Planning to relocate to Europe with your pet? Whether you’re heading to Spain, Germany, France, or any other EU country, transporting pets to Europe requires research, preparation, and close attention to veterinary and customs regulations.
From microchipping and vaccinations to the EU Health Certificate and USDA endorsement, this guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth, quarantine-free relocation with your dog or cat.
✈️ Moving to Europe with Pets: What You Need to Know
Every country in the European Union has slightly different pet import requirements, but most follow the same core rules. Understanding the timeline and complying with the EU pet travel regulations will help ensure a safe and stress-free journey for your furry friend.
✅ You don’t need to fly on the same plane as your pet, but EU regulations recommend traveling within five days of your pet’s arrival to avoid classification as a commercial move (which has stricter rules and higher costs).
🐶 Step 1: Microchip – The First Essential
Every pet entering Europe must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. This is the foundation of your pet’s identity and health record in the EU.
Accepted Microchip Standards:
- ISO 11784/11785 (Annex A)
- Some EU countries also accept AVID-9 and AVID-10 chips
🩺 Not sure if your pet’s microchip meets EU standards? A PetRelocation Specialist can scan and verify compatibility or arrange for re-chipping if needed.
💉 Step 2: Rabies Vaccination & Certificate
Once microchipped, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies using an inactivated vaccine.
Rabies Vaccine Requirements:
- Must be administered at least 21 days before travel
- Must be valid at the time of travel
- Requires an original Rabies Certificate signed by your vet
One-Year vs. Three-Year Vaccines:
- Pets with a primary one-year vaccine are eligible to travel after 21 days
- Pets with a three-year vaccine can travel if the shot was given less than one year ago (otherwise it may be treated as a booster and not valid for EU import)
🐕🦺 Recommended Vaccinations
Although not mandatory, the following vaccines are strongly recommended to safeguard your pet’s health and improve their import experience.
For Dogs:
- DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
For Cats:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
🗓️ These vaccines should be administered no less than two weeks before travel for optimal protection.
📝 Step 3: The EU Health Certificate
To enter any EU country, you’ll need a properly completed EU Vet Health Certificate, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
Key Requirements:
- Must be filled out in blue ink
- Must be completed within 10 days of your pet’s departure
- Valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, then 4 months for travel within the EU or until the rabies vaccine expires (whichever comes first)
We’ll provide the correct certificate template based on your country of entry and guide your vet through completion.
🛂 Step 4: USDA Endorsements
Before travel, several documents must be sent to the USDA for official endorsement. This step confirms that all veterinary paperwork complies with U.S. and EU export standards.
Documents Required for USDA Endorsement:
- EU Vet Health Certificate
- Rabies Certificate
- Microchip implantation record
📦 Our team handles the scheduling, submission, and tracking of your USDA documents to ensure they’re processed in time for your pet’s travel.
🩺 Step 5: Airline Health Certificate
Your vet may also need to complete a separate International Health Certificate provided by the airline. This confirms that your pet is healthy enough for air travel and is typically required within 10 days of departure.
Not all airlines require this, but we recommend checking ahead of time—especially when flying with Lufthansa, KLM, or Air France, which are popular for pet-friendly transatlantic flights.
🕔 Step 6: The EU Five-Day Rule Explained
According to the EU Pet Travel Scheme, pet owners must fly within 5 days before or after their pet to classify the move as non-commercial.
If you don’t meet this timeline:
- Your pet’s import will be considered “commercial”
- Additional paperwork and costs will apply
- Your pet may require clearance through different customs protocols
If this situation applies to you, consult with a relocation specialist for help coordinating travel timelines and entry documentation.
📂 Step 7: Required Documents for Customs Clearance
The following documents must travel with your pet and be presented at customs:
✅ Original Rabies Certificate
✅ EU Vet Health Certificate
✅ Microchip Record
✅ Proof of your arrival within 5 days (e.g., flight ticket or boarding pass)
✅ Copy of your passport
🪪 For military families, include your move orders, APO address, rank, and office information.
Your agent may also request:
- A signed Letter of Authorization
- Power of Attorney (for commercial moves)
- A Proforma Invoice (for customs purposes)
✈️ Pet Relocation to Europe: Why Use a Professional Service?
Coordinating pet travel to Europe involves dozens of details and tight timelines. A mistake with paperwork or a missed vaccine could result in delays—or denied entry.
Hiring an experienced pet transport service ensures:
- Timely vet visits
- Correct documentation
- USDA endorsements
- Safe flight arrangements
- Customs clearance
- Peace of mind
Our team at PetRelocation has helped hundreds of families relocate pets to countries like Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France—each with their own specific rules and timelines.
🧳 Pet Travel Checklist: US to Europe
| Task | Timeline |
| Microchip implantation | ASAP |
| Rabies vaccination | At least 21 days before departure |
| EU Health Certificate | Within 10 days of flight |
| USDA endorsement | After vet issues documents |
| Airline health certificate | If required, within 10 days of travel |
| Schedule flight | 1–2 months in advance |
| Owner travels within 5 days of pet | To qualify as non-commercial |
🐾 Real Relocation Stories
- Lou relocated from the US to Belgium
- Tinto traveled from the US to Spain
- Lady Cooper and her pet family made the journey during the pandemic
Each story proves that with the right support, even complex international pet moves are possible—and often, heartwarming.
❓ FAQ: Pet Travel to Europe
Q: Do I need to fly with my pet?
A: Not necessarily, but you must arrive within 5 days of your pet to avoid commercial move classification.
Q: Can I bring more than one pet?
A: Yes. Most EU countries allow multiple pets, but check local rules for specific limits.
Q: Does my pet need to quarantine in Europe?
A: Not if you meet all the microchip, rabies, and documentation requirements.
Q: What happens if I miss the rabies vaccine timeline?
A: Your pet’s travel date may be delayed. The vaccine must be valid and at least 21 days old before travel.
🐶 Ready to Move to Europe with Your Pet?
Whether you’re relocating for work, military service, or just starting a new adventure, our team is here to help your pet get there safely.
📋 Get a customized relocation checklist
📞 Speak with a PetRelocation Specialist
✈️ Let us manage the journey from start to finish
Start with these searches to learn more:
- “USDA accredited vet for EU pet travel”
- “Europe pet import requirements 2025”
- “EU health certificate for dog”
- “Best airlines for flying pets to Europe”