PETS: Taking your dog or cat out of the UK to other listed countries
EU Countries
To enter other European Union (EU) countries from the UK you should get your pet microchipped (although some countries accept a tattoo) and vaccinated against rabies (although Sweden does not require this when a pet travels direct from the UK). You should then obtain an EU pet passport. This will allow your pet to enter most other EU countries. However, Malta, and we understand Cyprus, have additional entry requirements, and to enter the Republic of Ireland other than direct from the UK, and to re-enter the UK, your pet must have a blood test. Your vet will advise you on the timing of this. This can be done before you leave the UK or while you are in another qualifying country. To enter Sweden your pet must also be treated for tapeworms using a product containing praziquantel no more than 10 days before entering that country although this treatment is not required for direct entry from the UK.
Please contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office, or the authorities (e.g. the Embassy) of the country you wish to enter, before you travel to check the requirements. Please note you should always contact the Embassy of the country concerned within the UK, rather than the British Embassy in the country you are travelling to.
There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and Ireland.
21 day wait
For EU countries where more stringent entry requirements do not apply, the EU has introduced a wait of 21 days from the date of the first rabies vaccination before a pet can enter those EU countries. However, if the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet requires more than one vaccination to complete the primary vaccination protocol, the 21 day wait applies from the date of the final vaccination of that protocol. Your vet will advise you further.
Booster vaccinations are valid for entry from the date given provided they are given on time (according to the instructions in the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet where the previous vaccination was given).
Since it may take time for EU Member States to adopt this change into their import legislation, pet owners are advised to contact the authorities of the relevant EU country to confirm the appropriate timing of the rabies vaccination under their current import regulations.
- More advice on entering Sweden.
- More advice on entering the Republic of Ireland: www.agriculture.gov.ie
- Contact the Maltese authorities for advice on entering Malta.
- Contact the Cypriot authorities for advice on entering Cyprus. There is also important information you should know about if you are taking your pet to north Cyprus (the area north of the Buffer Zone) and wish it to return to the UK.
More information
- Travelling to Non-EU listed countries
- Travelling to Unlisted countries
- Dogs in other countries
- Residency in other countries
Travelling with a PETS certificate
PETS certificates may be used from 1 October 2004 to enter other EU countries (except Sweden and the Republic of Ireland) until they expire.
If you want to return to the UK with your dog or cat you must meet the rules.
Page last modified: May 8, 2008