How to move to Europe with your pet: a comprehensive guide

Before Departure: Do Your Research

Before anything else, relocating with your pet requires some thought. What's your expatriation plan? For shorter stints abroad (a few months), would it be better to entrust your pet to family or, failing that, a pet shelter, and reunite upon your return? It could mean fewer costs, less hassle, and possibly better welfare for the animal! Adapting to a new environment can indeed be stressful for them, and once settled, it might already be time to leave again.

Are you set on moving with your pet? We advise you to research in advance. The website of your embassy or consulate in your future expat country, expat forums, websites of airlines or agencies specializing in pet relocation will be invaluable resources. 

Importing Pets: What Does the Law Say?

When one wishes to move with their pet abroad, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the various information available.

In this guide, we focus on Europe, but that doesn't necessarily mean relocating with your dog or cat will be easier ! Indeed, laws regarding pet importation vary from one country to another, even within Europe and the European Union itself. Some countries are stricter than others, namely: the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, and Malta, as we'll explore shortly.

Furthermore, certain dog breeds are prohibited and cannot be imported into certain countries. For instance, the following dog breeds are banned in the UK: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. This applies even if your dog resembles any of these breeds!

And what if your pet is a bird or a rabbit, for example? Grouped under the category of NAC (new pets), rodents, other mammals, birds, and reptiles can also accompany you in your expatriation. The formalities are no more complicated than for dogs and cats (even simpler in some cases!).

Do you have a whole menagerie? Note that generally, you cannot travel with more than five pets (except for participation in a competition).

Formalities for Relocating to Europe with a Pet

We recommend starting the formalities four to six months before the departure date.

For most European countries, the following formalities will suffice:

• Microchip or tattoo identification (done before July 3, 2011, and legible)

• European identification passport to be requested from the veterinarian

• Rabies vaccination

These formalities generally apply only to carnivorous animals: dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Departing for the UK, Finland, Ireland, or Malta, your dog must also be treated against Echinococcus worms.

If you're moving to Europe from a third country, you'll likely need to add the following formalities, depending on your countries of origin and destination:

• Rabies titration (blood samples to ensure your pet is properly vaccinated against rabies)

• Health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in the departure country

• Written declaration

• Quarantine

The Journey: Transporting Your Pet

Before relocating with your pet, consider the preparations, especially regarding pet transportation. Purchase a transport crate that meets standards and acclimate your pet to staying inside.

If you're traveling by plane, your four-legged companion may need to travel in the cargo hold (above 5 or 8 kg depending on the airlines).

Will you give them a sedative? Travel can be stressful for your pet, and you might be tempted to ease it by giving them a sedative. However, some veterinarians advise against this as the medication can be fatal to the animal in some cases.

If you're traveling to certain countries like the UK and Malta, the pet's transport must be done by an authorized means (excluding private planes or boats).

Upon Arrival: Helping Your Pet Adapt

Once you've reached your destination, your pet will need some time to adapt to their new country.

Ensure the climate is suitable for your pet (neither too hot nor too cold).

You'll also need to find pet-friendly accommodation and a local veterinarian.

Your pet might be a bit unsettled at first, which is normal. With attention and cuddles, everything should fall into place!

We wish you a smooth expatriation with your furry, feathery, or scaly companion!