For many people pets are part of the family, and the idea of leaving them behind when making a move abroad is unthinkable. And like any other family member, you have to understand all the obligations and regulations in place to ensure safe and legal travel for your pet.
We know how important your pets are. That’s why we researched guidelines and requirements across the continent of Europe, not just EU countries, to give you the best starting point for researching how to move to Europe with your cat, dog, or ferrets. We also spoke to a veterinarian and professional pet mover to get some expert insights into how you can best prepare your pet for the relocation to Europe.
Legal requirements for bringing pets to Europe
In the EU, 44% of households live with pets. One of the benefits of being a big pet-loving continent is that pet travel regulations are fortunately, mostly standardized across the European Union. If you’re planning on moving to Europe with a dog, cat, or ferret, the rules are pretty clear. But if you have other types of animals, or you’re moving to a European country that’s not part of the EU, you’ll need to look into specific requirements of each country. The easitest way to do so is to head to the government webiste of the country you want to move to, such as the UK Government website, or the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority as two non-EU examples.
The first thing you should do is contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian. They’ll be able to advise you on what’s needed for your pet, and arrange the necessary chips, certificates and so on. What do you need to consider in regards to vaccines and microchipping?
Microchipping
Before booking your flight, make sure your dog, cat, or ferret has an ISO-compliant microchip. It should be easily detectable by standard EU scanners. As of June 2025, the EU has made it mandatory for all member countries to microchip cats and dogs. It is not enforced yet, but people should expect this to change in the near future.
Vaccination
While your pet should ideally be vaccinated for different conditions, the rabies vaccine is mandatory. Authorities will require proof of vaccination at least 21 days before entry into Europe.
Pet health certificate
Before you travel, get in touch with an accredited vet and get a country-specific EU pet health certificate. The document is proof that your pet is healthy enough to enter the EU.
Written declaration
Take time and write a declaration stating that you don’t intend to sell the animal or transfer ownership to anyone else.
EU pet passport
The EU pet passport is not a legal requirement for initial entry. However, it’ll be very handy if you want to travel from one country to another within the EU without leaving your pet behind.
The five-day rule
You’re required to be in the country within five days of your pet’s arrival. This is especially important if you use a professional pet relocation service because the rules are strict about pets traveling without their owners.
Country-specific regulations
Some EU countries have additional requirements you’ll need to be aware of. For instance, Finland, Norway, and Malta require dogs to be vaccinated against tapeworm echinococcus, between 24 and 120 hours before you travel.
Some countries do not accept certain dog breeds including the American Pitbull Terrier, Brazilian Mastiff, and English Bull Terrier. A full list can be found in the comparison table below.
Not every animal qualifies as a pet, either—you may love your pet duck, for example, but the rules don’t see it the same way you do. So make sure you know the rules that apply specifically to the type of animal you’re traveling with.
Pet import rules by European country
While rules across Europe for importing pets are fairly standardized, small things do vary per country. The table below gives you an overview of pet import rules across Europe, giving you a good starting point on what you need to know when thinking about bringing your cat, dog or ferret from the U.S. ‘across the pond’.
