Traveling in Europe with your pet can be a very rewarding experience; however, it requires time for planning and preparation.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about traveling to Europe with a dog, from obtaining the necessary documents to tips for a smooth journey.
What is an EU Pet Passport?
An EU pet passport is an official document that allows your pet to travel freely throughout the entire European Union. It includes essential information about your pet:
- Identification details: Your pet’s microchip number should be ISO-compliant and readable on European scanners.
- Vaccination details: A record of all vaccinations is required. The rabies vaccination is a necessity for entry.
- Health status: It also requires a record of the general health of your pet and any treatments, against ticks and tapeworms.
For those wondering how to get an EU pet passport, this process can only be completed in Europe, as it is not issued in the USA.
How Pet travel to Europe from USA?
Step#1 Check Entry Requirements:
Before bringing your dog to Europe, check the specific requirements of the country you will be traveling to. Each EU country may have unique vaccination or documentation requirements.
Step#2 Apply for an EU Pet Passport/How to Get an EU Pet Passport?
Here’s how to get an EU pet passport once you arrive in Europe:
Microchip Your Pet:
Get your pet microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip. The microchip should be implanted before the rabies vaccination so that all the records are correctly associated with it.
The microchip number will be noted in all documents, so the accuracy of the same has to be checked.
Vaccinate Against Rabies:
The rabies vaccination should have been given at least 21 days before your pet entered into Europe.
Make sure the licensed veterinarian notes this vaccination and records it on the health certificate.
Get a Health Certificate:
Visit the USDA-accredited vet to receive the veterinary health certificate, which is known as the APHIS 7001 form.
The certificate needs to be issued ten days before departure and needs to be endorsed by the USDA.
Get an EU Pet Passport in Europe:
Once you arrive in Europe, take your pet to a local veterinarian to collect an application form for the EU pet passport.
The vet will check on the microchip and vaccination record and provide the passport if all the requirements are fulfilled.
Flying Your Pet to Europe
Traveling with your pet is a popular option for small dogs and cats. Here’s how to prepare:
Check Airline policies:
Different airlines have specific regulations for flying with a dog to Europe, including weight limits, size requirements, and health documents. Confirm these policies early on.
Reserve Early:
Secure your spot for flying a dog to Europe in the cabin, as airlines often limit the number of pets allowed per flight.
Use an approved carrier:
Use a convenient carrier that can fit under the seat and one of the right size according to the airline’s specifications.
The carrier should be well-ventilated and safe, enabling your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Make Your Pet Comfortable:
Introduce your pet to the carrier well in advance of the journey, by spending time in there with treats and toys.
This reduces anxiety and hence makes the traveling experience comfortable for your pet.
Read Also:
How to Get a Dog to Europe Without Flying
Some other options to fly include the following:
By Cruises:
Some cruise companies allow pets, a relaxed destination. Check well with the cruise chain about pet-friendly cabins and facilities on board for animals
Ferries:
Ferries can also serve as a relaxed way to travel to Europe. More so, if you are deferred by a neighboring country.
Search for ferry services that allow the accommodation of pets as operators vary in such a policy.
Getting Ready To Travel With Pets
Health Certificate:
Get a health certificate from your vet. The vet should be USDA accredited and won’t issue you one more than ten days before you travel.
The health certificate indicates that your pet is in good health, vaccinated, and free from any disease that can affect the human population
Tick, and Tapeworm Treatment
In some EU countries, particularly dogs, require tick and tapeworm treatment. Your vet can do this for you and include it in the certification pack.
Essential Travel Items For Pet
Prepare the following essentials to make traveling with your dog to Europe comfortable:
Food and Water:
Carry along both food and water in enough quantity along with portable food and water bowls.
Maintain the diet that your pet is being fed at this confined place.
Comfort Things:
A comfortable trip can be ensured by taking the pet’s favorite toy, blanket, and bedding. Familiarity helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
Leash and Collar:
Ensure that the equipment is tight and secure for the safety of your pet Consider a harness for added security and comfort.
Travel Tips For Pets
Following are the Travel Preparation Tips for Pets
- Prepare well in advance: Start preparations two months or earlier. Create a checklist for necessary tasks.
- Stay updated: Understand current travel requirements and any pet-related health examination requirements.
- Make your pet comfortable: Keep your pet calm and comfortable with familiar items. Use calming aids if needed.
- Schedule regular breaks: Schedule breaks for your pet during travel, provide access to rest areas, and allow your pet to exercise.
FAQs
Can a Pet be taken from the United States to Europe?
Yes, pets are allowed to be brought from the US to Europe, subject to fulfilling certain conditions like a microchip that is ISO-compliant, rabies vaccination, and veterinary health certificate.
And in some countries, you will need to do many more additional treatments or paperwork.
How much does it cost to fly a dog from the US to Europe?
The cost of flying from the US to Europe with a dog will depend on the airline as well as the size and class of the pet when traveling. Most rates will range from $200 to $1000. Consult the airline directly for exact details and pricing.
How can I take my dog to Europe from the US without flying?
You also have the opportunity to manage taking your pet to Europe without going by air without noticeable clumsiness using ships and ferries that can allow pets.
They make the journey more tranquil and offer quite an excellent reprieve for animals that often get stressed while traveling on airplanes.
Is it possible to have an EU pet Passport issued in the USA?
No, one is not able to acquire an EU pet passport in the USA. However, you can avail of a USDA-endorsed health certificate before your journey and an EU pet passport from a veterinary provider once here in Europe.
Does Emirates allow pets in cabins?
No, the airline allows non-cabin pets with an exemption of falcons on UAE-specific routes that link Dubai and Pakistan. Again, the airline allows the carrying of the pet as cargo or conventional luggage.
Which airline can I travel with my dog?
The following airlines will permit you to fly with your dog: Delta, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Every airline has specific rules and restrictions, please verify the pet travel policies from your carrier before booking.
Can I take my dog to Italy from the USA?
Yes, you can take your dog to Italy from the USA, provided the dog has a microchip, rabies vaccination, and endorses a health certificate from the USDA. Italy is generally pet-friendly but always check specific entry requirements.
What is the international pet passport?
The international pet passport enables a pet’s movement across countries, which is significant across the EU.
The document will have details about the identification, vaccination, and other health statuses of your pet, so to speak.
This has the impact of really simplifying the movement of that pet across countries within Europe.
Conclusion
Pet travel to Europe from USA presents an exciting adventure, which comes with meeting certain requirements and preparing thoroughly.
The movement of your pets to Europe from the USA can also be a smooth and enjoyable process, with the correct form of documentation and the necessary travel arrangements.
Whether one is traveling with pets within Europe or prefers alternative ways like cruises or ferries, knowing the rules and preplanning will erase most of the problems.
In the correct preparation involving your pet, there is no problem enjoying all the wonders Europe has to offer and creating cherished memories.
