varies based on route

Maximum carrier dimensions and weight : Varies based on itinerary

Restrictions : Pets aren't permitted in premium cabins on Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Customers with pets in cabin must sit in a window seat when traveling in economy on Boeing 757-200 aircraft.

Comparison Table

Here's a table summarizing the fees, maximum carrier weight and maximum carrier size for the airlines in this guide that allow pets in cabin on at least some routes between the US and Europe.

Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Finnair, LOT and Lufthansa have the lowest fees for a pet in cabin at around 70-75 euros (about $86-92) or $90-100. Delta has one of the highest pet in cabin fees at 200 euros (about $246) or $200.

Pet in cabin fees are typically assessed at check-in, although some airlines require advanced purchase. Either way, make sure to use a card that provides bonus spending for airline travel. Top choices are the The Platinum Card® from American Express ( 5x on airfare ), Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel).

Most airlines require that the carrier with the pet inside weighs no more than 8kg (about 17.6lbs). Alitalia is the only airline to allow slightly heavier pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe with a maximum weight of 10kg (about 22lbs). Condor and OpenSkies limit the weight to 6kg (about 13.2lbs).

The maximum allowable carrier dimensions vary greatly across airlines. Aeroflot and Finnair allow the largest soft-sided carriers while Alitalia, SAS and TAP Portugal have the smallest allowable dimensions. Make sure that your carrier fits within the allowable dimensions for each airline you choose.

Airlines that Don't Accept Pets in Cabin

Lest you think that your favorite airline was forgotten, here's a list of airlines that don't accept pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe: Air India, Air Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Eurowings, Icelandair, La Compagnie, LEVEL, Norwegian, Primera Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and WOW.

If some of these airlines seem out of place in this guide, it's because they operate at least one fifth-freedom route between the US and Europe. Note that due to importation regulations, no airlines accept pets in cabin on flights to the UK and Ireland.

TUI Fly — which flies directly between Miami (MIA) and Brussels (BRU) — deserves a special mention. Although the booking process offers an option to book an in-cabin pet on the MIA-BRU route for just 30 euros (about $37), I was unable to find any dates that showed availability for a pet in cabin.

Bottom Line

Some airlines don't accept pets in cabin on flights between the US and Europe and others have restrictions on animal types and breeds, but there are still plenty of options for traveling to or from Europe with small pets.

Before leaving the US with your pet, be sure to get your pet's paperwork together . Depending on what paperwork you already have, your pet's current vaccinations and where you're traveling and transiting, you may need to start this process months ahead of your trip. Double check the regulations and entry requirements for pets for each country you'll be visiting or transiting — as well as the requirements for bringing your pet back home.

Remember that airlines may have special requirements regarding paperwork, health certificates and arrival time at the airport. Most, if not all, airlines require passengers to reserve their pet's space on board ahead of time and have limits on how many pets can be carried on board. And you'll almost certainly not be allowed to sit in bulkhead or exit row seats. Before booking your ticket, be sure to read the airline's website and call if you have any questions.

If you decide to fly with your pet, make sure to follow our tips for keeping your pet safe and happy while flying , and make sure you choose an appropriate pet carrier . Flights and travel can be stressful for your pet—- and you — so consider whether it's really the best decision to travel with your pet.

Traveling with a Pet to Europe from USA

Wondering how to travel with your pet from USA to Europe in 2022? It may sound daunting at first, but it’s actually a pretty easy process.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while you must have seen that my cat, Poofy, is a great travel cat. He travels with us on planes, goes on road trips and walks on a leash like a dog. But, we’ve only traveled with him around the US before as he was born in Colorado.

Unsurprisingly, when we moved to Europe for the first time in 2019 Poofy obviously came with us straight away, one of the most popular questions became: how did you move with a cat to Europe?

Let me tell you that if you’re comin g from the US to Europe transporting your pet couldn’t be easier. Here is how to do it.

How to Travel with a Pet from the US to Europe

Many people prefer to hire a company that specializes in pet transportation, but after I saw their prices I found it ridiculous. It’s so easy to transport pets on your own and arrange all the necessary paperwork for less than $400, that there’s no point in paying someone $1000-35000 to do it for you. It feels like a robbery to me.

Unless you have some exotic pets or breeds that are banned from some airlines or have to transport over 3 pets at once, there’s no point in hiring a company to do it for you.

Where Can My Pet Travel With Me in Europe?

Most EU countries have pretty straightforward rules, with the exception of Ireland, United Kingdom and Iceland. These countries require all pets to arrive in cargo instead of the cabin.

However, some airlines have banned 21 dogs breeds and 4 cat breeds as they’re more sensitive. If your pet is on this list below you might want to check directly to find out how to proceed.

I know that for instance, Lufthansa asks you to sign a form saying that you take full responsibility if your pet dies.

Potentially banned or problematic breeds:

Affenpinscher
American Bully
American Pit Bull Terrier
Belgian Malinois
Boston Terrier
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel
Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei
Staffordshire Bull Terrier/”Staffys”
Tibetan Spaniel
Exotic Shorthair

Can My Pet Travel in the Cabin with Me?

When you want to travel with your pet, the first thing you need to figure out it whether your pet will be able to travel with you in a cabin, or has to be shipped as cargo. This depends on the airline, size and type of your animal and country you’re traveling to. If you’re traveling to any of the countries from the list below (even when it’s just transit to your final destination), you can only ship your pet in cargo:

New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
South Africa
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates

Pick an airline accordingly, as some as more pet-friendly than others. I can only speak for Delta, Alitalia and Lufthansa on long-haul flights, as I’ve flown my cat with them on several occasions, but I also heard that KLM is great for pet travel. KLM even has a special pet terminal in Amsterdam where you can go and visit your pet traveling in cargo.

If your pet is small enough (under 8kg / 17 lbs) avoid cargo at all costs. I heard multiple stories from people whose pets almost got lost and whose posts did get lost , unfortunately.

For any other destination, especially in continental Europe, small dogs, cats, and household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee, usually collected at check-in.

They require a container and officially should remain in them for the duration of the flight, but it’s not a strict rule that’s being enforced if the animal behaves and doesn’t bother other passengers. I’ve actually never seen a dog even having a container, leave alone being inside it.

Poofy is actually better outside of the container but usually spends 50% of the time sleeping in it. If he had to be locked in a container all the time on a long flight, without a possibility of peaking out, he’d cry and bother people. This way he doesn’t even make a meow once and many people are later surprised that they never heard him during the flight.

Full Disclosure: The way your pet travels obviously depends on your pet, airline, staff and situation. If your cat is nervous, doesn’t walk on the leash, and isn’t used to people, don’t ever let him out of his container. Poofy is a bit special, unusually calm and never bothers anyone – in fact, everyone just wants to pet him.

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How to Book Your Pet’s Plane ‘Ticket’?

Each airline only allows a certain amount of pets in the cabin (either 2 or 4 depending on the aircraft), so the moment you book your flight call the airline and book your pet in. The agent will ask you about the weight of your pet, his age, and the dimensions of the kennel.

You’ll be required to pay a pet fee at the airport upon check-in. For US domestic flights the fee is usually around $125 each way, including stopovers.

Internationally, if your pet travels in the cabin or kennel in cargo is about $200, BUT only if you fly directly to a country of your destination. What does it mean?

If I’m flying to Italy, but I choose to have a layover in Germany it means that in Germany I’ll have to pay a pet fee again (it applies to both pets in the cabin and those traveling in cargo).

If it’s your first time flying with a pet I’d advise against international layovers, because paying a layover fee often gets complicated because you have to find a place where you can actually pay and it’s not at a check-in counter and definitely not at the gate and no one really knows who to pay. If you have a short layover you might miss your flight basically.

Another detail of traveling in-cabin with your pet is that pets cannot fly business or first class on most airlines. If you’re flying with a baby or toddle r on top of your pet (basically what we do every single time) technically your pet cannot “sit” in the bulkhead row where to bassinet is or at an emergency exit.

However, Lufthansa moved us to bassinet seats twice automatically in their system having a very surprised flight attendant, but Poofy just rode on the seat and the baby slept in the bassinet.

Pet Travel Requirements for International Travel : Plan at Least 30 days in Advance

There’s no quarantine for pets coming to/from the EU from/to the US, so you don’t have to worry about it. You can bring your pet home straight away.

Other rules are very straightforward: rabies vaccine, microchip, and USDA vet’s certificate.

Step 1: Microchip: 30+ Days Before Departure

Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from other countries and must be at least 15 weeks old for European Union travel.

If your pet isn’t a microchip that will be your first step. It’s essential that the microchip is implanted before the rabies vaccine is given, so you cannot really do it all in one go. A rabies vaccine given prior to microchip insertion is invalid and your pet won’t be able to travel.

For Europe specifically, your pet must have an “ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15 digit microchip” . I’m saying officially because if you microchipped your pet before most vets will give it a pass without giving him a second microchip – we got a pass, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Poofy has been microchipped and vaccinated shortly after he turned 4 months, so we didn’t have to do it again.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccine: 21 Days Before Departure

Even if your pet is entering from a “rabies-free” country (US is considered rabies-free), it will still need a rabies vaccination after microchipping. The vaccination must be done more than 21 days before entering the country.

If your pet already has a rabies vaccine that’s valid you don’t need to get it again.

Step 3: Get a Veterinary Certificate: 10 Days or Less Before Departure

You will also need to arrange a Veterinary Certificate filled by the vet who’s USDA certified. Call your vet and ask if they have anyone, and if not they’ll point you to another place.

The Veterinary Certificate must be filled in by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your flight out. Don’t leave it for the last minute (unless you decide to do what I did – keep reading), because after you get it you’ll have to overnight it to USDA to receive a stamp.

This EU Health Certificate is valid for 4 months, so you can travel within Europe freely with it.

My Experience Traveling with a Cat to Italy & later France

Our experience of moving with a cat from the US to Italy was pleasant and easier than we imagined. However, we’ve traveled with Poofy numerous times before, so we knew what to expect from the flying itself. He doesn’t mind traveling by plane and being in the car, and usually enjoys looking at his surroundings at the airport.

Basically, all we had to do was to schedule an appointment with an accredited vet 10 days before departure from the US. As we were traveling from Texas to New Hampshire and before and staying there for a week, we got an appointment in New Hampshire.

We gave the vet a paper needed for Italy downloaded from USDA website (link here) and that was it. The vet had to inquire about the number of his rabies vaccination with his old vet, but it was just a matter of a quick phone call.

Once we got his health certificate filled out it was a matter of getting the stamp from USDA. We could have overnight it to Albany, NY office, but as we were flying out to Milan from NYC (it was cheaper and the flight was direct) we decided to schedule an appointment and stop by on our drive.

They scheduled our appointment very easily and we spent about half an hour waiting for the paperwork to be checked and stamped. If you’re worried about not getting paperwork back on time do that – it’s so simple!

At the airport we processed to the check-in and apart from paying the pet fee, no one ever asked us to show his documents. We usually book a window and middle seats when we travel with Poofy, so he can enjoy some privacy, but this time we got upgraded to Delta Comfort seat and had to sit in an aisle and middle seats.

The cat didn’t seem to mind though and as usual, spread out on both of our laps and slept there for most of the flight, before crawling back to his carrier for more naps.

When we arrived in Italy, we took his carrier and just walked out. No one asked us for cat paperwork at the immigration (in fact, we went through the automated one), or when we were leaving customs. I heard it’s a common thing that you’re never asked to show any paperwork for your furry friend in Italy, but it’s better to be on the safe side and have it ready. Please don’t risk your cat or dog getting deported for not having the necessary paperwork!

Update 2022 : Poofy has been to Europe back and forth a few times and moved to France with us as well, and only once did we encounter issues as the checking agent didn’t know how to process a pet fee. It’s really a simple process, so don’t fear it!

Poofy has traveled around Italy, France, visited Poland, Switzerland and German. After his first trip to Europe he doesn’t need a USDA certificate anymore, because…

EU Pet Passport

If you’re just visiting Europe or staying for up to 4 months (assuming you’re American your tourist visa will be valid for just 3 months).

If you’re staying long-term you could and should get your pet an EU Pet Passport. It’s valid for life and handy to have especially if you’re traveling between US and Europe often. This is also the reason why we don’t need to get another USDA document now because Poofy has a European Passport.

In some countries, like Spain for example, anyone can walk in with their pet to a certified vet, pay the passport fee and get a passport. The vet will check your pet, and his documents and fill them in.

However, various countries won’t issue your pet a passport unless you’re a legal resident of this country or hold citizenship. Italy and Ireland are some of those countries.

We were unable to obtain Poofy’s passport in Italy due to our residency fiasco . We got another certificate of health from a local Italian vet stating that Poofy is good to fly (not a hard process, we walked in and it took 5 minutes honestly) and flew with him to Poland. Then we got him a passport thanks to my Polish citizenship.

Returning from Europe to USA with your Pet

You don’t need anything to get back into the USA from Europe with your pet as long as the rabies vaccine is still valid.

At first we were told not to use our Global Entry, but the next time we were told it’s fine to use Global Entry when you re-enter with your pet.

Do you have any questions about transporting your pet to another country? Ask ahead!

Flying With a Dog in Europe: Experience-Based Guide and Tips

Traveling with your furry friend across Europe can be a memorable experience, but it can also be super stressful for both the owner and the pet.

Martins flew with his dog Poga (“Button” in English) from Latvia to Madeira . His experience should be useful to other dog owners who plan to fly with their pet across Europe.

The process can be divided into two main parts – preparation and departure – with airline regulations playing a significant role in shaping your travel plans. Once airborne, it should be straightforward.

As a dog owner, you should be prepared to put your desires on the back burner. The two main things that count are the airline regulations and your dog’s well-being and safety.

This article will guide you through the essential steps you need to take , from choosing the right airline to making sure your dog has the necessary transport equipment and documentation.

Key Takeaways

Prepare well and understand airline regulations for a smooth pet travel experience
Ensure your dog has proper transport equipment and documentation
Double check everything and don’t rely only on information online, but call the representatives of the chose airline

FINDING THE RIGHT AIRLINE

When you need to transport your pet by air, it’s crucial to find the right airline that accommodates animals and flies to your destination. If you’re traveling within the EU, please note that the rules are relatively similar across airlines , however, there can be key nuances you should be aware off.

To find the pet policy of the airline you consider flying with, simply Google “[airline name] pet policy” . Just as important – search for the pet policy of airports you’ll trnasit to ensure they handle animal cargo and if they have particular requirements.

Different airlines may have varied requirements, and some can be quite technical, e.g., specific cage dimensions or additional metal screws for securing the kennel (cage). Be prepared for airport staff to potentially check your pet’s cargo and require you to make last minute adjustments. They can also require that your pet willingly gets in and out of the cage.

Keep in mind the following when considering airline pet policies :

Some airlines may allow dogs on international flights, while others allow pets only on connecting domestic flights.
Animals weighing up to 8 kg can generally travel with passengers, while pets up to 32 kg are typically transported in the cargo hold.
The weight limit includes the cage and attached accessories.
Pets above 32 kg might be subject to different transportation methods and increased costs.

Remember to frequently review and re-read the pet policy you’re following, as some details might be missed initially. Choose an airline with a pet policy that suits your pet’s needs and double-check all requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your beloved pet.

DOG TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT

When selecting a transport cage / kennel for your dog, it’s essential to find one that meets the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines . When you plan to buy a kennel, check that it’s IATA-complianet, e.g., it’s written “IATA animal cage,” in the documentation. These cages are available online, but physical pet shops might not have a large selection in stock.

Make sure the cage is made of durable plastic and has a lockable door . Metal wire cages are not suitable for air travel. Ventilation is crucial, so choose a cage with openings on all sides. Additionally, the cage’s size should allow your dog to freely stand up at full height and provide enough space for the dog to lie down comfortably.

A mandatory requirement in dog transport cages is they have a drinking water container that can be refilled from the outside (so that airport / airline staff can do it without endangering themselves). Although you might not find a specific product for this purpose, you can improvize and use such solutions as birdcage containers etc.

For added safety and security, if the cage is assembled from two parts fasten both of them with zipties or other tensioners. Attach a plastic bag with extra zip ties on the outside of the cage, so airport staff can make adjustments if needed.

Carry at least one liter of water in a separate bag with you so that you can water your dog while he’s still with you.

On the day of travel, avoid feeding your dog to prevent any potential physiological issues. Instead, place a sleeping blanket and some familiar toys inside the cage to provide comfort and familiarity.

Introduce the transport cage to your dog about a week before your trip , allowing them to use it as their new sleeping place. This will help your pet get used to the cage, making the actual journey less stressful and more comfortable.

DOG PASSPORT AND VETERINARY “PAPERS”

To ensure your dog’s smooth travel, it’s essential to have an up-to-date dog passport and any other veterinary papers required by the airline’s or airport’s pet policy.

As a basic step, make sure all mandatory vaccinations are completed at least 21 days before your trip. Don’t forget to visit your vet for flea prevention treatment and a health check two days before your flight. The vet’s note that the pet is fit to travel is usually valid for five days only.

Stay informed and consult your veterinarian, as well as the airline about any additional requirements.

