If you're touring Europe by motorhome with your dog, it isn't enough to just load them in and cross the border: there are health and paperwork requirements you must meet, and it's worth preparing them in good time. Having everything in order saves you serious problems at customs or, worse, being turned away. Here's what you need to know, clearly and without jargon. (This doesn't replace your vet's advice.)
The EU pet passport
To travel with your dog (or cat/ferret) between EU countries you need an EU pet passport, issued by your vet. It records the animal's identification and vaccinations. It's the basic document for moving around Europe.
The key requirements
- Microchip: compulsory identification, which must match the passport.
- Rabies vaccination: up to date and valid; there's a minimum waiting period after vaccination before you can travel. Plan ahead for this.
- Country-specific requirements: some require extra treatments (for example, against tapeworm to enter certain countries). Check the requirements for your destination and any transit countries.
- Outside the EU (Morocco, the UK, etc.) the requirements are different and stricter; check them carefully (see Morocco). [Note: check the current requirements for each destination and transit country.]
Prepare well in advance
The typical mistake is leaving it until the last minute: some requirements (such as the waiting period after the rabies vaccine) take weeks. Talk to your vet in good time, check the official requirements for every country you'll pass through, and keep all documentation to hand at the border.
During the trip
- Keep the passport accessible at all times, plus a copy.
- Up-to-date parasite treatment and a first-aid kit for your dog (see your dog's first-aid kit).
- Extra identification (a tag with a phone number) in case they get lost far from home.
- Local rules: every country has its own rules about dogs (transport, breeds, muzzles).
In summary
Travelling abroad with your dog requires an EU pet passport, a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination and, depending on the country, extra requirements, all prepared well in advance. The step to take today: talk to your vet weeks ahead to have the passport and vaccinations in order, and check the official requirements for every country on your route; crossing borders with the right paperwork saves you a lot of hassle.