Travelling with pets by country
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
What a dog, cat or ferret needs to enter the country: identification, rabies vaccination, health documents, numbers and restrictions. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Identification and passport or certificate | Rabies vaccination | Entry from outside the EU or the usual region | Number of animals per traveller | Breed or other restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before, from 12 weeks | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | Ban on four breeds and crosses |
| Netherlands | Microchip and EU pet passport | Valid 21 days after first shot; from 12 weeks old | Certificate; blood test if high-risk country | Over 5 dogs or cats = commercial trip | Dogs: RVO registration after 3 months |
| United Kingdom | Microchip and passport or health certificate | Wait 21 full days after first shot | Approved route; blood test if not EU or listed | Max 5 pets; exception for events | Banned breeds; dogs need tapeworm treatment |
| France | Microchip, plus passport or certificate | Rabies jab at 12+ weeks; valid after 21 days | Certificate; blood test unless country is listed | Up to 5 per vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Spain | Microchip, plus passport or certificate | Rabies jab at 12+ weeks; valid after 21 days | Certificate; blood test unless country is listed | Up to 5 per vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Italy | Microchip, plus passport or certificate | Rabies jab at 12+ weeks; valid after 21 days | Certificate; blood test unless country is listed | Up to 5 per vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United States | Dogs: microchip; no CDC health certificate | Cats: no proof; dogs: depends on past 6 months | Dog Import Form; extra steps for high-risk | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dogs 6 months+; healthy on arrival |
| Ireland | Transponder and passport or certificate | Primary course 21 days before travel | Certificate, vaccination, titre test unless listed | Max 5 animals; exception for events | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Poland | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before, from 12 weeks | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Portugal | Microchip, plus passport or certificate | Rabies jab at 12+ weeks; valid after 21 days | Certificate; blood test unless country is listed | Up to 5 per vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Belgium | Microchip and European pet passport | Valid from 21 days after first shot | Titre test unless listed country; certificate | Max 5 animals; exception for events | Entry banned under 15 weeks (12 unvaccinated) |
| Sweden | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before, from 12 weeks | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Austria | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before, from 12 weeks | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Greece | Microchip, plus passport or certificate | Rabies jab at 12+ weeks; valid after 21 days | Certificate; blood test unless country is listed | Up to 5 per vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Switzerland | Microchip, rabies vaccine, pet passport | First vaccine from 12 weeks, valid after 21 days | Certificate; titre test and permit from risk countries | Maximum 5 animals | Ban on dogs with cropped ears or tails |
| Denmark | Microchip; passport or certificate; dog register | Vaccinated at least 21 days before travel | ⚠ Not yet verified | Max 5 animals; exception for events | 13 banned breeds, no exemption |
| Czechia | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before the move | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Hungary | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | Dogs classed as dangerous: no import |
| Finland | Microchip + EU pet passport | Rabies vaccine at least 21 days before | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Norway | Microchip + EU pet passport | Rabies vaccine, 21 days | ⚠ Not yet verified | Max 5 animals | Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24-120 h before |
| New Zealand | Microchip required; cats and dogs only | Depends on the country category | Categorised countries; permit; 10 days' quarantine | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned dog breeds; hybrids need EPA approval |
| Croatia | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before, from 12 weeks | Microchip, rabies, titre test, health certificate | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Romania | Microchip + EU pet passport | Vaccinated 21+ days before the move | Microchip, rabies, titre test | Maximum 5 animals | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Japan | ISO microchip before first vaccination | 2 shots, titre 0.5 IU/ml, 180-day wait | Notify 40 days ahead; up to 180 days' quarantine | ⚠ Not yet verified | Penalties for skipping quarantine |
How to read the comparison
The table compares these points:
- Identification and passport or certificate
- Rabies vaccination
- Entry from outside the EU or the usual region
- Number of animals per traveller
- Breed or other restrictions
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules for private travellers with a dog, cat or ferret. Airlines, ferry operators and regions can add their own conditions, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you travel.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.