EU pet passport: how to travel with your dog or cat across Europe

What is the EU Pet Passport?

The EU Pet Passport is the official document that allows dogs, cats and ferrets to travel between countries in the European Union. It is issued by a vet authorised by the MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) and certifies that your pet meets health requirements.

When do you need it?

• Travelling with your pet to any EU country
• Travelling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
• Returning to Spain after a trip within Europe

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Mandatory requirements

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How to obtain the passport

Step 1: Verify the microchip

Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted. If it already has one, the vet will verify it with a reader.

Step 2: Valid rabies vaccine

The vaccine must be in force (not expired). If it is the first time:

• It must be administered after the microchip
• You must wait 21 days before travelling

Step 3: Visit an authorised vet

Not every vet can issue a passport. It must be a vet authorised by the autonomous community to issue passports. Check the list on your region's website.

Step 4: Payment and issuance

• Cost: €20–40 (depending on the vet)
• Waiting time: Issued on the spot
• Validity: As long as the rabies vaccine is current (annual or triennial revaccination depending on the manufacturer)

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Special requirements by country

Some countries have additional requirements:

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Travelling outside the EU

For destinations outside the EU, you need an Export Health Certificate issued by the MAPA (General Directorate of Foreign Trade in Products and Animal Health). Each country has different requirements.

Returning to Spain from outside the EU:

• The EU pet passport must be valid
• If arriving from an unlisted country (Annex II of Regulation 577/2013), you need a rabies antibody titre test (result ≥ 0.5 IU/ml) carried out at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel

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Tips for travelling with your pet

1. Plan ahead — Apply for the passport at least 1 month before your trip
2. Check vaccines — The rabies vaccine must be valid on the day of travel
3. Check your airline — Each carrier has its own rules about pets, sizes and carriers
4. Bring water and food — For long road journeys
5. IATA-compliant carrier — Mandatory for air travel and recommended for car travel
6. Readable chip — Keep chip documentation in case a reader fails

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How much does it all cost?

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Travelling with your pet? GovEasy has the complete EU passport guide and all pet-related procedures.