Based on experiences and vet’s recommendations, it’s generally best to avoid sedatives for your dog during travel, as they tend to cope well without them.

FLIGHT CHECK-IN

When planning to travel with your pet, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here’s what you need to know about the flight check-in process when you’re bringing your furry friend on board.

Find Your Flight

Search for your desired flight date and number. You can do this by “simulating” a ticket purchase and noting the flight details.
Make note of alternative flight options, having at least three or four to choose from.

Consider Third-Party Operators

Check if your chosen flight is operated by a third party.
If it is, search for their “pet policy” as it may differ from the main airline’s policy.

Have Essential Information Handy

Document the total weight and dimensions of your pet in their cage.
Note your pet’s age or year of birth.
Write down cage dimensions (height, length, and width).

Contact Airlines

Before buying a ticket, call the specific airline to discuss pet accommodations. This can’t be stressed enough – call the airline, do not just rely on online information.
Confirm if there’s room on the plane for your pet in the cabin or cargo compartment, mentioning the flight date and number.
Keep records of all conversations and agreements with airline representatives. Double-check this information by calling again and talking to a different consultant.

Purchase Your Ticket

After feeling confident about the pet’s chances of travelling with the selected flight, buy your ticket.
Some airlines allow adding pet cargo and paying for it during ticket purchase, while others require separate arrangements.

Post-Purchase Arrangements

If not already prepaid, contact the airline again, providing your flight reservation information.
Arrange for any additional pet cargo fees that must be paid for at the airport on the day of departure.

Airport Operations

Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
If you have a connecting flight, ensure they are scheduled at least 3 hours apart so that there’s enough time to transfer our pet from one plane to the next.
Be prepared for extra time registering your pet at the airport – different airports have different procedures, and some may require X-ray scanning of the cage.

Once everything is complete, congratulations – your pet is ready for takeoff! Don’t forget to benefit from the “special service” perks offered by airports when traveling with a pet, such as priority check-in for your other luggage.

IN CONCLUSION

Transporting your beloved pet by plane can indeed be a challenging and time-consuming task. Despite the complexities and high costs, it’s important to remember to treat your animal as more than just a suitcase.

Keep in mind, expenses can sometimes be higher than your own flight ticket! So, take the time to plan and prepare, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend.

If you have a smilar experience that could improve this article, please leave a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which european airlines allow dogs in the cabin.

Many European airlines allow dogs in the cabin, but policies can vary. Here’s a list of some airlines that generally accept dogs:

Air France : Small pets, up to 8 kg, are allowed in the cabin on most flights.
Lufthansa : Pets up to 8 kg are permitted in the cabin, but certain routes may have restrictions.
KLM : Dogs weighing up to 8 kg can travel in the cabin with their owner on most flights.
Swiss Air : Pets up to 8 kg can fly in the cabin. There are certain restrictions for larger breeds.
Air Baltic : Pets up to 8 kg can fly in the cabin. There are certain restrictions for larger breeds.

Keep in mind that you should always check with the airline in advance to verify their specific pet policies.

How can I obtain an EU pet passport? What other EU requirements are there?

Visit a veterinarian authorized to issue pet passports. If your vet does not issue an EU pet passport, get a document that is recognized in the European Union or another European country that is not part of the EU.

What has to be in the pet passport? It should mention the following:

The dog has been micro-chipped (in line with the technical requirements of Annex II of the EU Regulation on the movement of pets) or has a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011.
The dog been vaccinated against rabies.
The dog had treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, where your destination area is free from this tapeworm (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland).

The EU rules described above on travelling with pet animals apply to private journeys with pet animals which do not involve a change of ownership or sale.

The relevant European Union rules .

How challenging is it to fly with a dog internationally in Europe?

Flying with a dog internationally in Europe can be a smooth experience if you plan ahead and follow the necessary steps:

Confirm airline pet policies and book your dog’s flight accordingly.
Obtain an EU pet passport and make sure your dog meets the necessary vaccination requirements.
Prepare a comfortable carrier for your dog that meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions.
Check for any additional pet import requirements for your destination country.

Which airlines should I avoid when flying with a dog?

Generally, the budget airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir allow only service dogs onboard. You will not be able to fly with your pet.

If you plan to fly with your family, they can choose a budget airline, but you will have to travel with a regular airline that transports dogs and other pets.

About the author

Martins is organizing hikes around Latvia and elsewhere in Europe for the past 10 years. He’s the spark behind Streelnieks.lv , a top Latvian online portal for people interested in active adventures. He’s most recent project are guided hikes in Madeira , as he has moved to the island with his family and dog Poga.

9 Best Places to Travel with a Dog in Europe [Mega Guide]

Imagine embarking on a getaway with your furry best friend, where every moment is a joyful adventure! 💭 We've shared the most dog-friendly countries of Europe & some other useful insights to be aware of. Read on and get ready for your adventure! ✈️ 🐶

Are you dreaming of exploring Europe's charming cities, picturesque landscapes, and rich history? Well, good news! You can do it all with your four-legged companion by your side.

Traveling with a dog in Europe is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. In this guide, we'll walk you through a list of the most dog-friendly destinations in Europe. So, grab your leash, and let's embark on a European adventure like no other!

🐾 Can You Travel Around Europe with a Dog? Absolutely! Europe is known for its pet-friendly culture and welcoming attitude towards dogs. From strolling through historic streets to hiking in breathtaking mountains, there's a world of possibilities for you and your furry travel buddy.

Table of Contents

What is the Most Pet-Friendly Country in Europe?

Where can i take my dog in europe, what is the best way to travel long distance with a dog, plan your pawsome european adventure, 🇫🇷 france - paris: a pet-friendly adventure, 🇮🇹 italy - rome: a roman holiday with your pooch, 🇪🇸 spain - barcelona: a bark-tastic getaway, 🇩🇪 germany - berlin: a dog-friendly exploration, 🇳🇱 netherlands - amsterdam: canine adventures in the dutch capital, 🇦🇹 austria - vienna: an austrian adventure with your pup, 🇨🇭 switzerland - zurich: alpine adventures with your canine companion, 🇭🇷 croatia - split: coastal adventures with your four-legged friend, 🇵🇹 portugal - lisbon: coastal charm with your canine companion, what are the requirements for a dog to travel to europe.

Is Europe More Dog-Friendly Than America?
Final thoughts

Spain boasts numerous dog-friendly beaches, parks, and hiking trails, ensuring your pup can enjoy the great outdoors. Many restaurants and cafes in Spain also welcome dogs on their outdoor terraces, allowing you to savor delicious Spanish cuisine with your loyal companion by your side.

Determining the most pet-friendly country in Europe can be subjective and dependent on various factors. While the UK is known for its pet-friendly culture and laws, there are other European countries that also excel in being pet-friendly.

Below are a few countries in Europe that are known for their pet-friendly attitudes and policies.

Here's a list of 10 b est places to travel with a dog in Europe:

Car : Traveling by car can be one of the most convenient options when you have a dog. You have control over the environment, and it allows for more flexibility. Be sure to secure your dog safely with a harness or crate while driving. Also, plan regular breaks for your dog to stretch, drink water, and relieve itself.
Trains : Many train services in Europe are pet-friendly, especially smaller regional trains. Larger trains, like high-speed trains, may have specific rules, so it's essential to check with the train company in advance. Generally, small dogs may be allowed to travel in a carrier or bag, while larger dogs might need a leash and muzzle.
Buses : Local buses often allow small dogs to travel in a carrier or bag. Larger dogs may be required to wear a muzzle and leash. Check with the bus company for specific rules.
Flights : If you're traveling a long distance, flying may be necessary. Airlines have varying policies on traveling with pets in the cabin or as cargo. Smaller dogs may be allowed in the cabin if they fit in an airline-approved carrier. Larger dogs may need to be transported as cargo, which requires additional planning and considerations for their safety and comfort.
Ferries : If you're traveling to an island or coastal destination, ferries may be an option. Many ferries allow dogs, but rules and facilities can vary, so it's advisable to check in advance.
Public Transportation : In cities, public transportation policies for pets can vary widely. Some cities are very pet-friendly, while others may have restrictions or require pets to be in a carrier. Research the public transportation policies of your specific destination.
Walking and Hiking : If you plan to explore a city or go hiking, walking is often the best mode of transportation for your dog. Be sure to check leash laws and any local regulations regarding dogs in public spaces.
Rental Cars : When renting a car, inquire about the rental company's pet policy. Many rental companies allow pets, but some may charge an additional fee or have specific requirements.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it's essential to prepare in advance. Ensure your dog is comfortable with the chosen method, and bring necessary supplies like food, water, waste bags, and a familiar blanket or toy to help them feel at ease during the journey. Always check the specific pet policies and regulations of the transportation provider or destination you plan to visit to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your dog.

Speaking of travel adventures with your four-legged companion, we've crafted an amazing app just for you! It will guide you to dog-friendly destinations and exciting activities, spill the beans on pet-welcoming hotels and dining spots, and even help you sort out transportation.

☑ Customized itineraries for you and your furry friend

☑ Dog-friendly accommodations, transport, and restaurants

☑ Expert travel tips and advice

We did some research for some short itineraries in the countries mentioned above with the most pet-friendly locations to help you better decide your next trip with your pup:

Day 1: Arrival in the City of Love - PARIS 💕

Accommodation : Welcome to Paris! Check into Le Meurice, a luxurious hotel known for its pet-friendly hospitality.
Transport : Paris is a pedestrian-friendly city. Explore neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre with your furry friend.
Food : Begin your culinary journey at Le Saint Régis, a charming riverside restaurant that welcomes pets.
Attractions : Visit Montmartre and let your dog play in the pet-friendly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

Day 2: Parisian Delights 🥐

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Le Meurice, where your pet is pampered.
Transport : Paris is incredibly pet-friendly for public transport. Dogs are allowed on buses, trams, and the metro.
Food : Savor French delights at Le Volpi e l'Uva, a dog-friendly wine bar with an inviting outdoor terrace.
Attractions : Explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles, where your leashed dog can join you in the gardens.

Day 3: Riviera Bliss 🛥

Accommodation : Head south to Nice on the French Riviera and stay at the pet-friendly Hotel Negresco.
Transport : Stroll along the pet-friendly Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Food : Dine at Le Plongeoir, a restaurant with a pet-friendly terrace hanging over the sea.
Attractions : Discover the pet-friendly Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and take a scenic walk along the Mediterranean coast.

Day 1: Embrace the Eternal City - ROME 🏛

Accommodation : Settle into the pet-friendly comforts of the Hotel Artemide in the heart of Rome.
Transport : Explore Rome's historic center on foot, with your dog by your side.
Food : Satisfy your appetite with traditional Italian cuisine at Tazza d'Oro, a cafe with pet-friendly outdoor tables.
Attractions : Wander to the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, where dogs are typically allowed on leashes.

Day 2: Florence - The Artistic Gem 🛵

Accommodation : Travel to Florence and enjoy a pet-friendly stay at Hotel Savoy.
Transport : Discover the city's artistic treasures on foot or hire a pet-friendly taxi for convenience.
Food : Sip on wine and savor Tuscan flavors at Le Volpi e l'Uva, a wine bar that welcomes canine companions.
Attractions : Explore the stunning Boboli Gardens, a peaceful oasis where dogs are welcome.

Day 3: Venetian Adventures 🎭

Accommodation : Conclude your Italian journey in Venice at Bauer Palazzo, where pets are treated with love and care.
Transport : Venice is a pedestrian paradise, and your dog can join you on water taxis and vaporettos.
Food : Indulge in fresh seafood at Al Timon, a pet-friendly restaurant with Grand Canal views.
Attractions : Treat your furry friend to a dog-friendly gondola ride and visit the historic Doge's Palace.

Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona 🎢

Accommodation : Start your adventure at Hotel Arts Barcelona, where pets are embraced.
Transport : Barcelona is pedestrian-friendly, and your dog can accompany you on public transport.
Food : Head to Can Majo, a beachfront restaurant with pet-friendly outdoor seating, for a delicious meal.
Attractions : Begin with a visit to Park Güell, where your dog can join you on its many pathways.

Day 2: Exploring the City 🌆

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Hotel Arts Barcelona, a pet-friendly haven.
Transport : Explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and attractions, like the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia.
Food : Discover pet-friendly cafes like El Jardi de l'Abadessa and indulge in Spanish flavors.
Attractions : Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of El Born, stopping for tapas along the way.

Day 3: Beachside Relaxation 🏖

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Barcelona at the Meliá Barcelona Sky.
Transport : Take your dog to the pet-friendly Barceloneta Beach for a relaxing day by the sea.
Food : Enjoy seafood at Salamanca, a restaurant that offers pet-friendly terrace seating.
Attractions : Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Montjuïc Castle and its dog-friendly grounds.

Day 1: Welcome to Berlin 🍻

Accommodation : Start your adventure in Berlin at the pet-friendly Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
Transport : Berlin is a dog-friendly city. Use public transport, or explore on foot with your furry companion.
Food : Experience the city's pet-friendly cafe culture at locations like Café am Neuen See.
Attractions : Begin with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, which allows leashed dogs.

Day 2: Art and Culture in Berlin 🏰

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, where your pet is treated with care.
Transport : Explore the city's many art galleries, museums, and historical sites with your dog.
Food : Savor German cuisine at dog-friendly restaurants like Prater Garten.
Attractions : Visit Tiergarten, a massive urban park where your dog can roam freely.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation 🌳 🥨

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Berlin at Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
Transport : Take a leisurely stroll along the Spree River or enjoy a pet-friendly boat tour.
Food : Wrap up your trip with a meal at Das Lokal, a pet-friendly restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere.
Attractions : Explore Grunewald Forest, where your dog can join you on scenic hikes.

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam 🌿

Accommodation : Start your Dutch adventure at the pet-friendly Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Transport : Dogs are allowed on trams and ferries in Amsterdam, making it easy to get around.
Food : Explore pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in the city, like Café Hegeraad.
Attractions : Take a relaxing stroll along the picturesque canals with your dog.

Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam 🚲

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, where pets are treated like family.
Transport : Continue your exploration of Amsterdam's charming neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
Food : Indulge in Dutch cuisine at dog-friendly spots like Cafe-Restaurant De Ysbreeker.
Attractions : Visit the famous Anne Frank House, where your leashed dog is welcome in the courtyard.

Day 3: Parks and Canals 🥏 🌳

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Amsterdam at the Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Transport : Explore Amsterdam's famous parks and canals, where your dog can join you on leisurely walks.
Food : Wrap up your culinary experience at a pet-friendly eatery like Waterkant.
Attractions : Discover Vondelpark, a pet-friendly oasis, and take a scenic boat tour on the canals with your dog.

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna ☕️ 🐕

Accommodation : Begin your Austrian adventure at the pet-friendly Hotel Sans Souci Wien.
Transport : Vienna's public transport system is pet-friendly. Leash up your dog and hop on trams and buses.
Food : Enjoy a Viennese coffeehouse experience at pet-friendly cafes like Café Schwarzenberg.
Attractions : Start with a visit to the historic Hofburg Palace and its dog-friendly gardens.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration 🕍

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Hotel Sans Souci Wien, where your pet is warmly welcomed.
Transport : Explore Vienna's cultural treasures, including museums, palaces, and the historic city center.
Food : Savor Austrian dishes at pet-friendly restaurants like Figlmüller Wollzeile.
Attractions : Visit the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, a vast area where dogs are allowed on leash.

Day 3: Vienna's Green Spaces 🌱

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Vienna at Hotel Sans Souci Wien.
Transport : Take your dog to Prater Park, an expansive green space perfect for leisurely walks.
Food : Wrap up your Austrian culinary journey at a pet-friendly dining spot like Gasthaus Pöschl.
Attractions : Explore Belvedere Palace and its dog-friendly grounds before bidding Vienna farewell.

Day 1: Welcome to Zurich 🇨🇭

Accommodation : Start your Swiss adventure at the pet-friendly Baur au Lac.
Transport : Zurich is pet-friendly when it comes to public transport. Dogs are allowed on trams and trains.
Food : Experience Swiss cuisine at pet-friendly cafes like Schwarzenbach.
Attractions : Begin with a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich's promenade with your dog.

Day 2: Exploring Zurich 🎒🗻

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Baur au Lac, where pets are treated with care.
Transport : Explore Zurich's cultural and historical sites, including the Old Town and museums.
Food : Indulge in Swiss fondue at dog-friendly restaurants like Swiss Chuchi.
Attractions : Take a scenic hike in the nearby Swiss Alps, with your dog by your side.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation 🍃 🦋 🐕

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Zurich at the Baur au Lac.
Transport : Enjoy a peaceful day by pristine lakes in the Swiss countryside, accessible by train with your dog.
Food : Wrap up your Swiss culinary journey at a pet-friendly eatery like Zeughauskeller.
Attractions : Discover the beauty of Uetliberg Mountain, a pet-friendly hiking destination with panoramic views.

Day 1: Arrival in Split 🌞

Accommodation : Begin your Croatian journey at the pet-friendly Hotel Park Split.
Transport : Stroll along the pet-friendly Split waterfront and explore the city's historic center.
Food : Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at dog-friendly restaurants like Bokeria Kitchen & Wine.
Attractions : Visit Diocletian's Palace, where dogs are often allowed in the open areas.

