Pet Travel Requirements for Europe

Taking your pet to Europe from the UK involves specific regulations and paperwork that vary slightly depending on your destination country. SkyPaws UK ensures every detail — from microchipping and vaccinations to export certification and customs clearance — is handled correctly, so your pet can enter the EU safely and smoothly.

Below is an overview of what’s required for dogs and cats travelling from the UK to Europe.

 
🐾 Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip before any vaccinations are given.
As this is already a legal requirement in the UK, most pets are ready for this step.

 
🎂 Age
All pets must be at least 3 months old to receive a rabies vaccination and qualify for travel to Europe.

 
💉 Rabies Vaccination
A rabies vaccination is mandatory for entry into the EU.

It must be administered at least 21 days before your pet’s health paperwork is completed prior to travel.
The original vaccination card showing the vaccine details must travel with your pet.
Depending on the vaccine brand used, the rabies vaccination should not be given alongside any other vaccines.
SkyPaws will advise you early in the process to ensure the correct vaccine is used and no delays occur with your pet’s travel timeline.

 
🩺 Routine Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are not mandatory for pets entering Europe, but SkyPaws strongly recommends ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are up to date prior to departure to protect their health and wellbeing during travel and after arrival.

 
✈️ Commercial or Non-Commercial Travel
The rules for your pet’s paperwork depend on whether the move is classed as commercial or non-commercial:

Non-Commercial Move
You must travel on the same flight as your pet, or within 5 days of their travel date.
Commercial Move
Applies if you are not travelling with or within 5 days of your pet.
Additional fees and documentation are required.
Requirements vary by EU country — SkyPaws will confirm exactly what applies to your destination.
 
🛬 Port of Entry
Each EU country has its own approved ports of entry and specific import criteria.
SkyPaws will confirm the correct airport and procedures for your chosen destination, ensuring compliance with all current EU animal import regulations.

 
📑 Health Examination & Health Certificate Paperwork
The type of health document your Official Veterinarian (OV) must complete depends on whether your pet’s move is commercial or non-commercial:

Non-Commercial Move:
Your vet will complete an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) within 10 days of travel.
Commercial Move:
Your vet will complete an Export Health Certificate (EHC) within 48 hours of travel.
An additional Fit to Fly Certificate is also required for both travel types if your pet is flying.

SkyPaws’ own veterinary team can complete all required health checks and paperwork, ensuring everything aligns with EU entry standards for your specific destination.

 
🤝 Agent Support & Customs Clearance
In some European ports, pet owners may complete customs clearance themselves. However, for certain countries — and for all commercial shipments — it is mandatory to use a local customs agent.

Even when optional, SkyPaws highly recommends using a trusted agent at your destination. This ensures your pet’s clearance process is smooth, avoids confusion at busy airports, and guarantees your pet is released as quickly and safely as possible.

SkyPaws can introduce you to experienced partner agents across Europe who handle customs efficiently and professionally.

 
🌍 Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Move to Europe?
SkyPaws UK makes pet relocation to Europe simple and stress-free — handling veterinary checks, paperwork, and customs coordination so you can focus on your own travel plans.

Contact us today:
📧 [email protected]
📞 +44 (0)1202 980200
💬 WhatsApp: +44 (0)7798 772441