Travel Document
EU Pet Passport
The EU Pet Passport is an official identification and health document for dogs and cats travelling within the European Union and certain countries that apply equivalent pet travel rules.
Overview
Issued by an authorised veterinarian, the EU Pet Passport records the animal's microchip number, rabies vaccinations and other relevant health treatments required for pet travel.
It provides a permanent travel record for eligible pets and may be used repeatedly as long as the recorded information remains valid and up to date.
What It Contains
- Owner details
- Pet description
- Microchip number and implantation details
- Rabies vaccination records
- Rabies antibody titration test results, where applicable
- Tapeworm treatment records, where required
- Veterinarian details and official endorsements
Who Can Use It
An EU Pet Passport may generally be issued for dogs and cats by an authorised veterinarian in an EU Member State or another country authorised to issue passports under equivalent pet travel arrangements.
Pets entering the EU from many non-EU countries normally require an Animal Health Certificate instead of an EU Pet Passport for their initial entry.
When It Is Required
- Travel between EU Member States
- Travel from certain territories and countries applying equivalent pet travel rules
- Return travel to the EU where the passport and recorded health requirements remain valid
Validity
The passport itself does not normally have a fixed expiry date.
Its use depends on whether the information recorded inside it remains valid, including the microchip details, rabies vaccination and any additional treatment required for the journey.
If a rabies booster is administered before the previous vaccination expires, continuous validity may be maintained.
How to Obtain It
- 1Ensure the pet has a compliant microchip.
- 2Visit an authorised veterinarian.
- 3Provide the owner's identification and the pet's health records.
- 4The veterinarian verifies the information and issues the passport.
- 5Check all recorded details before travelling.
Important Notes
- The microchip number must match the number recorded in the passport.
- Rabies vaccination administered before microchipping is not valid for EU pet travel.
- The passport must be completed and endorsed by an authorised veterinarian.
- Travellers should check whether the destination requires additional treatment or documentation.
- A passport issued to one pet cannot be transferred to another animal.
Travel document requirements may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant official authorities before travelling.