Day 2: Coastal Exploration ⛴

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at Hotel Park Split, known for its pet-friendly amenities.
Transport : Take a local ferry with your dog to explore nearby islands or relax on dog-friendly beaches.
Food : Savor seafood at Perivoj, a restaurant with a pet-friendly terrace overlooking the sea.
Attractions : Discover the pet-friendly Marjan Hill, a natural park with hiking trails and stunning views.

Day 3: Beaches and History 🗿 🌊

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Split at Hotel Park Split.
Transport : Enjoy a day at the dog-friendly Bacvice Beach or explore nearby dog-friendly beaches and coves.
Food : Wrap up your Croatian culinary experience at Villa Spiza, a restaurant that welcomes pets.
Attractions : Explore Klis Fortress, a historic site where leashed dogs are often allowed.

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon 🚃

Accommodation : Start your Portuguese adventure at the pet-friendly Memmo Príncipe Real.
Transport : Lisbon's trams and some buses allow dogs, making it easy to explore the city.
Food : Dine at pet-friendly cafes like Café Tati and Fábulas to taste Portuguese flavors.
Attractions : Take a leisurely walk in the pet-friendly Jardim da Estrela, a beautiful garden.

Day 2: Exploring Lisbon 🐾

Accommodation : Enjoy another night at the Memmo Príncipe Real, where your pet is a cherished guest.
Transport : Continue your exploration of Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
Food : Experience Portuguese cuisine at pet-friendly restaurants like Tasca do Chico.
Attractions : Visit the famous Pasteis de Belém bakery, where you can enjoy pastries with your leashed dog on the terrace.

Day 3: Coastal Delights 🌊

Accommodation : Spend your final day in Lisbon at the Memmo Príncipe Real.
Transport : Take a scenic tram ride to the coastal town of Cascais, known for its pet-friendly atmosphere and stunning seaside views.

Exploring Cascais 🏝

Beach Time : Head to the picturesque Praia da Conceição or Praia da Rainha, where dogs are often welcome on the sandy shores.
Lunch : Enjoy a seafood feast at one of the pet-friendly restaurants with oceanfront terraces, such as Mar do Inferno.
Cascais Marina : Take a leisurely walk along the Cascais Marina promenade, where you can watch boats and enjoy the fresh sea breeze with your furry companion.
Cultural Visit : Explore the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a pet-friendly museum housed in a beautiful historic mansion.
Return to Lisbon : In the late afternoon, catch the tram back to Lisbon, savoring the coastal views one last time.
Farewell Dinner : For your last evening, dine at a pet-friendly restaurant in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, like Pateo 13.

Traveling with your dog to Europe typically requires a few essential steps:

Microchipping: Ensure your dog has a microchip with your contact details.
Rabies Vaccination: Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, and this should be administered at least 21 days before traveling.
Pet Passport: Obtain a pet passport from your veterinarian, which includes vaccination records and identification.
Tapeworm Treatment: Some countries may require a tapeworm treatment within a specified period before entry.
Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from your vet shortly before departure.

🌍 Is Europe More Dog-Friendly Than America? 🌎

While Europe is renowned for its dog-friendly attitude, the United States also boasts many pet-friendly destinations. Ultimately, the level of dog-friendliness can vary from place to place, both in Europe and the USA. It's essential to research and plan your trip carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.

Which European country loves dogs the most?

💗 After our research seems that Germany is for sure the European country that loves dogs the most. It's commonly believed that Germany has a strong love for dogs due to cultural factors, dog-friendly policies, infrastructure, and a thriving dog-related community.

Final thoughts 💭

Traveling with your dog in Europe is not only possible but also a fantastic way to create lasting memories together. The continent offers a plethora of pet-friendly destinations and welcoming cultures, making it an ideal choice for dog owners seeking adventure.

How about an article that explores the Challenges of Traveling with Dogs in Europe's Less Pet-Friendly Countries? 🌍🐕

Least Dog-Friendly Countries in Europe: Restrictions to Know

Travel with pets

Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With Pets To Europe

Flying your dog, cat, or any pet, for that matter, to Europe can send even the most seasoned of travelers into a panic. Reading through airline pet policies, ticking the travel essentials off your packing list, and deciding whether you’ll be flying with your pet in the cabin or cargo is time-consuming and complicated, but we’re here to relieve some of your worries.

Keep reading as we answer all of your top questions and concerns, including the best airlines for traveling with dogs or cats, the fees you can expect to encounter, what countries require quarantine for your beloved pet, and all the need-to-know tips for traveling with your pet on a plane for the first time.

Can You Fly Internationally With A Pet?

Perhaps the first thing you’ll ask yourself when planning a trip to Europe is whether you can take your furry companion with you or not. While there’s no definitive answer, you can usually take your pet with you, though it will largely depend on the airline and your destination. Luckily, many countries that are European Union members follow the same policies and procedures.

Some airlines allow you to travel with your pet domestically but not internationally. If you’re flying with your dog with United or flying with your cat with Delta , for example, you can rest easy knowing your furry companion can fly overseas with you. On the other hand, flying with dogs with American Airlines is only possible within North America. The same goes for anyone flying with cats or dogs with Southwest.

Another important factor to consider is the type of animal your pet is, as it can be much more challenging to travel with exotic animals than with traditional domestic pets like cats or dogs. Before booking any flights, it’s worth comparing different airlines and import protocols, but we’ll get into more detail about all that throughout the article.

Black curly dog laying in an open suitcase

How Much Does It Cost To Bring A Pet On An International Flight?

You’ll quickly see that there are a lot of variables when it comes to flying with animals. Flying with big dogs in the cabin domestically will be a completely different experience than traveling with a cat to Europe, and that extends to the prices you can expect to find.

Before we get into comparing the prices from some of the most popular airlines flying to European countries, it’s a good idea to consider whether your pet can join you in the cabin or if they’ll have to fly as cargo or checked baggage in the hold. Keep in mind that you may not be able to bring your pet on vacation at all, as some airlines only allow animals onboard if you’re flying with service dogs.

Let’s take a look at the fees for international travel with animals from a range of airlines, mostly relevant for anyone traveling with a dog on a plane or a cat.

Note: Pets flying as ‘checked baggage’ will travel in the hold on the same flight as you, while animals flying as ‘cargo’ may travel on a different plane to you. Airlines will usually try to ensure your pet reaches the final destination at a similar time to you, where possible.

Can You Bring Pets To European Countries?

While many countries welcome pets, you’ll find that a significant number of them will only accept animals that have traveled in the hold. In other cases, your destination may permit you to bring particular pets, usually dogs and cats, into the country. However, flying with other animals, like reptiles or rodents, may be prohibited.

Many European nations will allow flying with your dog or cat in the cabin, but you may be transiting in a country with stricter regulations.

Some countries that only allow pets to fly in the hold include:

New Zealand
United Arab Emirates
All countries within the United Kingdom
What Countries in Europe Can My Pet Travel To?

Animal lovers can breathe a sigh of relief, as there are plenty of international dog-friendly and cat-friendly travel destinations in Europe. While it’s vital to do research specific to your final country, as well as any locations along the way if your itinerary includes stopovers, here are some popular countries that welcome pets without the need for quarantine. These are specifically related to dogs and cats.

Most EU countries, including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, and Austria.
Switzerland

Woman pets her gray cat sitting in patio in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Pet-friendly adventures: traveling to Germany with your beloved companion.
Italian escapade with your pet: explore the possibilities of travel.
Pack your bags and paws: pet travel made easy to France.
Wander Spain alongside your pet: unleash memorable journeys.
Furry friend included: embark on a journey to the Netherlands with your pet.
Experience Belgium together: unforgettable travel with your pet.
Tail-wagging travels: navigate Croatia with your faithful pet.
Pet-ready for Czechia: search for ultimate pet-friendly flights with your furry friend.
From home to Austria: pet-friendly travel options await your journey.
Embark on a pet-friendly journey: find flights for your furry friend to explore Switzerland
Wings for paws: discover Norway — one of the best pet-friendly countries in Europe
Furry companion’s adventure awaits: explore and book pet-friendly flights to Turkey
What Airlines Allow Pets In The Cabin Internationally?

Here, we’ve broken down the airlines that allow pets on international flights to travel in the cabin, though this will sometimes change based on the connecting and final destinations, as some countries won’t permit pets to travel in the cabin even if the airline allows it. Animals traveling in the cabin must usually be small and fly in carriers that fit easily under the seat.

As a side note, while the United Kingdom is in Europe, it’s not in the EU and has many different regulations, which you can find here. As such, animals, except service dogs, can only travel in the hold when entering the U.K.

Below, you’ll find some pet-friendly airlines that fly to Europe and what animals they allow in the cabin.

U.S. Airlines:

Delta – Dogs, cats, household birds
United – Dogs, cats

European Airlines

K.L.M – Dogs, cats (within Europe)
Lufthansa – Dogs, cats
Air France – Dogs, cats

Other International Airlines

Air Canada – Dogs, cats
Turkish Airlines – Dogs, cats, household birds
What Documents Will I Need For Flying With My Pet To Europe?

After you’ve picked your holiday destination and airline, the next thing you’ll want to start thinking about is the documentation you need. In order to comply with the airline and country requirements, you should consider how to obtain a health certificate, if your destination imposes quarantine for animals, and what vaccines your pet needs.

We’ve put together all the must-know information about the documents you’ll need to help you get organized for your flight.

What Are Pet Health Certificates for International Travel?

Many countries have their own particular health certificate requirements, but you may find yourself visiting somewhere that doesn’t require a country-specific document.

If this is the case for you, getting a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) International Health Certificate from a certified vet if flying from the U.S. is best. This will usually contain relevant information about your pet’s health and your contact details, confirming they’re safe to travel.

Check with your airline to see their health certificate requirements, as some airlines will ask for them to be dated no more than 10 days before the flight.

Are There Any Specific Health Certificates For Pet Travel I Should Use?

Pet owners traveling with their cat or dog to Europe, specifically to an EU country, will need to get an EU animal health certificate issued within 10 days before the animal enters the Union.

It’s helpful to know that non-EU European countries, such as Switzerland, will often accept this document too. However, if you’re traveling to a European country outside the EU, be sure to double-check that the EU health certificate is accepted.

What Do I Need To Know About International Health Certificates For Dogs?

Health certificates can vary depending on the animal, but let’s take a look at what an example of this document for a dog would contain and how to get one for your pup. You’ll need to make an appointment with a certified vet authorized to provide health certificates. It’s best to aim for a visit less than 10 days before your trip, but your destination and airline may have different time frames, so it’s a good idea to find out their requirements first.

When you’ve booked your dog in for their check-up, the vet will examine your pooch and determine whether it’s safe for them to travel. Dogs that are older, prone to certain illnesses, or in poor health may not be given the go-ahead from the vet, so it’s essential to be aware of this when planning your vacation.

If the vet is happy to let your pet travel, they’ll issue a health certificate filled with important information about your dog. This usually includes your dog’s age, breed, size, microchip number, and vaccination history, stating that your pet is free from disease and in good health. Completed health certificates will also include your contact details.

Do I Need Any Other Pet Travel Documents?

The most commonly required travel documents for your pet include:

International health certificate
Vaccination records (especially for rabies)
Microchip (15-digit numbers are preferred in Europe)

While you may have three separate documents, all of this information is often contained in the health certificate, helping you cut down on the paperwork you’ll need to organize.

When animals travel on a separate plane to their owner, there are generally some additional documents to fill out, such as a written declaration that you’ve permitted another person or a transporting company to fly with your pet.

Passenger flying with their pet dog in the cabin. A pet carrier is placed under the seat

Will My Pet Need To Be Quarantined In Europe?

Quarantine will surely be a concern for any pet owner, but there’s no need to worry about this when visiting Europe. Provided you have supplied the necessary documents, you’ll be able to reunite with your pet an hour or two after landing. After you’ve collected any checked baggage, you can go to an assigned section in the arrivals area and pick up your companion.

While this is true for dogs, cats, and ferrets, you’ll need to research country-specific regulations if flying with reptiles, birds, rabbits, and aquatic animals.

What Vaccinations Will My Pet Need to Enter Europe?

There are a few vaccines and treatments that your pet must have before traveling to Europe, such as:

Rabies: Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be fully vaccinated against rabies and have received their first shot at least 21 days before entering the EU.
Rabies test: Dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the EU from certain countries must also undergo a blood test to check for rabies immunity. This includes European countries like Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Tapeworms: Dogs traveling to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta must have anti-Echinococcus treatment before departure.
Avian Influenza H5 and H7: Needed for birds entering the EU and administered no more than 60 days before travel.

What Is A Pet Passport, And Do I Need One For My Pet?

You’ll often hear the terms ‘pet passport’ and ‘animal health certificate’ used interchangeably, but they can mean different things.

Technically speaking, pet travel certificates are issued for single trips or within short periods. In the EU, these last for four months, provided you don’t leave and re-enter the Union. These permit pets to travel for a given number of days, but owners will need to get a new certificate for any additional trips once they’ve expired.

Pet passports are commonly used and issued in EU countries. Unlike health certificates, they don’t expire as long as they’re kept up-to-date with vaccine requirements. Though they’re accepted when flying between EU countries and other European destinations, like Switzerland, Iceland, and Monaco, they can’t be obtained or issued in the U.S. or U.K.

As a result, anyone flying from the United States or the United Kingdom to most European countries will require an animal health certificate rather than a pet passport.

Is It Possible To Get An International Pet Passport?

At present, there’s yet to be a standard international pet passport that’s widely accepted in most countries. EU pet passports are great to use if you reside in a member country or other select European countries, but these can’t be used elsewhere.

For this reason, animal health certificates continue to be the norm for most destinations.

What Will I Need For Flying To Europe With A Pet From The U.S.?

To help you prepare for your visit to Europe from the U.S. with your pet, here’s a list of things you’ll need:

A valid health certificate that states your pet is up-to-date with rabies vaccinations, fit to travel, and in good health.
Once a certified vet completes the certificate, it must be sent to the USDA for approval and returned to you.
Details of your pet’s microchip information (10-digit numbers are standard in the U.S. and are not accepted in the EU. You’ll need to get a 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip).

On a side note, if you need to change your pet’s microchip from a 10-digit to a 15-digit chip, it’s vital to know any vaccinations your pet received with the original chip will be invalid. This can be frustrating if you’re coming from the U.S., but knowing in advance can save you from taking your pet for additional rabies shots before getting a new microchip.

What Should I Know Before Flying With Pets To France?

Although most regulations and requirements are standard amongst EU countries, there can be some variances between countries. Here are some things to be aware of when traveling to France with your pet :

Pets can enter France in the cabin, as checked baggage or cargo.
If arriving from a non-EU country by air, pets can only enter at Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, or Reunion airports.
Rabies vaccinations can’t be administered before puppies or kittens are 12 weeks old, meaning traveling to France with young animals may not be feasible.
Mastiffs and pit bulls are prohibited. Other breeds, like rottweilers and Staffordshire terriers, can only enter France as guard dogs.
Birds must be quarantined for 30 days before or 30 days after flying to France.
Fly with your beloved pets to Paris .
Book your pet-friendly adventure: explore Lyon getaways .
Search for pet-friendly flights: Toulouse awaits .
Discover new horizons: fly with pets to Marseille .
Explore Nice: find flights to journey with your pet .
What Should I Know Before Flying With Pets To Italy?

Another hugely popular European destination, Italy, has some of its own requirements for animals entering the country, such as:

Pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets from non-EU countries can only enter Italy by air at Rome, Turin, Milan, Pisa, or Bologna airports.
Pet birds can only fly to Rome or Milan Malpensa airports .
Rottweilers are not allowed to travel to Italy .
You can take up to five animals in total to Italy, including exotic pets like common reptiles and small turtles, as well as rodents and rabbits.
Unleash adventures: book pet-friendly flights to Rome.
Your furry friends deserve the best: fly to Turin with them .
Unlock exploration: fly with your pets to Milan.
Wings for wanderlust: discover pet-friendly flights to Pisa.
Pets included: search for flights and explore Bologna together

Ginger cat sitting on a packed suitcase ready for a flight

What Do I Need To Know About Flying With A Cat To Europe?

Much like flying with small dogs, taking a flight with a cat is considerably more straightforward than traveling with large dogs on planes. Unless you happened to be flying with an exceptionally huge cat, that is!

Cats are often some of the easiest pets to travel with, as you can take them into the cabin with you as long as your airline and destination permits it. In Europe, only a handful of countries prohibit pets in the cabin, such as those in the U.K.

Flying with your cat internationally should be pretty uncomplicated as long as you have completed all the necessary checks and paperwork.

What Are The Rules For Flying With Emotional Support Pets To Europe?

Emotional support animals are subjected to the same rules as other pets for the most part. This means that, unlike trained service dogs, when you’re flying with therapy dogs, there’s no guarantee that they can travel in the cabin with you.

Your animal must meet the airline’s size, breed, and temperament requirements to fly in the cabin. As we’ve previously mentioned, some airlines and countries require all animals to travel in the hold, with the exception of service dogs.

