Travelling with your pet

In terms of travel, there is only one rule: The rule is different for each destination! The wisest thing is to warn us as soon as you know the destination you want to take your pet to, even if the date is still uncertain and far from several months: in fact, we will sometimes take many weeks to prepare all the formalities.

Spotted cat standing on a blue suitcase, ready to travel.

Our Travel Preparation Services

Our team of experienced veterinarians offers a Personalized support and consistent with regulations in force to prepare your pet for international travel:

  • Consultation Pre-travel and comprehensive health assessment
  • Electronic chip implementation conforming to ISO 11784/11785
  • Issue and update European pet passport
  • Vaccination anti-rabies and other compulsory vaccinations
  • Treatment antiparasitic Specific (internal and external)
  • Establishment of international health certificates
  • Serological testing requested by certain destinations
  • Personalized advice depending on your destination and mode of transport

Why Consult Our Team Before Travelling?

Our veterinarians are training in the latest international regulations and guarantee you:

  • The documents complying with strict requirements Country of destination
  • Lanticipation of all formalities to avoid bad surprises
  • One Custom tracking adapted to your pet and travel itinerary

Essential Conditions for All Travel with Animals

Mandatory identification

To travel, your pet must be identified permanent :

  • Electronic chip : internationally recognized standard identification method
  • Tattooing : accepted only if it was completed before July 2011 and remains clearly legible

Antirabic vaccination

The rabies vaccination is fundamental for all travel :

  • Primovaccination at least 21 days before departure
  • Updated reminders according to the manufacturer's protocol
  • Vaccination is possible only for older animalsat least 3 months

Official Documents

Depending on your destination, you will need to:

  • European passport : compulsory for circulation in the EU, issued by an authorised veterinarian
  • International Health Certificate : for destinations outside the EU, established according to the requirements of the country of arrival
  • Immunization diary Attests to all vaccines and treatments administered

Travelling in the European Union with Your Animal

Standard EU requirements

To travel with your pet in the European Union, you must consult the detailed EU requirements and:

  • Have a European passport in good standing
  • Have an animal properly identified by electronic chip
  • Maintain current rabies vaccination
  • Respect the limit of 5 animals maximum per person (except for competitions or exhibitions)

Individual cases: Finland, Ireland and Malta

These countries are strict additional rules :

  • Treatment for echinococcosis (tenia) mandatory for dogs
  • Administration by a veterinarian between 24h and 120h before entry Country
  • Mandatory mention of treatment in the passport by the veterinarian

Travelling Outside the European Union with Your Animal

United Kingdom

Since Brexit, UK requirements have evolved:

  • Animal health certificate (Animal Health Certificate) required
  • Treatment for echinococcosis 24-120 hours before departure
  • Entry only by Approved points of entry
  • Possibility of quarantine in case of non-compliance

See procedures for entry into the United Kingdom for animals for the latest information.

United States

To travel to the United States with your pet:

  • Veterinary certificate in English less than 10 days old
  • Anti-rabies vaccination (variable requirements depending on the state)
  • Specific form of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) for dogs
  • Verification of State-specific regulations destination

See conditions for entry into the United States before your trip.

Other Current Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

  • Procedures very strict with compulsory quarantine Up to 6 months
  • Many tests and treatments prior
  • Preparation to start several months in advance

Japan

  • Obligatory anti-rabies serological test 180 days before departure
  • Documented multiple vaccines
  • Specific certificates translated

United Arab Emirates

  • Mandatory anti-rabies vaccination
  • Electronic chip
  • Posted health certificate authorities

Individual cases and Special situations

Young animals

For puppies and kittens less than 15 weeks:

  • Travel often restricted as rabies vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks
  • 21-day waiting period after first injection
  • Special authorization necessary with declaration of the owner
  • Sometimes, obligation to be accompanied by their mother correctly vaccinated

Assistance

Assistance animals often benefit from special provisions :

  • Specific documents certifying their status
  • Medical certificate justifying their role
  • Verification of special conditions to transport companies

Specific Races

Some breeds may be the subject of significant restrictions :

  • Hybrid cats (like Savannah F5+) banned in some countries
  • Category 1 and 2 dogs subject to specific regulations
  • Exotic species which may be subject to the CITES Convention

Practical Tips for a Successful Travel with Your Animal

Planning and Anticipation

Animal transport

  • See specific requirements your transport company
  • Schedule a cage or a suitable transport bag and in conformity with standards
  • Familiarize your pet with its transport container before departure
  • Check conditions of travel in cabin or hold

For air travel, see, for example, conditions of transport of animals with Air France.

Wellness during travel

  • Plan for Regular breaks when travelling by car
  • Limit food before a plane trip
  • Take a first aid kit for your pet
  • Think about bringing his usual medicines in sufficient quantity

Frequently Asked Questions on Departure with your animals

Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions on this subject.

In the event of non-compliance, health authorities may impose a quarantine (up to 6 months in Australia), a return to the country of origin or, in extreme cases, euthanasia. Careful preparation is therefore essential.

The limit is generally 5 animals per person in the EU, except for participation in competitions or exhibitions, which require special authorisation.

Have a certified IATA cage or a flexible transport bag if your pet is travelling in the cabin, and make sure the model is accepted by the airline. Habituate your pet with its container well before departure.
Also check the specific conditions of transport: some companies require a health certificate of less than 48 hours.
Finally, to reduce the risk of discomfort, avoid feeding your pet within 4 to 6 hours prior to the flight.

Rabies vaccination is essential for most destinations. Primary vaccination should be performed at least 21 days prior to departure, and often 30 days according to the requirements of certain countries. Reminders must be up to date in accordance with the manufacturer's protocol. Many destinations, such as Japan or Australia, also require serological tests to verify antibody levels.
In any case, inform yourself as soon as possible — ideally as soon as you know the destination — in order to know the specific formalities to be carried out for take, but also (and above all) be able to come back with your animal !

Need help preparing your trip?

Contact our veterinary clinic for more information on travel formalities and to make an appointment for a pre-travel consultation.
(We offer additional appointments by phone)

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