| Country | Regulations (for long stays / residency moves) | Banned breeds (national level) |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally; regional/municipal rules may apply. |
| Belgium | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally; local rules may apply. |
| Bulgaria | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Croatia | EU/EEA baseline. | Bull terrier-type dogs and crosses without FCI pedigree not allowed to enter. |
| Cyprus | EU/EEA baseline. | Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro banned. |
| Czechia | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Denmark | EU/EEA baseline. | National banned list in force. |
| Estonia | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Finland | EU/EEA baseline + mandatory tapeworm treatment for dogs. | None nationally. |
| France | EU/EEA baseline. | Category 1 attack dogs banned; Category 2 restricted. |
| Germany | EU/EEA baseline. | Federal import ban on Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier (and crosses). |
| Greece | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Hungary | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Ireland | EU/EEA baseline + mandatory tapeworm for dogs. | American Bully XL banned (2025); restricted breeds list. |
| Italy | EU/EEA baseline. | No national ban; owner responsibility. |
| Latvia | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Lithuania | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Luxembourg | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Malta | EU/EEA baseline + mandatory tapeworm for dogs. | None nationally. |
| Netherlands | EU/EEA baseline. | No national ban; local rules possible. |
| Poland | EU/EEA baseline. | National list of aggressive breeds (permit required). |
| Portugal | EU/EEA baseline. | Potentially dangerous breeds under licence/insurance rules. |
| Romania | EU/EEA baseline. | Category I (pit bull type, Boerboel, Bandog) restricted; Category II (e.g. AmStaff, Rottweiler, Cane Corso) with strict conditions. |
| Slovakia | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Slovenia | EU/EEA baseline. | None nationally. |
| Spain | EU/EEA baseline. | National PPP regime (Pit Bull Terrier, AmStaff, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu) under licence/muzzle rules. |
| Sweden | EU/EEA baseline. | No national bans. |
| Iceland | Import permit + 14-day quarantine. | Some fighting breeds prohibited. |
| Norway | EU-aligned + tapeworm for dogs. | National banned list (e.g., Pit Bull, AmStaff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu). |
| Switzerland | EU-aligned entry rules. | No national ban; some cantons ban/restrict breeds. |
| Liechtenstein | EU/Swiss-aligned rules. | No national ban published; check municipality. |
| United Kingdom | Chip, rabies, GB health certificate; tapeworm for dogs. | Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Bully XL banned. |
| Andorra | Non-commercial rules + registration. | Potentially dangerous dogs restricted. |
| Monaco | EU-style entry rules. | Category 1 attack dogs banned. |
| San Marino | Italian/EU-style rules. | No national ban. |
| Vatican City | Not applicable. | — |
| Albania | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| Kosovo | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| Moldova | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| Montenegro | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| North Macedonia | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| Serbia | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban. |
| Turkey | Non-EU entry rules. | No national ban nationally; local rules may vary. |
| Ukraine | Non-EU entry rules. | Dangerous breeds list with obligations. |
| Belarus | Non-EU entry rules. | Policy unclear; confirm locally. |
| Russia | Non-EU entry rules. | Breed rules exist; confirm locally. |
💡 What is Key EU/EEA baseline? ISO microchip, valid rabies jab (<21 days after first shot), EU pet passport and/or EU animal health certificate. Maximum 5 pets for non-commercial purposes. Tapework treatment for dogs is required when entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Remember that in some countries, such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and more, breed bans can change per city, which we couldn’t fit in this table, so it’s essential to research the specific region of the country you’re moving to as well as the national guidelines.
Financial considerations for pet relocation
Moving your pet from the U.S. to Europe is going to incur some fairly hefty expenses, unfortunately. Here’s what you can expect in that regard.
Airfare
If you’re traveling with a cat or a small dog breed, some airlines will admit it into the cabin section under certain conditions. The carrier will usually have to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you
On the other hand, if it’s a large dog breed, it’ll be placed in the cargo hold and the costs can be quite a bit higher. Not every airline, and not even every airport, will accept pets this way, so check well in advance.
The amount of airfare you’ll pay to fly a pet can vary wildly, from $100 USD to $4,500 USD. Your pet’s size, the distance you’re traveling, and the airline all influence the cost. Careful research beforehand about different airlines should help you settle on the most suitable one for your specific needs.
Pet carrier and transport fees
In certain situations, you may need to use IATA-compliant crates for holding your pet during travel. Factor in the cost of the crate when making your calculations.
This will add to the cost of your tickets, because these crates take up space and add weight. And bear in mind that, at the end of your journey, pets that travel in large crates are almost always collected from a separate section of the airport. You almost certainly won’t be able to just pick them up from the luggage reclaim.
If you’re not sure about crate sizing, speak to your veterinarian, or research online through resources like PetTravelStore or PetMD.
Professional pet relocation services
Perhaps you don’t have enough time to travel with your pet or just need help when making the move. That’s where professional pet relocation services come in.
These service providers handle all the logistics but you’ll pay for the convenience. It’s difficult to provide estimated costs because every case is different, but it can range from $1,000 USD to $5,000 USD depending on the size and type of pet, and the distance you’re moving.
Veterinary services
Vaccination, health certificates, and microchipping will all cost you money, too. And it’s also possible that you’ll incur additional medical costs if you’re traveling to countries that have other specific requirements.
Veterinary costs in the United States are another consideration that can vary greatly, depending on the animal and what you’re asking your veterinarian to do. But it can range from $100 USD to $500 USD for a pet visit, and the EU pet certificate and an insurance plan, if you decide to cover your pet, are also costs to think about.
To be safe, consider setting aside a contingency fund just in case you need to cover something you didn’t anticipate.