Therefore, you must be aware of the criteria you must meet for your pet to travel with you. If an airline allows pets in the cabin, usually the animals must:

Be a well-behaved cat or dog.
Weigh less than 7-9kg.
Comfortably fit in a soft or hard-sided carrier within specific dimensions that can be placed under the seat.

However, it’s worth getting in touch with different airlines, as some of them may have looser rules for flying with a large dog.

What Are Some Other Tips For Flying With Pets To Europe?

Take a look at some of our other top tips to make your travel experience to Europe with your pet as smooth as possible!

Start planning your trip earlier than you usually would. Giving yourself extra time will allow you to compare different airlines, read up on safety requirements, stock up on travel accessories, and plan when to take your pet for their health certificate check-up.
Research the requirements of the European country you’re traveling to, particularly if it’s a country that’s not an EU member.
Ensure your airline permits pets to fly to the country you’re visiting. For example, flying with dogs with JetBlue might be possible in the U.S., but they don’t allow animals on European routes, even if the final and connecting destinations welcome pets.
Check that your destination is pet-friendly, as you could find that you can’t bring your furry friend into many businesses and spaces in some countries. Fortunately, most European countries are welcoming to pets, but it’s always best to do plenty of research.
Book your flight early if possible, as many airlines cap the number of animals traveling per plane. Other airlines only allow you to add a pet to your booking within 14 days before departure.
Try to stick to direct flights whenever possible. Connecting flights can make flying more stressful for you and your pet. The additional documentation, different protocols, new rules, and added fees associated with layovers can make connecting flights a logistical nightmare. Your pet will likely be faced with more unfamiliar faces and surroundings, too, so direct flights are best to minimize your four-legged friend’s anxieties.
Begin crate training your pet a few months in advance, mainly if they’re not used to spending hours at a time in kennels or carriers. Make the crate a comfortable space where they feel inclined and safe to enter.

Want more interesting tips and information on traveling? Read more Kiwi.com articles!

Introduction
What Is A Pet Passport

Prague airport contains a wild illusion sculpture you have to see

Frequently asked questions

Travel with kids

International Travel
Travel Tips
Personal Finance

Microchipping is compulsory for all pets except for dogs that have a distinct tattoo. Microchips help in reuniting the pets with the owner just in case they get misplaced. It is common in countries like when you're visiting Australia where every puppy has a Microchip attached to its body.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

Vaccinating your dog is of utmost importance. However, a rabies vaccination is of utmost importance. Rabies is of grave concern in European countries.

Due to this, it is compulsory for every dog to get vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination should be given at least three weeks before arriving in the EU.

If you're Microchipping your dog for the first time, then it should be done before vaccinating the dog against anti-rabies.

Anti-rabies vaccination should only be given to dogs that are at least 12 weeks old. In case you plan to head towards Southern Europe, you should consider getting your dog vaccinated against Leishmania.

After a primary rabies vaccination, the pet must wait 21 days before it’s eligible to enter the EU.

Step 3: Get a EU Health Certificate

The EU Health Certificate is like your dog's passport. These documents certify that your animal is healthy, up-to-date with all the standard vaccines and free of any contagious disease.

The health certificate needs to be documented and completed by an official vet within ten days of entering the European Union. States like Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and the UK require a worming treatment done by the vet 1-5 days before arrival. So if you are planning a trip to Ireland or any other state in the EU, you should schedule and get your pet's worming treatment done at the earliest.

Step 4: Approval of EU health certificate

Once the EU health certificate is sanctioned by a certified vet, it must be approved by a local APHIS veterinary service officer. The vet service officers are responsible for the endorsement of your pet's International health certificate.

You can mail the copy or hand-deliver a hard copy for approval to the APHISVeterinary service officer.

They charge around $38 fee to approve the EU health certificate. This certificate is valid within the EU for approximately four months. The certificate gets invalid if you leave the vicinity of the EU or the rabies vaccine expires.

An accredited veterinarian will need to complete and sign the EU Health Certificate. The EU Health Certificate is similar for all EU countries, but it is country-specific, so be sure to obtain the version based on where you’ll enter the EU.

Step 5: EU pet passport

While humans have a restriction on how long they can stay in the EU, animals are not hampered by any such constraints. If you are planning to continue for more than 4 months you, then get your dog a European pet passport from the local vet.

The EU pet import license is a complex seven-page document that must be filled by your pet and recommended by your country's animal regulatory agency not more than ten days before departure. You can find this form on the EU's embassy website.

The Eu pet passport is very convenient. It makes border crossing hassle free. You don't have to fill out lengthy paperwork every time you cross a new boundary.

The pet passport contains the following documents:

pet’s health status
your name and address
pet identifying information such as breed
physical traits
microchip number
optional pet photograph

Pet-friendly nations in Europe

These nations will gladly accept you and your pup:

Estonia – Not all but some places allow dogs. Tallinn is probably the most dog-friendly.
Portugal – Ever since 2017, dogs are allowed in cafes and restaurants.
Spain – Most restaurants don't allow dogs inside their premises, but you will find dog-friendly places in Barcelona. Be sure to take your pup to the best coffee shops in Barcelona , you won't regret it.
Sweden – Dogs are mostly not allowed inside the premises of hotels, cafes, pubs due to allergy concerns.
The United Kingdom – allows dogs in pubs, less formal areas, a restaurant at the open patio.

The following is a list of dogs banned from European countries

Just be careful because some countries won't accept all breeds of dogs. You can see the list below to see if your dog is on the banned list.

American Staffordshire Terrier
Dogo Argentino
English Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
American Pitbull Terrier

Great Britain

Staffordshire Bull Terriers
American Pitbull Terriers
dogs of the Mastiff type

Switzerland

All hybrids and mixes of these breeds that have at least 10% of their bloodlines.

Bringing your pets to Europe

Do extensive research on the places you are planning to visit with your pet. Traveling with a pet is an added responsibility; therefore, it is important that you read all the above-mentioned points carefully.

Consider yourself lucky because bringing your pet to the European countries wasn't always easy.

Before the beginning of the new millennium, if you traveled with a pet to any of the European countries, you would have to board your dog for six months in one of the 80 quarantine kennels in Great Britain. That came with no exercise or frolicking around the parks. There was no governing body, whatsoever, to inspect the kennels and check for quality control.

It wasn't until 1987 that things started to change for non-European pets. An organization named “Passports for Pets” was established by 10,000 members and volunteers. The aim was to change the pet entry system without having to go through segregation. Since February 2000, thousands of pets from non-EU countries could travel to the UK without having to face exclusion.

Traveling to Europe with a Dog

Categories International Travel with a Dog , Travel Europe , Travel with a Dog

Despite the airlines’ best efforts to dissuade pet travel, more and more dog parents are considering bringing along their pets on their travels to Europe. Given the popularity of the continent and the relative proximity to North America, it’s a fairly easy international trip to make with your furry friend in tow.

Traveling with your pet to Europe isn’t all that complicated, however it does require some advanced planning and requirements differ among countries that are within the EU opposed to those that are not.

For the sake of simplicity, this post will focus on the pet entry requirements for the European Union. We will note exceptions for travel to the UK and other similar countries that have different or more strict mandates for dogs and cats.

What do I Need to Travel with my Dog to Europe?

Iso microchip.

Europe operates on a different frequency from the United States, so you will likely need to implant a second one in your dog. Only the veterinarian who implants the microchip can sign the required microchip implementation form.

While it is possible to bring your own scanner, we had one friend who did, but it required extra paperwork and hassle at customs. Save yourself the delay and just get a second microchip. This way, if your dog is lost during your trip a veterinarian can scan the chip.

One-year Rabies Vaccination

This must occur AFTER the ISO Microchip implant . The rabies and the microchip can be done in the same day, but the vaccination has to come second. Both must be administered at least 21 days prior to departure.

While some countries will take the 3-year rabies vaccination, however, the initial shot after the microchip has to be a one-year vaccination. Booster shots may be the three-year injection.

International Health Certificate from Your Veterinarian

Ten days before departing for the EU , visit your local veterinarian for an international health certificate and an EU veterinary certificate. You have 10 days to enter the destination country after you have completed the paperwork. Plan accordingly and consider travel snafus like delayed or missed flights.

Official Pet Export Paperwork

Make an appointment with the USDA (or your local governmental agency responsible for pet export. The international health certificate, the EU veterinary certificate, and the microchip implementation form must be endorsed by a USDA APHIS . This is the government office responsible for approving your export request and stamping your forms.

You can choose to schedule an appointment with the nearest location or overnight the paperwork. Schedule early because appointments can fill fast. Visiting is always the safest option. Note that the fee for endorsement may only be paid by check or money order.

Traveling outside of the EU?

Norway, Finland, Ireland, Malta, and the United Kingdom require an echinococcosis (tapeworm) treatment given a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 120 hours before arrival. The paperwork mentioned above remains the same.

The treatment required approval from the USDA accredited veterinarian. Be sure to ask your local vet write the date and time in both your current timezone, and the one to which you’re traveling on the export paperwork. With a nine hour time difference, this can affect meeting the requirements for inoculation. Always double check your country of destination that may not be listed here. The rules can change.

Our post on entering the UK with a pet should help cover the exceptions and additional requirements, but always, always check before making assumptions.

Entering the Destination Country by Air

If you’re flying with your pet , check to see if the destination requires that you call customs. Not every EU country requires meeting with customs upon arrival, however some countries do. They generally ask for a 24 hour notice.

When we went through customs in Norway, we had to enter the “goods to declare” section. There, we met the customs veterinarian who overlooked Sora’s paperwork, scanned for her microchip, stamped a few items, and sent us on our way.

In Spain, we entered as we would, whether we had a dog or not.

Sora was an ESA, and flew with us in the cabin. We imagine the same scenario would play out for those traveling with a small dog in cabin as well. Again, this depends entirely on the destination country.

For those flying with their dog as cargo, you may be required to show your paperwork at the agricultural office located in the airport. Not all airports accept international pet transport, so check that your destination does before booking any flights.

Once you’re in the EU, you can travel freely between countries with no hassle. Just remember, this is not the case for the exemptions mentioned earlier!

Getting a Pet Passport

You’ll want to get a pet passport if you plan to travel back and forth between Europe and the US or if you plan to stay long term. Once you enter Europe, you have four months to obtain a pet passport if you plan on staying there.

The process is very simple and straightforward if you do your homework in advance. Bring all of your paperwork to a local veterinarian and ask for a Pet Passport. They’ll know what to do.

Crossing Borders in the European Union (EU)

The Schengen zone was created by the EU to enable people to have smooth borderless travel. When traveling with a rental car, bus, or train, you will not have to stop at each border. However, it is a good idea to always bring along the pet passport.

It’s worth noting that due to political conflict, some countries have implemented random border checks. We saw this first hand coming from France to Spain, where the French were randomly checking vehicles. Always have your paperwork ready to go in case you need it.

Generally speaking, it’s very rare to need to show documentation at any point once inside the EU.

Not all in the Schengen Zone are in the EU! Not all non-EU countries are part of the Schengen Zone. It’s very confusing, so we’ll say it one final time. Do your homework and know the requirements of the countries you plan to visit!

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Wednesday 3rd of July 2019

Thank you Dave for this excellent article (and for the fun Instagram posts). Wrestling the paperwork/bureaucracy is your true strengths. We are moving to Valencia, Spain with our 2 dogs and all your research, tips and how-to's are invaluable! I understand that you and Jen fly with your dogs back to the US often. We live in Northern California and were wondering what flight path you take to Spain (from Oregon?). It's been the bane of my existence lately to figure out how to get the dogs to Europe. We have a 65-lb pointer and 110-lb pyrenees mix. I'm assuming there would need to be a stopover but I'm not sure where. Also not sure where to start flying... SFO? YVR? further east? Any advice would be gold!

Thanks for the compliment. I assume your dogs are flying cargo, based on the your pyrenees being 110lbs! We have connected in JFK as there are direct flights from JFK to Madrid (and probably Valencia or Barcelona). So, I'm thinking you could do SFO > JFK > BARC. Now, be careful of the weather and the timing of your flight as it can get hot on the runway. Do you know when you're planning to fly? I did check and Iberia has direct flights from SFO to Barcelona that are 11hrs 25 minutes. A red-eye leaving in the evening may not be such a bad idea as the dogs would end up spending less time in the kennel. I think it really depends on your flight time, how they dogs are flying, and the airline (I don't know Iberia's record for flying). Keep in mind with the big one, you'll want the largest kennel you can find if using cargo. Let me know how I can help!

How road-tripping with dogs in Europe helped us appreciate life

Nov 19, 2020 • 11 min read

Sundae and Toby near the Millau Viaduct in southern France © Annie Groves

A lot of us have dreamed of taking off on a campervan trip with road-tripping supplies, our partner and our dogs. Before the pandemic turned the travel world upside down, Annie Groves did just that, so we asked her how it went and what we might be able to learn from her experience.

More of her adventures with her partner and her dogs can be found at her blog, A Contento Adventure .

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Annie, and I live in Greater Manchester , England, with my partner, Phil, who I took the trip with. We both ordinarily work in health care for the National Health Service. I like to dabble in photography, roller skating and love to travel explore new surroundings. I enjoy writing and would love to turn our trip into a children’s book eventually.

A close-up of two dogs on leashes in Venice, Italy

How about your dogs?

We have Toby, a long-haired Jack Russel. We got him from some local kennels around five years ago where he had been abandoned by his previous owners. We don't really know much about his past, not even his age (we think he is around 7 or 8 now). He's hyperactive but also very intelligent. His favorite thing is playing ball – or anything actually, he demands lots of attention!

That brings us to Sundae who is a chihuahua cross. She’s almost 3 years old now and we’ve had her since she was a young pup. She’s the sweetest girl, very gentle, loves to sleep and comfort, and everybody that meets her just falls in love with her. She loves nothing more than a cuddle.

They are the best of friends and chase each other around the house like Tom and Jerry a lot of the time!

Interested in Vanlife? Check out The Vanlife Companion.

A smiling woman sits on steps with two dogs beside her

What made you decide to bring your dogs along?

When we started planning the trip, the thought of not taking the dogs never crossed our minds. We knew we would be gone for a while, and they are our family, so it seemed like the only possible option. It gave us the opportunity to let them escape the boring routine of life (like us), of being locked up in the house every day while we went to work as they waited for us to come home. They got to see and explore a whole new place every single day. How amazing is that?

What was the route you took? How long did it take?

The trip took around four months in total.

Our only plan when we were starting out was that we wanted to reach Italy and hoped to start a life there. We never planned how we would get there except that we would begin in England and explore France on the way by simply heading down to southern France and driving across to Italy.

An aerial view of a campervan driving through a dry landscape

The drive from Calais to Marseille was a mix of the beautiful French countryside and small French towns.

The southern coast, although very beautiful lacked the simplicity we had found and loved during the trip the first week or so. The cities such as Marseille were so busy, the parking was difficult to find in such a big vehicle. So we found ourselves getting frustrated which wasn’t what we wanted from the trip.

So, we decided to begin traveling up again through France and head to the Alps, both for cooler weather for the dogs and to find the open country and nature that we craved.

We soon found that we loved being in places where the dogs could swim and explore off their leads. We never initially planned to travel to the Alps, but this ended up being the most memorable part of our trip. We have learned that a lot of the things that come around unexpectedly are the things that make the most amazing memories.

We have learned that a lot of the things that come around unexpectedly are the things that make the most amazing memories.

The trip was an unplanned adventure with stumbled steps into amazing sights and places. We never sought out tourist spots because in fairness when we did encounter them, during the trip, we didn't enjoy them. Mostly because these places are usually busy and somehow it does not feel as magical as finding something unexpected and experiencing it on our own.

We went to busy beaches and could not wait to leave, often having to keep the dogs on their leads to stop them from interacting with people who clearly aren’t dog lovers. But then we found the most beautiful, quiet little swimming spots by lakes where the four of us were able to relax, swim and experience it together. The things we planned or researched never lived up to our expectations anyway.

Our next plan was to cross the border into Switzerland before realizing our European insurance didn’t cover us to travel through Switzerland. The van was already showing signs of wear, so we decided after spending a few hours near Lake Geneva that we should travel back into France and begin our route to Croatia and Italy (which ended up being a good decision later in the trip).

When we eventually arrived in Italy, the trip completely changed. It was harder to find camping spots. The small towns lacked the lust and magic we knew Italy for, and although the towns we loved Italy for (Venice, Lake Garda) were as magical as ever, we knew we'd never afford to live in these places. Our dream of living in Italy wasn’t yet meant to be.

... And so, we decided to leave Italy and cross the border to Croatia via Slovenia . In one day, we visited those three countries – Italy, Slovenia and ending in Croatia. It's illegal to wild camp in Croatia but luckily we were visiting in the low season, meaning all the campsites we stayed at were half the price. We found some beautiful spots. We mostly traveled and camped on the coast, allowing us to see some amazing sunsets and listen to the waves of the ocean.

