Starting on 22 April, 2026, travelling with pets within the European Union will be subject to a more rigorous regulatory framework, requiring advance preparation from millions of owners.

The main change is the absolute requirement to present the European passport for dogs and cats for any travel between EU countries.

Improve traceability

This measure, part of an update to European animal health rules, aims not only to tighten surveillance of animal movements and improve their traceability, but also to effectively combat document forgery and illegal trafficking.

This passport is the main identification document. It records microchip placement, vaccination history, and medical treatments. Possession of the passport alone is not enough for travel; rabies vaccination must be given beforehand, and the animal must meet the minimum legal travel age.

Guaranteeing health conditions

Owners also need to ensure any required antiparasitic treatments for specific countries are completed and obtain formal confirmation from a veterinarian that the animal is healthy before departure.

European authorities warn that the new system is significantly less tolerant of administrative errors or logistical oversights. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to quarantining the animal, denial of entry into the destination country, or even being forced to return it to its origin.

Animal passport

Although many animals already have a passport issued at the time of electronic identification, Brussels' current recommendation is for a thorough review of all data to ensure the travel process is safer, more controlled, and fully transparent in light of the new border checks.