Trip preparation6 min read
What to check before travelling with your pet: a final checklist
Once the main procedures are done, plenty of small things remain. Here’s what’s worth double-checking before you leave so there are no surprises on the way.
Travelling to the EU with a pet: turnkey documents
The European Union largely applies common rules for bringing in pets, but individual countries have their own particulars. We take care of the entire veterinary side — from microchip to certificate — and do it all in one place.
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The same core requirements apply to the non-commercial movement of cats, dogs and ferrets into the EU, so preparing for Germany, Spain or Poland looks much the same. However, individual member states may have additional rules — for example, on parasite treatment or restrictions on certain dog breeds.
Often the main question is whether a rabies antibody titre test will be needed. We’ll establish this as soon as you contact us, and if the test is needed, we take the blood sample ourselves and send it to an accredited laboratory. We carry out all procedures in-house and plan the preparation so that you can leave at short notice.
Preparation stages
Requirements depend on the destination country, the type of animal and the travel date. Please check transport conditions with your airline or transport company.
- 01
Getting the details
We usually start with which EU country you’re going to and when, what kind of pet you have and which documents it already has. This determines the order of procedures.
- 02
Microchip identification
Entry into the EU usually requires an ISO-compatible microchip. In many cases, the chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- 03
Rabies vaccination
A valid vaccination given after microchipping is often required, subject to the animal’s minimum age.
- 04
Titre test — if needed
In some cases a blood test at an accredited laboratory is required. We take the blood sample and send it off ourselves.
- 05
Veterinary certificate
Before departure you need a veterinary certificate in the official format — we issue it ourselves.
- 06
Document check
We check the dates, microchip number and entries in every document so that the details match, and then hand over the ready package.
Things to keep in mind
- The EU updated its pet travel rules in 2026 (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131) — we’ll check the current requirements for your trip.
- Not every pet needs a titre test: in some cases it is mandatory, in others it is usually not required. We’ll tell you straight away what your pet needs.
- Some EU countries — for example, Ireland, Finland and Malta — usually require dogs to be treated for tapeworm before entry.
- Pets enter through designated border control points; if your trip involves a connection, it is worth finding out exactly where your animal will be checked.
- Several EU countries restrict the entry of certain dog breeds — it’s worth checking this before you book your trip.
- If you are travelling with more than five animals or the trip involves a sale, different rules may apply from those for ordinary non-commercial movement.
Official sources
Entry rules can change — check them on the official websites before you travel.
Our services
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a titre test if we are travelling to the EU?
Not always: in some cases the test is usually not required, in others it is mandatory. We’ll establish whether your pet needs it as soon as you contact us and, if necessary, take the blood sample ourselves.
Are the rules the same for all EU countries?
The core requirements are shared, but some countries add their own conditions — on parasite treatment, dog breeds or points of entry. That’s why, when you contact us, we ask for your specific destination country and take it into account when preparing the documents.
Can we use a pet passport issued outside the EU?
For entry from a non-EU country, a veterinary certificate in the official format is usually issued, while a domestic or international pet passport serves as proof of vaccinations. We will tell you the exact set of documents as soon as you get in touch.
Where do we start with preparing for a trip to the EU?
Message us and send photos of any documents you already have. We’ll then tell you what needs to be done. If a titre test is needed, we take the blood sample ourselves and send it to the laboratory — so that you can leave at short notice.
Tell us about your trip to the EU
Leave your details — a specialist will get in touch, give you the price and timeline, and then take care of the documents for you.
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Documents5 min read
How to check your pet’s documents before a flight
A typo in the chip number or dates in the wrong order — and questions may come up at the border. Here’s how to go through the documents yourself and what to check first.