The drives along the coast were like no other we have seen, with beautiful mountainous landscape on one side and turquoise blue waters on the other. The roads were also exceptionally quiet too. We weren’t sure if this was because of the time of year, but I imagine it can get very busy in the summer months. We got to enjoy the beaches and the landscapes alone, and the dogs got to happily roam free.

A campervan is stopped on the side of a coastal road

We decided from Croatia to start heading back home so we doubled back through Slovenia, then through Austria and finally through Germany where our journey came to a big end when the van finally gave up and broke down.

How did you pass the time on long drives?

Because of the dogs we kept our drives short. We tried not to drive for more than 3 hours at a time and searched for places to stay along our route that would fit into this. This provided us with some amazing stops, and we really got a feel for the countries instead of just visiting all the tourist spots.

What's it like to travel in Europe with dogs?

For the most part it was good. We realized quickly that city life is hard with two dogs and the heat is hard on them. But when we were in the countryside, by a lake or even up a mountain it was a beautiful thing to share it with the dogs.

Two small dogs watch while a woman swims

What was the highlight of your trip?

I learned to appreciate the little things all the more, like lying on top of the van's roof and looking at the stars and meteors shooting across the sky. We're from a busy town, so we never get to see the stars like that. Or swimming in a lake with nobody else around.

In my blog I wrote, "It’s amazing just having those simple moments makes life and our decisions to make this trip worth it. Life on the road is a wonderful thing in that we get to see and experience a whole new place every day. Life is simple. Life is happy. Life is free. Life is peaceful and it is quiet. It is experiences and adventures. Mostly it is appreciating the little things."

We have learned to appreciate the beauty that is in the quiet and realizing the inner peace that nature and being away from the stresses of a busy world gives to us.

Another highlight was Venice. Mostly because I fall in love with the city every time I visit, and this time we had the bonus of sharing it with the dogs. We took a train ride into the city (the dogs' first ever) and walked the beautiful streets. The dogs got so much attention from tourists and locals alike. Because we got the train to the city we didn’t have to worry about parking the van which took a lot of stress off.

Phil holding Sundae and Toby in Venice.jpg

The French Alps were a highlight too. Never before have I been so in awe of the amazing sights of a snow-topped mountain. It felt like I had stepped into an oil painting or the set of The Sound of Music . I felt like I was in some kind of made-up land where everything is perfect, and all is peaceful, safe and quiet. The natural, untouched landscapes seemed to go on forever.

What was the lowlight of your trip?

Breaking down in Germany . We were driving down the motorway when suddenly the van started to lose power and smoke burst from the exhaust. We immediately pulled over and looked around to find that oil had exploded from the exhaust and the entire outside of the van was covered in it.

We opened the bonnet and panic hit us; the whole engine was covered in oil too. It was a total mess. We took a minute and tried not to panic. We were in Germany with a broken-down van, on the motorway with two dogs and roaring traffic passing by. We called our insurance company who sent out a tow truck. They took us to a garage in Bonn , Germany.

The next two weeks in Bonn were not a fun time during our trip (it’s a whole other story) but eventually our insurance company funded a taxi from Bonn to Calais. Then we got a “dog taxi” who took us via the channel tunnel back to UK soil. The van was then later repatriated back to the UK and to us a few months later.

It was a crazy end to an amazing trip it was also a memorable one! We embraced every part of the adventure (good and bad).

What are your recommendations for travelers with dogs?

First of all, just do it! Try to keep your journeys short. Avoid big cities. Embrace the adventure. Check out all the natural landscapes our world has to offer and let them enjoy swimming under the warm sun. They are animals. They aren’t meant to be locked up inside all day while we go to work. They should be given the opportunity to sniff out new smells and explore too!

A small dog looks at some cows behind a fence

What are the downsides to traveling in a van?

Breaking down and constant repairs!
Living in a small space.
When it's cold, it’s really cold, and when it’s hot it’s really hot!
If you’re rough camping, you need to constantly find water to fill your tanks for cooking and washing.

The daily life was not what we expected. We thought we would have the time to fill our days relaxing, reading or playing games. It isn’t like that. By the time we have finished driving for the day, explored the area we are in, showered, cleaned, filled the water tanks, bought food, cooked, done laundry, done the van's maintenance and planned the next day's journey – the four of us are well and truly ready to sleep!

A night photo of a campervan with a dog peaking out the window

If you could have changed anything about your trip, what would it be?

Actually nothing. It was an adventure and every experience both the good and bad gave us memories and stories. We can’t predict what’s going to happen. Of course, we’d have preferred if the van hadn’t have broken down but if we knew that was going to happen, we probably wouldn’t have taken the trip. Embrace every part of the adventure.

Do you have any upcoming travel plans?

We will always seek new adventures and amazing places in the world. We have recently had a baby boy, named Ollie, who we plan to share all these adventures with him (and not forgetting the dogs of course) as soon as possible!

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The Husky Squad in the Mont Blanc Region in France 🇫🇷

Traveling to Europe With Dogs

In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d be writing a blog about traveling to Europe with dogs. Now that we’re back, although prematurely, I’m opening up our Husky Squad Travel Journal with you. To enjoy and benefit from this blog the most, I recommend you to watch the videos I include here for you.

HUSKY SQUAD TRAVEL JOURNAL

In this vlog, we spill the beans why we went to Europe with the Husky Squad in the first place, what we loved about Europe for our dogs, and the reasons why we had to come back to the USA. This video has journal style, raw personal footage from our travels which we’ve not shared before.

OUR 10 MONTH ITINERARY IN EUROPE

Portes du soleil, switzerland central valeis, switzerland mont blanc region, france tuhelj, croatia plovdiv, bulgaria istra, croatia split, croatia annecy, france florenville, belgium.

FEEDING OUR DOGS RAW IN EUROPE

Although we knew it would be difficult to feed the squad raw food during our travels in Europe, we were absolutely adamant to make it happen. As many of you already know, we switched to Raw food when our Kimahri was diagnosed with cancer. There would be no chance we would go back to kibble and risk her life. Laziness and excuses were not an option for me. As we cover in this blog each region we visited, we’ll include the Raw food options we found during our travels. Had we stayed in Europe longer, I’m positive we could have found more options. During this entire trip, we followed our own Kibble to Raw Course methods and you can learn everything about switching your dog to raw food in the Kibble to Raw Online Course , no matter where you live in the world.

YOUR DOG COULD BE EATING LIKE THIS

...and it's easier than you think!

OH YEAH? TELL ME MORE

Your Dog's Name

Here's what I'm thinking right now... Here's what I'm thinking right now... WOW, I had no idea! I feed premium kibble, but real food is GOALS I feed kibble cause I though it's "COMPLETE" & "HEALTHY" for my pup My vet is making my dog eat prescription kibble Uhm, YES PLEASE! I've been wanting to DITCH KIBBLE

SWISS ALPS WITH DOGS🇨🇭

Spending time in the Alps with the Squad was one of our absolute favorite experiences. The Swiss Alps are not only one of the most beautifully kept and accessible nature regions we’ve ever been to, it’s also extremely dog friendly to hike and have adventures with your furry kids. Two incredible months flew by as we hiked the majestic European Alps, watched stunning sunsets from our little chalet, and lived a dream we never wanted to wake up from. We left our hearts scattered across the mountains, peaceful dreamy villages, and we hope someday to have a little old chalet to come back to as often as possible.

Our recommendation:

Rent a chalet with a beautiful view for at least a couple of weeks. You’ll create once in a lifetime amazing memories together. Ride gondolas, trains, go hiking, and enjoy the many rustic Swiss dining options in the mountain villages of the region. We’d avoid staying directly in touristy regions like Zermat, but definitely visit for a day!

Raw Food for Dogs in Switzerland

After trying some commercial raw food chubs from the local pet food store, we realized the Squad’s tummies were not happy with the idea. Instead we went back to the basics and started feeding the Squad human grade, intact, whole, pre-frozen sardines and anchovies which we found in the large mega COOP supermarkets all over Switzerland. These small fish were LIFESAVING for the squad. They do very well on oily fish, and given that we were only there for a while, we were comfortable with feeding the Squad these two oily fish varieties as their primary protein source.

During this time in Switzerland, we also tried pre-frozen human grade raw chicken from COOP, but we unfortunately realized that Tidus is extremely allergic to chicken. Interestingly, we hardly ever gave them chicken before. In our Kibble to Raw Course we go over in detail how you can make sure you’re feeding the right primary protein sources for your pups.

As we were getting ready to leave Switzerland, we found a lot of amazing raw food options which can be ordered in bulk online. Purchasing online raw food orders seems to be the most common and best way to go in Switzerland!

MONT BLANC REGION WITH THE HUSKY SQUAD🇫🇷

Our only regret about this region is that we did not have enough time to explore its majestic landscape. The trails are abundant, dog friendly, and the villages are full of French charm. We could not get enough of the hikes there, and this is when we began falling in love with French culture and people.

We recommend:

Rent a little chalet or cottage anywhere in the region and put your hiking boots to good use. Hiking poles are extremely helpful! The trails are steep and unforgiving, but the majestic beauty of this region will reward you with the most stunning visuals. You’ll be glad you burned a decent amount of calories on the trails, so you can indulge in the incredibly delicious french eatery scene and feel a little less guilty about it.

Raw Food for Dogs in Mont Blanc Region

I’ll be honest, we had a challenging time finding a variety of quality raw food in local pet food stores in the region. Thank goodness we found a few new protein sources in a local pet food store for the Squad. We chose a raw frozen blend of Rabbit and Duck by a brand named Nova Canis . The Squad seemed ok on it, but intuitively I kept it to a minimum of about 30% of their diet. Switzerland was not too far of a drive, so we hopped back to buy fish there every few weeks. There are many amazing options to order Raw food online in France, but our freezer was too tiny to go that route. A typical family freezer would have been perfect.

VISITING CROATIA WITH OUR DOGS 🇭🇷

We spent a total of three months in Croatia and created incredible memories there. Overall, Croatia was very dog friendly, and we hardly ever saw a “no dogs” sign.

Our first month was in a little village named Tuhelj. It was a great month for us to wind down after our adventures in the alps, and thank goodness the snake that bit Tidus in the garden was non-poisonous. This area is known to have horned Vipers, and this snake bite experience was probably one of the scariest times of our lives! We loved the countryside, the culture and people, and we really enjoyed visiting Old Town Zagreb with the Squad on a warm summer night. Needless to say, the Squad were immediate superstars in town. We were amazed when we were invited to eat in restaurants together. Absolutely pleasantly surprised!

How we’d do this region differently:

Next time, we’d rather rent a cottage right north of Zagreb nearby the hiking trails. This would give us fantastic daily hikes, amazing cultural experiences in Old Town Zagreb, and nearby National Parks to venture out for the day.

A little sleepy, dreamy village near the coast. Experiencing this region was like going back in time where we spent a month with close friends and fellow couple travelers Gretchen and Gustavo . We enjoyed amazing meals together in our cottage, delicious fresh made cheese from our hosts’ sheep ranch, and visiting the dreamy coastal villages of Novigrad and Rovinj. Our daily walks with the Squad consisted of country roads and playing in open peaceful meadows surrounded by olive orchards. We absolutely loved visiting the hilltop fortress village of Motovun and the surrounding hiking trails. If you love truffles, Istra is the place to be during autumn to enjoy all of its amazing delicacies. Truffle everything!

What we suggest:

Ideally, we should have stayed in Motovun for at least two weeks to enjoy the village and the surrounding mountains for hiking. It’s an unforgettable place! After that, we should have moved on to stay either in Rovinj , or Novigrad to enjoy the coastal dreamy villages. The tough part about staying on the coast would be finding hiking trails and getting the Squad’s physical activity needs met.

The magic of Split is difficult to describe. Although the Balken sea beckons thousands of tourists during the summer to enjoy the clear blue warm waters and endless islands, we’re so glad to have visited during the month of November. We had some wild stormy days, but we loved the off season, and the freedom to take the Squad all over old town without too many tourists. The Squad also appreciated the milder climate. We took daily hikes walking in Marjan Forest Park in the morning, and evening sunset walks on the beautiful Marina right by our little apartment. The food in Split was out of this world!

Favorite Restaurants in Split

Konoba Fetivi : Incredible SeaFood Platter and Sage Dessert liquor served up by a kind and warm father and son team. We miss their hospitality so much! Corto Maltese Freestyle Food : Eclectic delicious eats with an ambience we’ll never forget Bokeria Kitchen and Wine Bar : Where we ate for Jc’s birthday. What a special treat and modern eclectic ambience. The food was absolutely delicious. I’m so glad I chose this restaurant for his birthday. Don Dino Pastry Shop: where we spent time enjoying divine ice cream, coffee or both (don’t judge!) and we kept coming back for more.

Why we wouldn’t change a thing:

We lucked out and scored in Split! We had an amazing modern Airbnb Apartment with a little backyard for the Squad. We stayed seconds away from hiking trails, and moments away from old town Split where we enjoyed the magical beauty almost every evening. We parked our car for the month and only moved it once to go visit nearby national parks. Everything we needed was accessible on foot, and we loved it. The beautiful Marina was almost at our front door too! If you can stay with our amazing Airbnb host in her perfect little apartment , do it!

Raw Food For the Squad in Croatia

Out of habit from Switzerland and France, we started looking for frozen, small, oily fish in local supermarkets, and there they were! In almost every region in Croatia, we found sardines, anchovies, and European Sprat from the balkan sea. Almost every LIDL supermarket had them.

Then I did a bit more research and found a brand named Von Barf . After some digging, the brand seemed reliable so I introduced beef and green tripe to the pups, and we SCORED! The Squad loved it, and I felt so relieved to have a great additional protein source besides the oily fish. Von Barf also has a fish blend, but we prefer using the entire whole fish when possible.

CAPITAL OF CULTURE: PLOVDIV BULGARIA 🇧🇬

Plovid knocked our human socks off, and that’s an understatement. It’s a beautiful, quaint, eclectic, historic, art filled old-town we’ll never forget. The food is deeelicous, the coffee is amazing, and the ice cream is the best we ever had. While we visited, Plovdiv was also a lot more affordable to indulge in dining and we did not deprive ourselves :D. People are so kind, welcoming and warm, and it felt like an exotic experience to us. The Squad were superstars there when we walked all over old-town with them since it was challenging to find hiking trails nearby. Kimahri could not get enough of the feral cats all over town, and she even got into a boxing match at night with a cat hiding in a blind spot behind a large planter. We thankfully realized just in time. Kitty claws are SHARP.

Raw Food in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

You’ll detect a pattern by now 🙂 We first went to local supermarkets to check for oily intact, small fish and we scored again! We found European Sprat, sardines, anchovies and additionally: baby mackerel! Lots of variety, which we like! But now, we had to find additional protein sources, and after some research and a couple of phone calls, we found “Pet Valley – Barf Bulgaria” in Sofia, which was a 90 minute drive each way. Not a problem! Their frozen food is well sourced and the people are kind. Highly recommend them! Their food did the Squad well.

Our Thoughts:

Would we go back to Plovdiv? Absolutely! However, we’d probably make it a week long trip without the Squad to enjoy the culture, food, and the historical beauty of the region. The Squad can tolerate the city life for a little bit, but they need to #getthehuskyout in nature often, and there’s not enough of that close in Plovdiv. We highly suggest everyone to visit this beautiful town and enjoy at least five days of ice cream tasting, dabbling in many restaurants menus, and exploring the art, history, and culture scene. Try to book an Airbnb right inside old-town, or right across the Pedestrian shop bridge Maritsa.

THE MAGIC THAT IS ANNECY FRANCE 🇫🇷

Just writing about this region makes me want to hop on a plane and go back “home.” We left a huge piece of our hearts in this magical city. It’s very difficult to explain the diverse beauty of this region. You’ll have to watch the two videos here to understand a bit of what we experienced. In a perfect world, we want to have a little chalet in a quiet old street anywhere around Lac Annecy. We spent the entire Christmas and New Years season there, and it was incredibly difficult to leave. Lac Annecy has everything we love, from the amazing surrounding mountains, the peaceful lake, endless trails, delicious Savoyard French Cuisine, great climate, friendly warm people, beautiful history, the quaintest old town, magical Christmas markets, and mouthwatering raclette and fondue. We finally met our amazing new friends Kati, Damien, and their husky Talulla when they came to spend the New Year with us. We are so humbled by their kindness and hospitality. I can go on and on and write a blog just on Annecy! The Squad LOVED our time there. The region is dog friendly in every aspect! Heck, we were invited INSIDE restaurants with the Squad. We had great hiking trails and the perfect balance to give the Squad what they need.

Feeding Raw in Annecy

We could not find raw food easily in local pet food stores. There were amazing options to order online for delivery, but since our Airbnb Freezer was so small (again!), that option didn’t make sense. Our simple solution? Drive back to Switzerland (only 40 minutes away) and get what we need after we go for a day trip and hike in the mountains. Next time, we’ll plan freezer space better and order online.

Missing Annecy and our suggestions:

This region caught us by such surprise, and we can’t get it out of our minds. The only cure? We’ll have to go back someday! We recommend renting an Airbnb anywhere you like in the region. We stayed a bit away from the main town, so we can enjoy the tranquility. Be mindful not to book directly on the main road so you can enjoy the calm beauty of the region.