Travel logistics and how to prepare
We know how important your furry friend is to you, and some airlines are not known for providing great services to their human customers, let alone those on four legs! So take the time to learn about airlines that have a good reputation for transporting pets and put them high on your list.
Some excellent examples to consider include KLM, American Airlines, and Lufthansa.
The timing of your move can make a difference to your pet’s experience, too. You might be traveling from a region with a different climate to your destination—it’s not going to be as warm in Norway in March as it is in Florida, for example. A sudden, dramatic switch in climates can affect your pet’s mood or even health. So if you’re able to time it right, traveling during moderate weather is best.
Start crate training before you travel
We spoke to veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Murdoch from pet moving service, Ferndale Kennels, to get some expert advice about travelling abroad with pets. He suggested getting crate training kicked off well before the travel begins.
Murdoch told us that travel crates “are specified by IATA to be big enough that your pet can lie down and can turn around easily, without any difficulties. Because of this, they are generally much larger than a crate you might use to take a cat or a puppy to the vet in, or some crate you may have in the boot of your car to put your dog in for short journeys. Sometimes people don’t want these travel crates early, exactly because they are so big! I strongly advise you get the crate two months at least prior to travel. If your pet gets accustomed and acclimated to the crate in advance, the whole move will be so much easier. The furry traveller will be in their ‘travelling den’ rather than both in a strange box and in a strange plane.”
It might require some forward planning, but it can be a good hack to further calm your pets down during the journey.
Pack light for the flight
Dr. Murdoch also flagged that “most airlines can’t have balls or thick beds in the crate” as they have to review these for security risks. It is a very real risk that if you overpack for your pet, the airline might dispose of these items.
If in doubt, double-check with the airline to see what can and can’t be brought with you and your furry family.
Life in Europe with pets
Depending on the country you move to, you may find that life with pets is not always the same in different regions. There may be different rules relating to taking your dog to the park, for example. But perhaps the first thing you’ll need to think about is pet-friendly housing.
Finding pet-friendly housing
If you’re renting at first, be aware that many landlords or property agencies don’t allow pets in their properties. So talk to your landlord or property manager about your pet before signing any agreement.
The real estate agents in your new country should be able to point you toward accommodation and landlords who allow pets.
Cultural differences
In some countries, people are very welcoming of pets and you may see them on public transport and even in cafés in some places. However, there are a few nations that prefer pets to be kept away from public spaces.
Be aware of the likely response to your pet that you’ll get in your new country—cultural differences mean that attitudes aren’t the same everywhere, and certainly aren’t necessarily the same as back home.
Routine care and costs
Assuming you’ve got a dog for our example, the cost of getting supplies such as bowls, crates, leashes, toys, and tags can be anything from €50 to €150 EUR. Dog food and treats can range from €40 to €80 EUR a month depending on the size of your canine companion.
Dental care chews are likely to cost €10 to €15, while poop bags will cost €3 to €10 EUR. Finally, insurance can be anything from €50 to €200, but again, this will depend a lot on your new country, and the type, size, and age of your pet; in Germany, for example, it can reach €80 per month!
Go ahead and make the move with your pet
Plenty of people are looking to make the move to another country and to be honest, moving to Europe with your pet can be complicated. However, the alternative is leaving them behind, and for many of us that’s out of the question.
It’s absolutely feasible if you plan well and follow all the requirements carefully. Over 2 million domestic animals board flights each year, so why shouldn’t yours?
FAQs
Can my pet fly in-cabin with me?
The answer depends on the type of pet you have, its size, and the airline you choose. Generally, smaller dogs and cats might be allowed in-cabin on pet-friendly airlines. Other types of pets may have to travel in the cargo hold.
What are the best pet-friendly cities in Europe?
Some of the best pet-friendly cities in Europe include Berlin, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Copenhagen.
Can I travel with multiple pets?
You can travel with up to five pets if they are dogs, cats, or ferrets. If you wish to travel with more than five pets, you must provide proof that they’re participating in a competition, exhibition, or sporting event. They must also be more than six months old.
How common are pet quarantines in Europe?
Pet quarantines are not common in European countries by default. You should however check before flying in case rules have changed.
How can I speak to people who have already travelled to Europe with pets?
Head to Facebook and seek out pages/groups such as ‘Americans in Portugal’ to get advice on the topic from real people who have already made the journey. There will be groups dedicated to different countries.