Travelling with a dog or cat involves more than just packing a suitcase. Alongside a carrier and food, owners must ensure vaccinations, documentation and destination-country regulations are in order. From April 2026, these procedures will be more clearly defined across the European Union under an updated legal framework governing pet travel between member states.
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Travelling with pets from April 2026
Starting this April, updated rules on travelling with pets apply across the European Union, replacing the previous system and aligning requirements with the current animal health framework. These regulations cover travel for purposes other than the sale or transfer of ownership.
In practice, you must now carry the following documents without exception:
- European pet passport, mandatory for travelling between EU countries with dogs, cats and ferrets. This document includes information such as:
- Microchip number
- Owner's identity
- Vaccination history
- Veterinary treatments received
- Mandatory identification by microchip, meeting stricter technical standards
- Valid rabies vaccination, correctly recorded in the passport and within required timeframes
- Clearer rules for animals travelling without their owner, as some cases may be classified as commercial and subject to stricter conditions
What’s changing is not the obligation itself, but the legal framework: technical requirements are being reinforced, and the rules will now be applied more strictly and uniformly across the EU.
When does the new regulation come into effect?
The new rules apply from Wednesday, April 22 2026, following the end of the transition period on 21 April. From that date, travel between EU countries must comply with the updated framework.
Can you travel with someone else's pet?
European regulations stipulate that, in principle, pets must travel with their owners. The aim is to prevent fraud, illegal trafficking or disguised commercial transport under the guise of personal travel.
However, there is an exception: the owner can authorise another person in writing to accompany the animal. This is only valid if the owner is travelling within five days before or after the pet's departure.
If the animal is travelling entirely on its own or does not meet this requirement, the journey may be regarded as a commercial transfer and must comply with stricter health requirements.
Why is the EU regulating pet travel?
Nearly half of European households have at least one pet, and travel within the EU is becoming increasingly common. This has led institutions to strengthen and harmonise rules to avoid cross-country differences and reduce the potential for fraudulent use of the system.
The main objective is not to restrict travel, but to ensure that it takes place with health safeguards and under a clear identification system. Key reasons for the update include:
- Improve traceability by strengthening the technical requirements of microchips and including the country of origin code in the identification.
- Reduce the risk of disease spreading through more detailed health regulations according to the species.
- Prevent illegal trafficking or covert movements for commercial purposes.
- Unify criteria in all Member States, closing legal gaps and differences in application.
What should I do if I have a pet?
In most cases, if your dog or cat is already microchipped and has a valid European passport, you won't need to do anything else. Passports are usually issued when the pet is microchipped by the vet.
However, before travelling, it's advisable to check that the rabies vaccination is up to date, the microchip is working, and the passport is current. Additionally, if the animal won't be travelling with you, you should pay special attention to the conditions.