QUAINT FLORENVILLE IN THE BELGIAN ARDENNES 🇧🇪

I remembered the Belgian Ardennes from my childhood. In my memories there were lush forests, rolling hills, and country living. We wanted to see the region as a possible option to live since I had Belgian Residency in my childhood. Although I grew up in the city, I was always drawn to nature. The moment we arrived in Florenville, we were blown away by the charm of this beautiful little village, and by the hospitality of our new, favorite host Sophie . Spending our last European month in Florenville was a great ending to this amazing trip which ended sooner than we wanted to. We spent our days finalizing the Kibble to Raw course , hiking in the forested hills, dining with our new friends, and trying a lot of delicious Belgian chocolate.

The amazing Raw Food in Belgium

Since we stayed in a very small village, we knew we’d have to venture out a bit to find the right food for the Squad. Enter one of the most AMAZING natural dog food shops we’ve ever been to: Lewis Natural Pet food Store . Their selection and options are amazing, but what blew us away was the owner, John, and how much he cares for the wellbeing of our animals. He only carries products and brands he truly believes in, and he helps you figure out what’s best for you and your beloved fur kids. I highly recommend you shop there if you visit or live nearby. We drove two hours each way to pick up food in bulk since we had a nice size freezer this time. I intuitively know when food does the Squad well, and they absolutely thrived on the protein diversity and quality from the food in Belgium. I miss this so much!

Visit Underrated Belgian Ardennes

You’ll be so glad you did! We highly recommend staying in the cozy cottage we stayed in, take a ride with Shophie, Andres, and their gentle horses , and indulge in tasty Italian dishes at the Le Relais des Oliviers restaurant. Explore the history, nature, and the quaint countryside, and don’t be shy getting to know the friendly local people.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR TRAVELS TO EUROPE

Europe with our dogs was a once in a lifetime and incredible experience. Seeing the Squad mesmerized by the Alps was one of the most amazing feelings we’ll never forget. We hope to go back one day to spend time with our new friends and continue hiking the majestic European Alps again. We left our hearts there and someday, we’ll have to go back and pick them up again.

Curious why we had to cut our travels short? Click here to watch this video.

I hope this blog is helpful to you in planning your future adventures. If we missed anything, drop us your questions here below. If you have suggestions for the community, please share them here too!

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This was a great read. Thank you!

You’re welcome, Marlon!

Thank you for sharing your post about travelling to Europe with dogs. Very interesting reading and great photos. This post gets me excited about doing the same some day. What a great experience!

We’re happy you like to this post. It was a life changing experience, and we hope you get to do it someday too!

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Travelling Without a Passport

Backpacking in Europe With Your Dog

For avid travellers who are also dog owners, bringing your beloved pup with you on your adventures has undoubtedly crossed your mind. Travelling with your dog can mean sharing some of the most meaningful experiences of your life with your pet, as well as having peace of mind knowing that they’re being taken care of while by your side.

You’ll also be putting their needs before your own, which will show you a different approach to travel that isn’t just centred around your own experience but about sharing an adventure with your most loyal friend.

Europe is an incredibly dog-friendly continent that’s perfect for a country-hopping trip with your intrepid pup. There, animals mostly have the same freedom as humans to move through European Union borders without needing extra documentation, which limits the hassle.

While backpacking in Europe with your dog is a rewarding experience, there’s a lot to prepare and consider. If you’re willing to pull out all the stops for an adventure with your furry friend, read on to find out what you’ll need to make it happen.

See Also: Pet-Friendly Travel Options: Your Complete Guide

What to consider before you go

Is your dog suited for a long period of travel.

Travelling can be hard on your dog, so it’s important to consider the toll that your trip will take on your pup. Depending on their temperament and lifestyle, your dog might not be suited to all the different climates and unfamiliar settings outside of their routine that come with travel. Only consider bringing them along if you’re confident they will be able to handle those changing conditions.

Where you’ll be flying to and departing from

With the proper paperwork, flying into Europe is not complicated, but take note of your dog’s breed. Some breeds that are considered “dangerous” by certain countries will face restrictions or be denied entry.

While it’s unfortunate that such classifications exist, you’ll want to be prepared so that you don’t run into a situation where you need to turn back upon arrival. Upon arriving back home after your trip, there may be things to consider as well. Some countries, like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, require a period of quarantine upon arrival to make sure your dog hasn’t contracted any contagious illnesses abroad.

How to prepare for backpacking with your dog in Europe

Prepare your paperwork.

There is a ton of preparation that you’ll need to do if you want to travel with your dog. Depending on the length of your stay in the EU, you’ll need to prepare an EU health certificate or an EU pet passport that documents your pet’s health records.

Pay attention to timing, as some requirements come with tight timelines that may affect the validity of your paperwork, and make sure that your documents are the right ones for the country of landing in the EU.

Visit the vet

Along with a general check at your dog’s veterinarian to ensure that your pet is in good health to travel, you should also coordinate with your vet to make sure your furry friend is microchipped and has all the vaccinations and treatments it needs for entry into Europe. Some EU countries, like Finland, Norway, and Malta, require a worming treatment to be done by a vet before entry.

woman petting dog in front of an old building

Plan your itinerary

Travelling with your dog means less flexibility than you would otherwise have. Once you’ve got all the paperwork done, you’ll need to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that your accommodations are pet-friendly.

You might also want to take note of whether your dog’s preferred type of food can be purchased nearby, and whether there are options available to you if you run into medical emergencies abroad. Many museums and tourist attractions in even the most dog-friendly cities won’t allow dogs, so take that into account when planning your trips.

Finally, when booking your flight, research each airline’s pet policies to see whether your pup will be able to fly with you in the cabin or if they’ll be required to fly in the hold.

See Also: The 29 Most Pet-Friendly Beaches, Ranked

What to pack

When it comes to packing for a trip with your dog, there’s a lot to think about, too! There’s a long list of things that will make your dog more comfortable on the road, and it’s just as important to pack for their needs as it is for your own – if not more.

Bringing a harness, leash, and carrier are a must, as well as a collar with detailed contact information in the case of any emergencies. Depending on your dog’s breed and temperament, you might want to bring a muzzle as well, as some places might require it.

Pack some outfits for your dog to keep it warm in case of wet or cold weather, and a small towel and grooming essentials to freshen them up after long days of exploring. Bring a good amount of your dog’s preferred food to help them adjust and prevent them from getting an upset stomach.

Having some of your dog’s favourite things, like bowls and toys, will help comfort them and make things feel more familiar. And while plastic bags and poop bags are probably readily available in Europe, dog owners know that carrying a few extra will always come in handy.

How to fly with a dog

This is one of the trickiest parts of travelling with your pet, and it’s incredibly important to do your research here. Consider the airline that you’re flying with, and inquire about their track records and policies regarding pets.

Book a direct flight to make sure your travel time is as short as possible without transfers. When it comes to flying, having your dog with you in the cabin is ideal, but depending on the airline’s requirements and your dog’s size, they will need to be transported in the cargo or the hold.

man walking on pathway nearby sea with a dog

While it’s important to remember that many animals are transported this way every day without any issues, having them fly on their own can be anxiety-inducing for you and hard for your pet. If your dog needs to be flown in the hold or the cargo, feed them at least a few hours before the flight so that they will have time to relieve themselves before the flight.

In the weeks leading up to the flight, train your pet in a cargo crate and make sure your pet will be comfortable being alone inside for the duration of the flight. Never sedate your pet before a flight, and if your dog is a brachycephalic breed, it might best to avoid flying if they’re not allowed in the cabin, as these snub-nosed breeds have trouble breathing in high altitudes.

See Also: The 20 Most Pet-Friendly International Airlines Ranked

Where to go in Europe

Most of Europe loves dogs, and will happily welcome your furry friend. Germany , France, and Italy are three of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, with a great selection of accommodation and the option of bringing your dog with you in most restaurants, stores, and public transportation.

Go for a walk in one of Berlin’s many parks, most of which welcome dogs, or you can even visit the famous archaeological site of Pompeii with your pup in tow.

Austria , Belgium, Prague, Latvia and the Netherlands are also quite dog-friendly, charging small fees for public transportation and allowing them in most public spaces. You’ll love exploring the Keukenhof Gardens or Prague’s Old Town with your furry friend, and enjoying a meal on a sunlit patio in Bruges or Vienna.

While still dog-friendly, you’ll find more of a challenge in Ireland and Spain , with varying attitudes towards dog visitors and a limited amount of accommodation and public spaces that will allow your dog to enter.

While travelling with your dog requires preparation and planning, it can be an incredibly worthwhile experience. Where in Europe will you take your furry friend?

Melanie Cheng

Melanie is a Toronto-based writer and editor who loves experiencing new things in new places. In between adventures, you can find her with her nose in a book, re-watching episodes of Friends, or on the lookout for her next favourite brunch spot.

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The Man in Seat 61

How to travel into Europe

Taking your dog by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, how to take your dog by train.

This gets asked surprisingly often, as it's difficult and expensive to send dogs, cats or other pets by air, and pets find it very stressful alone in the hold of a plane. So why not take your dog by train or ferry, the civilised and comfortable option? Unfortunately Eurostar doesn't allow dogs at all , except guide dogs. But there are alternatives - this page explains the options for civilised & enjoyable train & ferry travel between the UK and European destinations with your dog, cat or other pet.

Microchip, vaccinations, health certificate

Before you start, you'll need to make sure your dog or pet is fitted with a microchip and has an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Call your vet, they can advise you.

To take a pet from the UK to the EU , see your vet no more than 10 days before you travel for a simple health check and to get a health certificate. Expect this to cost £180 (yet another a Brexit cost as the UK is no longer a member of the Pet Passport scheme). The certificate is a 10-page document with more stamps than a 1970s Soviet transit visa which allows you to take your pet into the EU for up to 4 months and to re-enter the UK within 4 months. You can have more than one pet on the same health certificate. For certain countries you'll also need a tapeworm treatment, including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Finland & Malta.

A day or two before you return to the UK , make a vet's appointment. The vet gives your dog a tapeworm tablet and fills in/stamps the relevant section on the form. This must be done no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter Great Britain. Expect this to cost around €40. This allows you to return to the UK.

For full details on how to take a pet abroad, see www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit .

For full details on how to bring a pet into the UK, see www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel .

Tip: As you can't take meat or dairy products into the EU, only take enough regular pet food for the Channel crossing. Take kibble for the onward journey, or stock up with wet food once on the Continent.

Step 1, taking a pet on British trains

This bit is easy. You can take dogs, cats and other small animals free of charge on all British trains, up to a maximum of two per passenger, as long as they don't endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff. Dogs must be kept on a lead unless inside a carrier. Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed cage or pet carrier which must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort. Animals and containers must not occupy seats or a charge may be made. If you want to use a Caledonian Sleeper to or from Scotland, you'll need to pay a fee, see here . For full details of dog & pet regulations on British trains see www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/train-travel-with-pets . So far, so good.

Step 2, getting across the Channel

Option 1 , london to holland with stena line.

I highly recommend this option for both comfort and simplicity for travel with your dog between the UK and the Continent. It's an ideal route for the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Scandinavia and so on. It's a round-about route to France, Spain, Switzerland & Italy, but because it's so dog-friendly & inexpensive with really easy integrated train-to-ferry and ferry-to-train connections on either side of the Channel, it's a surprisingly good option even for that. It may also avoid the need for an overnight stay in Paris because after an overnight sailing to Hoek in a cosy pet-friendly cabin you can catch a morning high-speed train to Paris in time for an afternoon TGV to Barcelona, Switzerland or Milan.

What is Stena Line Rail & Sail?

Stena Line Rail & Sail is an integrated train & ferry service between London & the Netherlands run jointly by Greater Anglia & Stena Line. One ticket bought at www.stenaline.co.uk covers the whole journey from London or any East Anglia rail station to Hoek van Holland. It works in both directions, of course, but I'll describe the outward journey from the UK here.

You take the 18:45 train from London Liverpool Street station to Harwich and your dog travels with you on the train. At Harwich, the train arrives alongside the ferry terminal at around 20:45. It's totally painless: You walk straight off the train into the ferry terminal, through passport control (where your dog or cat's pet passport will be checked too) and onto the luxurious Stena Line superferry to Hoek van Holland.

You enter the ship via the passenger gangway onto Deck 7.

If you've booked a pet-friendly cabin , take your dog or cat by lift or stairs up to deck 10, where all the pet-friendly cabins are. All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV. Your pet stays with you in the cabin, they are not allowed on the rest of the ship. If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down the Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business. Inevitably, we refer to this as the poop deck.

If you've booked a kennel , you take your dog up two decks by lift or stairs to the Guest Services desk on Deck 9, which is the main passenger deck with all the bars, lounges & restaurants. The Guest Services staff will give you a kennel number in either Kennel A or Kennel B, and give you the 4-digit code to access the kennels. You then go down one deck on Red Stairs to the kennels on Deck 8. The kennels have a sink with running water, and they provide blankets for dogs to sleep on, but you should take your own pet's water bowl, food bowl and perhaps their favourite toy. If your pet needs a pee or poo, go down one deck on the same Red Stairs to Deck 7 and press the white button to open a door to a small outside deck area where they can get some air, have a little exercise and do their business.

After settling your pet into their kennel you can settle in to your own private en suite cabin on Deck 10 or 11 and perhaps have a late dinner in the ship's restaurant or a nightcap in the bar on Deck 9. All cabins have a shower, toilet, free WiFi and satellite TV. Channel 6 on the TV shows CCTV pictures of the kennels, with close-ups of individual cages. You can visit your dog at any time during the crossing, although pets are not allowed in the public areas, other than to reach the Customer Services desk on embarkation, or to reach a pet-friendly cabin.

The ferry sails at 23:00 every day and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

You now collect your dog from the kennels, if they need a pee you can take them to that small outside deck area on Deck 7. You then walk off the ferry into the terminal and out onto the adjacent railway station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam. Dogs travel for free on the RET metro trains. You can use any contactless bank card to travel, just touch in and out at the start and end of the metro journey.

Get off the metro in Schiedam Centrum for a frequent NS (Dutch Railways) InterCity train to Amsterdam, arriving Amsterdam Centraal around 10:25. In the reverse direction, you'd leave Amsterdam Centraal around 18:46, the ferry sails from Hoek around 22:00 arriving Harwich at 06:30, you reach central London around 08:50.

Or continue to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, from where it's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal . Or continue to Rotterdam Alexander for NS trains to Utrecht, Groningen and so on.

You'll find full details, photos & a video guide on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .

Onward trains to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Eastern Europe etc...

Direct daytime trains link Amsterdam with Germany and Switzerland - in many cases these go via Utrecht, and changing at Utrecht saves going all the way into Amsterdam. Regular daytime trains link Rotterdam with Brussels and Paris. All of these trains take dogs, sometimes free, sometimes for a fee, sometimes with a child rate ticket.

Or take the Nightjet sleeper from Amsterdam to Basel, Zurich (change for Italy), Munich, Innsbruck or Vienna (change for Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb). Dogs are carried on Nightjets for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

You'll find specific timetables for journeys between London and each of the following countries here: Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

Onward trains to Paris (for France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy)

Take the metro from Hoek van Holland to Eendrachtsplein station in Rotterdam city centre, dogs go free of charge on the metro. It's then an 800m 10-minute walk to Rotterdam Centraal .

Then take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train from Rotterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord , you'll usually find a 10:58 arriving 13:38. Dogs can travel in any class on Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains for €30, you pay the dog fee on board to the conductor. Book your own ticket from Rotterdam to Paris from €35 online in advance at www.sncf-connect.com (don't bother trying to add a dog to the booking, this doesn't work with Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

How much does it cost?

You'll find specific fare & booking information for journeys between London and each of the following countries by clicking the relevant link: Netherlands , Belgium , Italy , Switzerland , Germany , Austria , Denmark , Hungary , Czech Republic & Poland .

...and to take a dog or cat?

On the train from London to Harwich your dog travels free. On the ferry, you must reserve a kennel (£23) or pet-friendly cabin during the online booking process. On the Dutch domestic trains between Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam & Amsterdam or Utrecht, small dogs or cats in containers on your lap travel free of charge, but if you have a larger dog you'll need to buy a dog day-ticket (Dagkaart Hond) for €3.30, you may be able to buy this at the Guest Services desk on deck 9 on board the Stena Line ferry, otherwise buy it at Schiedam station. On the international daytime trains from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany and Switzerland, cats and small dogs (up to cat sized) in containers go free, larger dogs on leads require a child rate ticket which you can buy online exactly as you would for a child, although unlike kids they don't qualify for the free kid with an adult deal.

How to buy tickets for you & your dog, step 1 :

Book your Rail & Sail ticket from London to Amsterdam online at www.stenaline.co.uk . You simply need to choose a pet-friendly (animal) cabin at the cabin stage plus the 'pet in cabin' option at the extras stage, or just add a pet in kennel at the extras stage.

