Published on January 26, 2026
Relocating a dog, cat, or other pets from the United States to Europe can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right timeline, paperwork, and flight planning, you can move your pet safely and smoothly to the EU, the UK, or other European destinations, without last-minute surprises.
At WorldCare Pet Transport, we help pet parents manage the entire move door-to-door, including documents, airline booking support, crate planning, and coordination with trusted partners abroad.
Pet Transport to Europe
Most European countries (EU members) follow a shared entry framework for dogs, cats, and ferrets:
- ISO microchip first (before the rabies vaccine)
- Rabies vaccine is current
- Wait at least 21 days after the first rabies vaccine before travel (typical rule for EU/UK entry timing)
- Rabies Titre Test (when required based on your origin country) involves a blood sample taken by an authorized veterinarian at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination.
- Animal Health Certificate issued close to departure date (usually within 10 days of arrival) by an official veterinarian.
- Government endorsement is commonly required.
- Entry must be via the correct point of entry where documents and microchip may be checked.
- The EU “5-day rule” means your pet can travel under non-commercial entry if they arrive within 5 days before or 5 days after you. If your pet arrives outside that window, or you aren’t traveling with them, the trip is treated as a commercial import.
Important note: Some European countries have extra rules (like tapeworm treatment for dogs).
Why Europe Pet Transport Has Extra Steps
Europe can be easier than some destinations, but it still has strict pet entry rules to protect public and animal health, especially when it comes to rabies. These requirements apply even if your pet is healthy and fully vaccinated.
When traveling into the EU, your pet usually needs an EU Animal Health Certificate and a signed non-commercial declaration (unless the move qualifies as a commercial movement).
Pet Transport to Europe Timeline
Here’s the planning timeline we recommend for most moves:
1-2 months before travel
- Confirm destination requirements (EU vs UK vs other)
- Check your pet’s microchip is readable
- Confirm rabies vaccine status (and booster timing)
21+ days before travel (if rabies is new/expired)
- If this is your pet’s first rabies vaccination, you typically need to wait at least 21 days before travel.
- Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when the vaccine is given.
10 days before arrival
- Your pet’s EU health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arriving in the EU.
24–120 hours before arrival (dogs only, certain countries)
- Some destinations require tapeworm treatment within 1–5 days of arrival.
Key Requirements for Pet Transport to Europe
1) Microchip (must be first)
Your pet’s microchip should be ISO-compliant and implanted before the rabies vaccine for EU travel.
2) Rabies vaccination
For EU travel, rabies vaccination must be current and properly documented. EU rules also include rules for the 21-day wait after primary vaccination in many cases.
3) Animal Health Certificate
This is one of the most important documents for entry into the EU. It must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days before arrival in the EU.
4) Government endorsement
Many European destinations require a government endorsement or counter-signature on the health certificate. For example, in the USA, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete your pets’ documents, and the USDA must endorse them before your pet travels.
5) Entry point and document check
In many cases, pets must enter through an approved travelers’ point of entry where authorities can check documents and microchip details.
Special Rules to Watch
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) for certain destinations
If you’re traveling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, or Norway, dogs must typically receive a tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.
EU vs UK rules
The United Kingdom has its own pet entry process, but the rabies timing rules are similar. Your pet must wait at least 21 days after their first rabies vaccination before travel.
“Commercial” vs “Non-commercial” movement matters
If you’re traveling with more than 5 pets, transferring ownership, or your pet is traveling far outside your travel window, your move may be treated differently and require different paperwork.
How WorldCare Pet Transport Helps You Move a Pet to Europe
If you’re trying to move to Europe with a pet, the hardest parts usually aren’t the flight itself, it’s the timing, paperwork, and avoiding small mistakes that cause delays.
- Door-to-door support (planning and coordination)
- Airline routing support (cargo options and policies)
- International partner coordination (arrival handling and customs clearance when required)
- Providing crates, size guidance, and comfort prep
- Document organization support and timeline checklists
- Real-time updates on your pet’s travel status via WhatsApp
Pet parents choose WorldCare Pet because we’ve helped relocate pets globally for 25+ years and we’re an IPATA member; meaning your move is handled with trusted processes and a network of experienced partners.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Rabies vaccine done before the microchip
For EU travel, microchip timing matters.
Mistake #2: Waiting too long to do the health certificate
EU health certificates have tight timing rules (often issued within 10 days).
Mistake #3: Missing the tapeworm window
If required, it must fall within the exact 24–120 hour range.
Mistake #4: Booking flights before confirming airline pet policy
Some airlines restrict routes, aircraft types, weather conditions, and breed categories.
FAQ: Pet Transport to Europe
How long does it take to transport a pet to Europe?
Most pet parents should plan at least 1-2 months ahead, depending on rabies timing and document appointments. If your pet needs a brand-new rabies vaccination, you may need at least 21 days before travel.
Do pets need quarantine in Europe?
For most properly-prepared entries from the USA into EU countries, quarantine is not typical, but missing paperwork or incorrect timing can lead to refusal or further inspection at entry.
What documents do I need for pet transport to Europe?
Commonly required items include microchip info, rabies vaccination records, and an animal health certificate issued close to departure.
Which European countries require tapeworm treatment?
Tapeworm treatment is commonly required for dogs entering countries like Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, and Norway within a specific time window before arrival.
Ready to Move Your Pet to Europe?
If you’re relocating for work, a military PCS, family, or a long-term move abroad, we’re here to help your pet travel safely, with fewer headaches and zero guesswork.
Next step: Request a quote and we’ll confirm the correct timeline, documents, and best travel options for your destination.
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.