How to buy tickets, step 2 :

You now need to book the onward trains to your European destination. Booking usually opens 90 days ahead, you cannot book before reservations open. Trains from Amsterdam to Cologne, Frankfurt and Switzerland pass through Utrecht so it's quicker to pick them up there rather than going all the way into Amsterdam, unless you really want to. For daytime travel from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany or Switzerland, book your own ticket at int.bahn.de . Small (cat-size) dogs & cats in containers go free, if you have a larger larger dog it travels at the child rate (either full-fare Flexpreis or discounted Sparpreis , it doesn't matter) so simply use int.bahn.de again to buy a child ticket, I recommend buying this as a separate booking to avoid the system automatically offering the 'Child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs! There are Nightjet sleeper train from Cologne to Innsbruck (for Italy) & Vienna (for all points east) and you can easily book these online at int.bahn.de . Onward connections from Innsbruck to Italy or Vienna to Budapest can be booked at www.oebb.at .

Inward one-way tickets : Note that www.stenaline.co.uk can only book one-way or return tickets starting in the UK. One-way or return tickets starting in the Netherlands must be booked at the Dutch version of the Stena Line website, see the advice here .

Option 2, London to Paris via the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry

See the London/Brighton-Newhaven-Dieppe-Paris timetable on the London-Paris by train & ferry page . This is the cheapest option if you're heading for France or Spain.

Step 1, take a train to Newhaven Town , see www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times.

Up to 2 dogs of any size go free of charge on British trains, just buy a ticket for yourself.

Step 2, take a DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe , check ferry times at www.dfds.com .

DFDS allows you to take a cat or dog with you as a foot passenger on these routes.

Only small and medium size dogs are carried, according to DFDS customer services. That means I'd expect them to have no problem with springer spaniels, but they won't carry great Danes or St Bernards. You'll have to call them to check whether your labrador will fit their kennels.

If the animal is small and in a carrier, the pet & carrier are handed to staff at check-in and returned to you after the crossing. Larger dogs have to be booked in one of the ship's 3 kennels, although you can visit the pet in the middle of the crossing by taking an appointment at the reception desk.

To book as a foot passenger with a pet you must call DFDS on 033 058 787 87 if you're in the UK or 0809 541 890 if you're in France or +44 33 058 787 87 from outside either country. You cannot book online if you're taking a pet!

Step 3, take a French train from Dieppe to Paris St Lazare , book this at www.thetrainline.com .

Dogs can be taken on all French trains. Small dogs (under 6Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare (even travelling in 1st class).

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (for English scroll to the bottom and change France to Europe (other countries). You add a dog to the booking by clicking the Add button (English version) or Ajouter (French version) before running the enquiry.

Once in Paris, you can take onward trains to Spain, Portugal or the South of France, as shown in step 3 below.

Option 3, London to Paris by train + taxi with Pet Travel Abroad .

For France, Spain or Portugal you really need to go via Paris. As Eurostar won't take pets and most Channel Ferries won't let foot passengers take pets either, here is a solution which works well, although it's not cheap:

Step 1, travel from London to Folkestone by train.

You can use any normal British domestic train, dogs go free. There are hourly or half hourly trains from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East or St Pancras to Folkestone Central, check train times & fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

Step 2, book a taxi from Folkestone to Calais via the Eurotunnel shuttle with Pet Travel Abroad .

Book your trip by calling Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) on 01303 246 925 (+00 44 1303 246925 from outside the UK), see their pet transport page at pettravelabroad.co.uk .

They can take you and your dog and up to 3 other passengers from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun stations for around £190 plus the cost of the Eurotunnel ticket, typically £164, but this can vary.

You and your dog remain together in the taxi throughout the journey via the Channel Tunnel car shuttle train. Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) has been highly recommended by several travellers, further feedback is always appreciated.

Of course, a cheaper solution is to get a friend to drive you to Calais and drop you at the station, using a cheap day return ferry ticket - try www.dfds.com or www.poferries.com . The dog remains inside the car on the ferry car deck.

Step 3, take a French domestic train from Calais Ville or Calais Fréthun to Paris .

To check train times use www.raileurope.com (in £ or €) or www.thetrainline.com (in €). On French trains, small dogs under 6 Kg placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay no more than €5.10 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on leads pay half the 2nd class full fare, even travelling in 1st class. For onward train travel with your dog to Spain, Italy, Portugal and so on, see the following section.

How to plan your trip.

The French trains from Calais to Paris are irregular and less frequent than the British ones, so start by picking a suitable afternoon train from Calais to Paris and work backwards. Ask Folkestone Taxis what time you need to leave Folkestone Central in their taxi to make this train. Then work out a train from London (or your local station) to Folkestone Central with plenty of time in hand.

This blog may inspire you: Argo, the dog who took the train to Italy .

Option 4, Hull-Rotterdam or Newcastle-Amsterdam by ferry

You can take a dog as a foot passenger on P&O Ferries Hull-Rotterdam route, with pet-friendly cabins & kennels. Book online and add a pet plus pet-friendly cabin or kennel at www.poferries.com . More about the Hull-Rotterdam ferry route .

You can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry. However, you can't book online as a foot passenger with a pet, you need to book by phone, so check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call DFDS on 0871 522 9955. More about the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry route .

Step 3, taking pets on trains in mainland Europe

Once safely across the Channel, you can take a dog or cat with you on most trains across Europe, sometimes free, sometimes for a small charge, sometimes with a normal child-rate ticket. In sleeping-cars and couchettes on overnight trains, you can generally only take a dog if your party occupies all the berths in a compartment.

From the UK to France

Eurostar doesn't take dogs and nor do most ferry companies unless you are a motorist. P&O used to allow foot passengers to take dogs, but have stopped doing in 2012. However, DFDS will take caged pets if you're a foot passenger on their Newhaven-Dieppe route.

So either travel from London to Newhaven by train, take a DFDS ferry to Dieppe as a foot passenger with your pet in a cage as explained above in option 2 , take a taxi to Dieppe station and a train to Paris, or travel from London to Folkestone by train, pay Folkestone Taxis to shuttle you through the Tunnel from Folkestone Central station to Calais Ville station, then take a train to Paris as explained above in option 3 .

Or you can travel from the UK to Paris via Hoek van Holland using option 1 , it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris as you can sail overnight from Harwich to Hoek van Holland in a cosy pet-friendly cabin, catch the metro to Rotterdam and a morning high-speed train to Paris, then take an afternoon train to almost anywhere in France, even Nice & the south coast.

Pets on trains within France

Dogs can be taken on all French trains. Small dogs (under 6 Kg) placed in containers not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm pay €7 per journey. Larger dogs muzzled and on a lead pay €7.

You can buy a ticket in English at the official French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , you add a dog to your booking by clicking the Add travellers, pets & bicycles button before running the enquiry.

To the Netherlands

From the UK to the Netherlands

I recommend travelling via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland superferry as shown in option 1 above . Once at Hoek van Holland your Dutch Flyer ticket is valid to any Dutch station, not just Amsterdam. You can book from London to Amsterdam or any Dutch station online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a kennel during the booking process.

Alternatively, you can also take a dog as a foot passenger with pet-friendly cabins on DFDS overnight Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry, but you must book by phone, check sailing times at www.dfds.com then call 0871 522 9955. P&O take dogs with foot passengers on their overnight Hull-Rotterdam ferry, see www.poferries.com .

Pets on trains within the Netherlands

On Dutch trains, small dogs or cats in containers placed on your lap travel free of charge, if you have a larger dog on a lead you will need to buy a Dagkaart Hond (dog day-ticket) for just over €3. You can check details for this at the Dutch Railways site www.ns.nl .

To Switzerland

From the UK to Switzerland

You should use the train & ferry service from London to Amsterdam via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, as explained in option 1 above . For details of the London to Switzerland journey via this route see the Switzerland page , which has timetables & fares. You can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process. You'll then find daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel & Zurich, which you can book online at int.bahn.de .

Pets on trains within Switzerland

Dogs of any size can travel for half the 2nd class fare on any Swiss train (for longer journeys there's a Dog Day card), small dogs up to 30cm high at the shoulder can travel free if they are in a carrier, you'll find information on the Swiss railways website www.sbb.ch and you can easily buy Swiss tickets at the station when you get there.

From the UK to Italy, via Hoek van Holland

Travel overnight from London to Hoek van Holland using the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry as explained in option 1 above .

I'd then suggest travelling from Amsterdam to Munich by daytime trains, then overnight again from Munich to Venice on the excellent Nightjet sleeper train. You'll find full details of these trains and how to book them in the via Harwich section of the London to Italy page .

Dogs travel on the German-run trains between Amsterdam, Cologne & Munich under the same arrangements as for trains within Germany explained in the To Germany section below .

Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment. You don't need to book the dog, you just pay the extra €29 to the staff on board the train.

First book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Then book Amsterdam-Munich followed by Munich-Venice using www.thetrainline.com . Then buy a separate 2nd class child ticket for your dog from Amsterdam to Munich as explained in the To Germany section below .

Then travel onwards from Venice to other Italian cities. See the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Alternatively, you can take daytime trains from Utrecht to Basel or Zurich, book these online at int.bahn.de . Stay overnight in Basel or Zurich. Then take a Zurich to Milan EuroCity train, which you can book online at www.sbb.ch . Dogs under 30cm high at the shoulder in a carrier travel free on this EuroCity train and on onward trains within Italy. Dogs over 30cm high and not in a carrier must have a ticket, usually charged at half the 2nd class fare, which you can buy at the station in Zurich for about £35.

From the UK to Italy, via Paris

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris. You may need to stay in Paris overnight. Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the three daily Paris-Turin-Milan TGV trains in 1st or 2nd class with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7. You can book yourself and your dog from Paris to Milan at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, take an onward train from Milan or Turin to anywhere in Italy, see the Pets on trains within Italy section below.

Dogs are also carried on Trenitalia's competing Paris-Milan Frecciarossa , dogs under 5 Kg go free, dogs 5-50 Kg €30, all dogs must travel in Standard or Business class Allegro cars. See the London to Italy page for details of times, prices and how to buy tickets. The £10 fee for taking a dog on the Paris-Milan TGV must be paid by phone, it cannot be booked online.

Pets on trains within Italy

Dogs and pets are carried on most Trenitalia trains, free in a carrier (maximum size 70cm x 30cm x 50cm) or at half the 2nd class fare if on a lead and muzzled, for full details to www.trenitalia.com and look under Services for Transport of pets .

You'll need to carry the dog's pet passport or health certificate, and yes, you will need to use a muzzle if your dog isn't inside a carrier. You aren't allowed to take dogs on regional trains between 07:00 & 09:00 weekdays. You aren't allowed to take a dog in Premium or Executive classes on Frecciarossa high-speed trains . You can only take a dog in sleepers or couchettes if your party occupies the whole compartment.

From the UK to Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Valencia, Alicante...

Step 2, you can then take one of the twice-daily Paris-Barcelona TGV trains with any size of dog muzzled and on a lead on for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier not exceeding 45cm x 30cm x 25cm for €7. More about the Paris-Barcelona TGV journey .

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Barcelona at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3 if your dog is under 10 Kg, you can then travel from Barcelona direct to Madrid, Malaga, Valencia or Alicante, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

Step 3 if your dog is 10-40 Kg, you can travel from Barcelona to Madrid on certain AVE trains, then from Madrid to Malaga, Valencia or Alicante also on certain trains only, see the Pets on trains within Spain section below.

From the UK to San Sebastian

Step 1, Eurostar doesn't take dogs, so travel from London to Paris via Folkestone/Newhaven & Paris using option 2 or option 3 above, both involving ferry or EuroTunnel to France then domestic French train to Paris. Or use option 1 via Hoek van Holland, it's a round-about route, but so easy, dog-friendly, inexpensive and avoids the need for an overnight stop in Paris.

Step 2, you can then take one of the regular TGVs from Paris Montparnasse to Hendaye on the Spanish border, a stone's throw from San Sebastian. These also take dogs of any size muzzled and on a lead for €20, or a small dog/cat in a pet carrier for €7.

You can buy a ticket for yourself and your dog from Paris to Hendaye at www.sncf-connect.com , look for the Add Travellers, animals, bicycles button and add a dog on a lead or in a carrier before running the enquiry.

Step 3, the half-hourly trains from Hendaye to San Sebastian run by Euskotren take dogs of any size, muzzled and on a lead, or in a pet carrier, buy that ticket when you get to Hendaye. More about the Paris-San Sebastian journey .

Pets on trains within Spain

Dogs under 10 Kg in pet carriers (maximum size 60cm x 35cm x 35cm) can be taken on most Renfe long distance trains either free or for a small fee, see www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working).

In general, larger dogs are not allowed at all on Spanish medium & long-distance trains . I gather this is a cultural thing, as large dogs are generally regarded as working animals (for example, guard dogs) not pets in Spain. Disappointingly, that not only goes for national operator Renfe, but for open-access competitors Ouigo and Iryo , too.

However, as from June 2023, dogs up to 40 Kg are allowed on certain Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Alicante & Madrid-Valencia AVE trains, for a fee, muzzled, with a 40-minute check-in and some forms to complete. See www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas (please let me know if that link stops working). Dogs up to 40 Kg are only allowed 2 or 3 designated trains per day on each of those routes, there's a list of trains linked from that page. Feedback would be appreciated!

More about train travel in Spain . Buy Spanish train tickets with dog added at www.renfe.com .

To Portugal

From the UK to Portugal

Eurostar doesn't carry dogs, so first travel from London to Paris using either option 2 or option 3 above. You'll then need to stay overnight in Paris. Then travel from Paris to Lisbon as shown on the London to Portugal page .

They key issue is that dogs over 10 Kg aren't carried on trains beyond Madrid.

From the UK to Germany

Step 1, first travel from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above .

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to anywhere in Germany at int.bahn.de . On the German-run international IC & ICE trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover & Berlin, the same arrangements apply as for German domestic travel explained below.

Alternatively, the overnight European Sleeper between Rotterdam/Amsterdam & Berlin takes dogs for free if you and your party occupy a whole couchette or sleeper compartment, see the European Sleeper page for more information .

Pets on trains within Germany & on international trains between Amsterdam & Germany

Small dogs & cats in containers go free. Larger dogs pay the child price.

You can buy tickets for you and your dog at int.bahn.de . Click the From field to open the details panel, click on Passengers, bicycles , click on Add , click on More passenger types and add a dog to the booking.

Dogs not in carriers must be on a lead and (in theory at least) muzzled. In practice you'll seldom see dogs muzzled). Dogs classed as 'dangerous breeds' aren't carried on trains in Germany.

To Austria , central & eastern Europe

From the UK to Austria & central Europe

I recommend travelling from London to Amsterdam via the overnight Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry, see option 1 above . For details of a journey from London to various countries via this route, click the relevant destination link: Austria , Hungary , Czech Republic , Poland .

For Austria

Step 1, book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, book a late afternoon train from Amsterdam Centraal to Cologne Hbf at int.bahn.de . On trains between Amsterdam and Cologne, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate, you can buy child tickets for your dog online at int.bahn.de , but do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the 'child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free' offer which doesn't apply to dogs! Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany.

Step 3, then use www.oebb.at to book the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne Hbf to Munich Hbf , Innsbruck or Vienna Hbf . Change in Munich for Salzburg. Dogs are carried on the Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck or Vienna for €29 paid on board the train, as long as you and your party occupy a whole compartment.

Pets on trains within Austria

Small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

For Hungary

Travel to Vienna as above. On onward trains from Vienna to Budapest, small dogs (meaning cat-size) or cats in containers go free, larger dogs require a child ticket, which can be booked online at www.oebb.at .

Dogs aren't allowed in MAV (Hungarian Railways) sleeping-cars or couchette cars at all, which rules out the Munich-Budapest and Zurich-Budapest sleeper trains.

To Denmark , Sweden, Norway

From the UK to Scandinavia

Step 1, you can book the London-Amsterdam part of the journey online at www.stenaline.co.uk , adding a reserved kennel during the booking process.

Step 2, check train times & buy tickets from Amsterdam Centraal to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de . An overnight stop in Hamburg may be necessary.

On the German-run international trains between Amsterdam, Hamburg & Copenhagen, small dogs and cats in containers go free, larger dogs pay the child rate. You can buy child tickets for a larger dog online at int.bahn.de , although do this as a separate booking from your own ticket to avoid the child under 15 accompanied by an adult goes free offer which doesn't apply to dogs. Note that dogs classed as 'dangerous' breeds aren't carried on trains in Germany.

Step 3, dogs can go on the Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 trains , but you can't take a pet in 1st class and you need to use the special pets allowed section of the train in 2nd class. You can reserve seats in this section when booking at www.sj.se or call their telesales line.

From the UK to Greece

Step 1, travel from London to Venice via Harwich-Hoek and Munich exactly as shown in the To Italy section above .

For more information

For information on the transport of dogs and other pets in particular countries, search the website of the relevant national train operator. There is a list of links to each operator's website on the useful links page .

Feedback requested!

Feedback from anyone who takes their dog or cat into Europe by train would be very welcome.

Traveller's reports

Dog owner Wendy Shillam reports : "We've been taking our dog abroad since the rules changed 9 years ago. Firstly I agree that its mad that Eurostar doesn't allow dogs, especially as it would be a good earner for them and they need the money! I wrote to the COE but got no reply. The most comfortable and quickest way for dogs to cross the channel (though not always the cheapest) is by car with Eurotunnel . They just stay in the car with you and there is no bother. Once, we then left our car at the Calais 'parkway' station, but on returning we saw that quite a few cars - not ours thank goodness - had been broken into. It is a very desolate spot and no security as far as I can see. But it is free parking. Once across the channel be careful which train you get from Calais - some especially on Sundays are really slow. We also have taken the motorail train from Düsseldorf, it's not too far and then you can get a car-carrying overnight train from Düsseldorf to Italy, the south of France or Austria . Dogs are accepted on these German motorail trains in the sleeper cabins and we have never had a problem. Our dog Astrid, a nine year old Mini Schnauzer, has lasted 17 hours on a train with no ill effects - overnight she just settles down to sleep, generally taking up most of my bunk! The steward will tell you if there are longer stops which allows you to give your dog a 'comfort' walk. The irony is that if we could travel on Eurostar we would never dream of taking our car with us at all! On Spanish trains dogs should be muzzled - the guard did let us get away with it, but if Astrid had been a bigger dog there might have been trouble. Also beware if you plan to travel with your dog by bus in Spain. They insist that the dog goes in a casket (which you have to bring) in the hold underneath the seats, which I suspect on a hot day is tantamount to animal cruelty! Astrid has been most comfortable and spoilt in France, Italy, Belgium and Sweden. Also remember that if you are going to the South dogs need to be protected against a nasty bug called lishmania which can cause a chronic disease with no cure - but drugs can control it. So always check with a vet who knows about foreign travel well before you go."

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Rules to Travel With a Dog Between European Countries

One of the best things about travelling around Europe with a dog is that you don’t need to visit a vet and fill in paperwork to travel between many countries, unlike in other parts of the world. This is thanks to many of the countries in Europe belonging to the European Union (or EU for short) and its single set of rules making it easy for pets to travel around the EU and a handful of other countries.

But what preparations are required to travel with your dog in between EU countries? Which border crossings does this apply to? And what about the rules for travelling with your dog between other countries? I take you through all the rules for dog travel between European countries.

Travelling Between EU and Related Countries

When travelling between countries within the EU and a number of “related” countries, this page sets out the requirements for your dog. Essentially, your dog needs to be microchipped, have been vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days ago, and have a pet passport . For a handful of countries, there is also the requirement for the dog to have a worming treatment.

What Countries are in the European Union?

Currently, there are 27 countries in Europe that are part of the EU. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Additionally, since the United Kingdom transitioned out of the EU following Brexit, Northern Ireland is still counted as part of the EU for the purposes of pet transport.

What are the “Related” Countries?

The EU counts a small number of other countries and territories as applying rules equivalent to the EU for the transportation of pets. The same rules apply for dogs crossing from these countries into EU countries. The pet passport can be either an EU pet passport or a pet passport issued by one of these countries.

These countries are also referred to as “Part 1 listed” countries and are listed on this page in the top table. These seven countries and three territories are: Andorra, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City State. Additionally, Norway is included.

Jungfraujoch in Switzerland with Swiss flag

Note however that more onerous conditions may apply for transporting pets back into some of these countries! This is the case for both the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The Faroe Islands only allows pets to be imported if you intend to stay for longer than three months, while Iceland requires a 14-day quarantine period and pets can only be imported from a short list of approved countries.

What Countries Require a Worming Treatment?

For a handful of the EU and related countries, a worming treatment is required to be administered to your dog by a vet, before arriving in the country. This is also referred to as the “treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis “. It needs to be administered between 24 hours and five days before arrival and recorded in your pet’s passport.

This is required for dogs travelling to: Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway and the United Kingdom. Note that this treatment is not required for dogs travelling in between these countries, such as between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Do Pets from Other Countries Require a Pet Passport?

If you travelled from outside of the EU with your pet , you would have required an animal health certificate or “Annex IV” to enter the EU. If you initially entered one of the related countries, you would have likely used the same or a similar form.

When you arrive in Europe, you should try and get this stamped by customs. Even if it isn’t stamped, you should hold onto it during your travels around Europe. This certificate is then valid for travel within the EU for four months after your entry and should be shown in place of an EU pet passport.

Alternatively, you may be interested in getting an EU pet passport for your pet . The pet passport makes it easier to return to Europe with your pet. (You don’t need to have an Annex IV completed, unless your pet has been vaccinated outside of the EU.)

If you need to have a worming treatment done by a vet, it’s easiest to get an EU pet passport at the same time. (This is what I did before travelling to the UK with my dog, prior to Brexit.)

Are Pet Passports Really Checked?

Just like human passports are often not checked when travelling in between the Schengen countries, pet passports are generally not checked when travelling within the EU and these related countries, at least when not flying. Although there is always the expectation that your pet does have a passport and it may be checked!

Other than when checking into flights, our pet passport was only checked when we travelled to Malta, plus when we travelled to the United Kingdom prior to Brexit. Malta is one of the countries that is quite stringent with the importation of pets, and I recommend reading my specific guidelines for how to take your dog to Malta .

I’ve also heard of someone being turned down for boarding a ferry to Corsica from mainland France, as their dog’s rabies vaccine wasn’t up-to-date.

On the other hand, despite also needing a worming treatment for dogs travelling to Finland and Norway, our dog’s passport wasn’t checked on either occasion, both at a road crossing and when boarding a ferry.

Any Additional Requirements for These Countries?

Generally, I’ve assumed that there are no additional requirements for pets travelling into any of the EU countries. However, this is not always the case.

For instance, when travelling to Malta you also need to advise the country in advance of your pet’s arrival, so that they can be checked by a vet on arrival. As Malta doesn’t have any land borders, you’ll likely be reminded of this if booking a flight or ferry trip to the country with your dog. I’ve covered the whole process in my guide to travelling to Malta with a dog .

Sweden also has the requirement to advise the country of your dog’s arrival, but only at the customs declaration point or through an online form, with no need to do it in advance. I didn’t actually find out about this until I was leaving the country, and luckily didn’t suffer any consequences. I cover this fully in my guide to travelling in Sweden with a dog .

I’m not aware of any other EU country that has any additional requirement, but I recommend double-checking the individual country websites listed here , if in doubt. When it comes to related countries, as I mentioned above both the Faroe Islands and Iceland have quite strict entry procedures.

What About Puppies?

There are some exceptions to the rabies vaccination requirements for young animals that are too young to be vaccinated. I don’t recommend travelling with animals so young for a holiday, but if they are crossing the border to go to their new home refer to the EU regulations .

Travelling into the EU from Other European Countries

If you are travelling into an EU country or one of the related countries from another European country, the rules are more complex and similar to travelling to Europe with your dog from elsewhere in the world .

Depending on what country you are travelling from, a rabies titre test may or may not be required. Additionally, an animal health certificate or “Annex IV” will be required if you don’t have a pet passport from the EU or a related country.

Which Countries Require a Rabies Titre Test?

If you are travelling into the EU from these European countries, a rabies titre test is required: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.

A rabies titre test is not required for “Part 2 listed” countries, as listed on the bottom table on this page . These five European countries are included: Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Russia, United Kingdom (including Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey).

What are the Requirements of the Rabies Titre Test?

There are a number of rules stipulated by the EU for the administration of a rabies titre test, if your dog requires one to travel to the EU.

The sample for the test needs to be collected by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after your dog is vaccinated for rabies. The sample needs to be tested in an EU approved laboratory . Assuming a sufficient level of antibodies are detected (0.5 IU/ml or greater), you then need to wait three months after the sample collection date to enter the EU.

The rabies titre test though remains valid for the life of your pet, as long as they always receive their rabies vaccine booster shot before the previous one expires.

What About Pets from the EU?

If your pet is originally from the EU, it is advisable to get a rabies titre test done before leaving the EU. In this case, there is no waiting period applied. You can immediately travel back to the EU without waiting for three months after the rabies titre test. There is a section in the EU pet passport for recording your dog’s rabies titre test.

Rabies Titre Test Record in EU Pet Passport

As noted above, the rabies titre test remains valid for the life of your pet, as long as they receive their next rabies booster shot before the previous one expires. If this doesn’t occur, your pet will require another rabies titre test (hence the room for recording multiple tests).

Is the Paperwork Really Checked?

During my travels around Europe, I didn’t actually make it to any of these countries. At first I wasn’t sure of the requirements for dogs travelling in between the countries (and didn’t realise that my rabies titre test from Australia was valid), and then I later ran out of time. So, I don’t have personal experience at travelling between these countries and the EU.

However, I have been informed by other travellers, that paperwork is not always checked when travelling from these countries into the EU. This includes travelling from Serbia into Bulgaria. However, it is advisable to always comply with the regulations and expect that paperwork may be checked.

If you go to cross the border and you haven’t had the rabies titre test done for your dog, there is a long waiting period. Especially if your dog is originally from within the EU and could have skipped the waiting period entirely!

What Entry Points are Allowed?

If you are entering an EU country or any of the related countries with your dog, you are required to enter at specific entry points, where your dog’s paperwork can be checked. These are known as “Travellers’ points of entry”, and may include airports, shipping ports and land border crossings.

To view the list of relevant entry points for each country, click here .

Travelling out of the EU to Other European Countries

When travelling from a country in the EU or one of the related countries to other countries in Europe, the list of requirements differs between different countries. You should check the requirements for the individual country.

Often it is sufficient to assume that travelling with your dog’s EU pet passport and an up-to-date rabies vaccine is sufficient, but this is not always the case.

At the moment, I have not yet travelled personally with my dog to these countries or investigated the details of the rules for most countries. As I investigate each country, I will list them here.

A handy initial place to check the rules is PetTravel.com , but always check the relevant government website to double-check your have the latest rules and the full details required.

Importing a Dog to Serbia

The rules to import a dog to Serbia are quite similar to the rules for importing a dog to EU countries.

For dogs being imported to Serbia from EU countries and the related countries, the rules are listed at the top of this page . Your dog needs to be permanently identified (such as by a microchip), vaccinated against rabies, comply with comply with any preventive health measures for other diseases, and be accompanied by either a passport or a health certificate, quite similar to the EU health certificate.

There are also rules listed for both Part 2 listed countries (as per the EU legalisation) and unlisted countries (generally higher risk countries). For unlisted countries, a rabies titre test is also required, performed by an EU approved lab, followed by a waiting period of three months.

Importing a Dog to Albania

The rules to import a dog to Albania are again relatively simple and similar to those for importing a dog to EU countries. The more complicated part is making sure you can re-enter the EU with your dog from Albania!

Your dog needs to have a microchip, be vaccinated against rabies (with 3 year vaccines recognised) and have a bi-lingual health certificate. For more information, see the guide put together on World Wide Walkies , along with plenty more tips about visiting Albania with a dog.

Importing a Dog to Turkey

The rules to import a dog to Turkey are not that clear, with different interpretations on different websites. At a minimum, your dog needs to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, at least 30 days in advance.

It is likely the 3-year rabies vaccine isn’t recognised, so make sure you dog has been vaccinated in the last year. Additionally, a rabies titre test may or may not be required. Read my full discussion on the rules for travelling to Turkey with a dog .

Is the 3-Year Rabies Vaccine Recognised?

Within the EU countries, the 3-year rabies vaccine is recognised. This means that if your dog receives a 3-year rabies vaccine, your dog does not need a booster shot for another three years. However, there are some countries around the world that only recognise 1-year rabies vaccines, and required your dog to have a booster shot yearly.

The following European countries require a yearly rabies vaccine (according to my investigations): Belarus, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine.

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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Rules for Travelling With a Dog Between European Countries

17 thoughts on “Rules to Travel With a Dog Between European Countries”

Wonderful article and you explained so much. Thank you so much!! We are traveling in Europe for 8 months (from the US) and visiting different locations. Couple quick questions and hope you may know the answer. We have the Pet Certificate and haven’t got a EU Passport, based on your article.. this pretty much takes the place of it. If we decide to get a EU Pet Passport, did this need to be applied for within so many days of our arrival in France or can we apply 3 months after arriving in France and nothing additional is required? We may go to Prague for the day when we are staying in Austria.. I noticed they need approval of your EU Pet Passport? Is this the case? I thought our Pet Certificate was good for travel in an country within the EU? Last question.. We plan on traveling for 8 months and our health certificate is good for four.. How do we get another one for the 2nd 4 months? Do we get that from a vet in the EU or will we have to go back to the US after 4 months. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

The certificate you have is good for travel for 4 months, including Prague. The best thing to do before this period is up, or before you next cross country borders after 4 months, is to get a pet passport. France is being problematic about giving pet passports to pets who aren’t registered there, since the UK left the EU and many English have tried to get French pet passports. But most other countries should be fine. Some vets won’t transfer across the rabies vaccine, and may insist on a booster shot, that they will then record. Hope this is clear!

Brilliant article. Helps with so much but I think I’m just confusing myself. We’re going to Austria next year with our dog. She’ll get a rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate before going. We’re using the tunnel and she’ll be checked in Calais. Our final destination is Austria. Does she have to get checked at their border too? Or not as it’s all the EU?

No, she only needs to get checked at the Tunnel when first entering the EU. Just keep the certificate handy in case you’re asked later when crossing borders, but it is extremely unlikely.

Great article! Can’t thank you enough! Just one thing that I couldn’t really find an answer anywhere. My pet is in the EU and has an EU passport. We will travel to Turkey and back. Do you know if she needs an EU health certificate also?

I’ve covered the requirements for Turkey here: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-turkey/ . For returning to the EU, your dog will not need an EU pet health certificate as long as they have an up-to-date EU pet passport, including rabies vaccine and in the case of Turkey a rabies titre test result.

Great article! Thank you. Just wondering if you have travelled under one year, and have had Rabies vaccinations and titre test prior to leaving Australia, what are the quarantine requirements etc needed to return to Australia with your dog?

Meaning travelled through the EU & UK only.

We had a rabies vaccine and titre test before leaving Australia. Until recently, the titre test was valid for up to 2 years. So, when we returned to Australia after about 22 months, our dog’s titre test was still valid and he quarantined for 10 days. With the recent changes, I believe the titre test is only valid for 1 year, so we would have had to get a new titre test (or return in under a year). I also believe the records from your dog leaving Australia counts as proof of identity. We travelled throughout the UK, EU and USA.

Great article to read, thankyou. Can I ask, i live in Bulgaria, will be taking a road trip to the uk and back to Bulgaria, we will be transiting through serbia into hungry, and then on the way back through hungry, serbia, back into Bulgaria, will I need to get a titre test done ? My understanding is i don’t, because I’m not stopping in serbia. Thankyou 🤞

I recommend getting a titre test done before leaving Hungary. This is technically required for crossing the border from Serbia into Hungary or other EU countries – I haven’t heard about it not being required if you’re not stopping. I have heard that it is rarely checked, but I would get it for my own peace of mind.

The potential headache is that if you get it done in Serbia, there is then a long waiting period before it is valid to enter the EU, but there is no waiting period if you have it done before leaving the EU.

I brought my dogs from Montenegro to the UK in May 2023 and they have Montenegrin passports. We are now planning our trip to Montenegro and are wondering if their passports are valid for travel? We understand that they would still need the health certificate to leave the UK but would their rabies vaccination (given in Montenegro) and titre test (approved by a Serbian lab) be valid?

I haven’t heard whether Montenegrin passports are valid in place of EU pet passports. I know the Swiss ones are, but I don’t know whether this extends to Montenegrin ones. With the EU pet health certificate used to exit the UK, this is then valid for 4 months travel within the EU, including crossing borders.

Hello Shandos, Thanks for the article. I want to ask about crossing the border between Croatia and Hungary (I will be going by train – the dog is allowed on trains in both countries so I know that is ok although I think going actually across the border is by bus). My dog has an AHC as we are from the UK and a pet passport issued on a previous trip to Portugal but I am just wondering is it possible just to take a dog across a land border between two EU countries at any border crossing?

Hi Naomi, While I haven’t crossed the border between Croatia and Hungary with my dog, we crossed plenty of borders between other EU countries (and the EU and Switzerland), without any checks at all – either by road or on trains. I know there’s the list of Travellers Entry Points, but I think they’re mainly for entering the EU from non-EU countries, I’ve never heard of being restricted on border crossings by other travellers either. Have a great trip! Shandos

Hello! I’m travelling to Albania from Finland by car with my two chihuahuas. They have EU passports. Do they need titre test done in Finland as well? We’ll travel via Baltia-Poland-Czech-Austria-Slovenia-Bosnia-Montenegro-Albania and same way back. Is there anything else to pay attention?

I recommend having the rabies titre test done before leaving and entered in the EU pet passports. This way there’s no waiting period. Otherwise, if you have it done in Albania, you’d then have a 3 month wait before you could re-enter the EU. This also applies for Montenegro and Serbia.

I haven’t fully reviewed all the requirements for all the non-EU countries. See the links above for Serbia and Albania, but you may want to search for the government pages for Bosnia and Montenegro. Usually though its microchip + rabies vaccine + pet passport/health certificate, sometimes the rabies titre test. I’ve often heard from people road tripping through the Balkans that dog passports are often not checked, but I would always be prepared.