Ready for a new adventure? Are sun-soaked Italy, Spain, or Portugal calling your name? Or maybe a cultural hub in Germany or France is what you seek?
As more people consider moving to Europe, many choose to bring their pets along, making international moves a more rewarding experience.
This Remitly guide provides essential information on the legalities, logistics, and financial considerations involved in moving to Europe with pets.
Table of Contents
Essential legal requirements for pet relocation in Europe
Pet travel requirements in Europe are generally quite standardized, at least within the EU. These regulations are set by the European Union and apply to anyone planning to bring their dog, cat, or ferret to the region. Other animals have more specific requirements which vary from one country to the next.
- Microchipping: Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip, readable by EU-standard scanners. This is mandatory for identification.
- Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is typically required, along with proof of the primary vaccination done at least 21 days before entry to Europe. (Booster shots don’t require any waiting period).
- Pet Health Certificate: Obtain an EU health certificate from an accredited veterinarian within ten days of your planned entry to the EU. This certifies that your pet is healthy and meets entry requirements.
- Written declaration: The pet owner should provide a written declaration that the animal is not being brought into the country for sale or change of ownership.
- EU Pet Passport: While not a requirement for initial entry, this is a useful document to have for future travel with your pet. You can get one from a vet once you arrive at your destination, for easier travel within EU countries and beyond.
- The five-day rule: Owners must arrive in the EU within five days of their pets, so if you can’t accompany your pet personally, plan your travel arrangements accordingly.
Country-specific regulations
Certain European countries may have additional requirements, so it’s important to research the guidelines for your specific destination. Let’s take a look at how regulations can differ from place to place.
- Dogs must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus between 24 and 120 hours before travel to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland.
- Certain breeds of dogs are prohibited in many European countries, most commonly the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff).
- Many countries require a bilingual health certificate if the primary language of the country is not English.
Check the government websites for your destination country for the most reliable information on pet import regulations.
Keep in mind that regulations may depend on the country of origin—the requirements above are generally applicable for animals arriving from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, but other countries may have additional rules.
Special note on emotional support animals (ESAs)
In Europe, unlike the USA, ESAs are generally considered regular pets. They do not fall under the same regulations as service animals, which are specially trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities.
While some airlines offer accommodations for ESAs, check both the airline’s policies and your destination’s regulations, as additional paperwork and guidelines often apply.
Researching specific ESA policies early can help avoid surprises during travel; here’s a handy ESA travel guidelines resource.
Financial considerations and practical tips for moving a pet to Europe
Pet travel costs
Typical costs for international travel with animals include:
- Airfare: Many airlines allow pets either in-cabin or in the cargo hold. In-cabin options are generally available only for small cats and dogs and cost between $100–$500, depending on the airline. Cargo fees can run as high as $4,500, depending on the pet’s size and travel distance.
- Pet carrier and pet transport fees: Airlines require that pets travel in IATA-compliant crates for their safety. Purchasing these travel crates and paying the related airline fees can add up, so consider confirming these fees before checking-in, so there are no unexpected surprises.
- Professional pet relocation services: For those seeking assistance, professional pet relocation services manage logistics, from documentation to transport. There’s more information on this below, but costs for this convenience generally start at around $1,000 and can go up to $5,000, depending on the company and destination.
Health and documentation costs
Veterinary expenses are part of the preparation process. Common costs include:
- Vaccinations and health certificates: Expect to pay $100–$300 for necessary vaccinations and certificates.
- Pet Passports: A pet passport typically costs around $25–$50 and simplifies future travel within the EU.
Pet relocation services
Professional relocation services can streamline the process for those who prefer comprehensive assistance. These companies can handle everything from documentation and pet check-in to customs and transportation logistics, offering peace of mind.
Even if you’re paying for the professional services, possible unforeseen pet relocation costs to consider include emergency veterinary visits, or unexpected quarantine fees if something isn’t right in the paperwork. Planning a contingency fund helps you handle these costs smoothly, ensuring you and your pets all arrive at your final destination happily.
Pet insurance can be an added safety net during and after relocation. Coverage often includes accidents, routine health checks, and emergencies, with some policies tailored for expat pet owners.
Consider insurance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses during travel and in your new country.
Pet insurance averages around 25-45 EUR in Sweden, 20-50 EUR in Germany, 20-80 EUR in France, and 10-40 EUR per month in the Netherlands, for example.
Adapting to life in Europe with your pet
Settling in with your pet
Once in Europe, pet-friendly accommodation is becoming increasingly common. Many cities have restrictions or fees associated with pets, so ensure that your living situation aligns with local regulations.
Be mindful of cultural differences, as attitudes toward pets vary; for instance, dogs are commonly welcomed in public spaces in some countries, while others may have restrictions.
Routine care and expenses
Routine care costs, including pet food, grooming, and veterinary care, can vary across European countries.
To give you a general idea, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture estimates the total average monthly spending at 130 EUR for dogs and 91 EUR for cats in Spain. As a comparison, in Germany pet owners report spending 60-75 EUR per month just on food.
Conclusion
International pet travel is complex, but bringing your animal companions to Europe is manageable with the right preparation.
By understanding legal requirements, budgeting for costs, and planning for your pet’s new life abroad, you can ensure a smoother transition.
Research your destination, keep documentation up-to-date, and enjoy the journey of settling in Europe with your beloved pet.
FAQs
Where can I get an international health certificate for my pet?
Most accredited veterinarians in your home country can help you obtain the health certificate.
USDA APHIS: The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service offers information on pet travel regulations.
Yes, European countries are generally considered pet-friendly. However, cultural attitudes can vary from your home country, so come with an open mind.
No, as long as you provide proof of rabies vaccination, EU countries do not require a titer test for cats, dogs, or ferrets.
No, Europe does not have quarantine requirements for cats, dogs, or ferrets that have their rabies vaccination, unless the required documentation has not been provided. Then your pet may have to go into quarantine in some countries, such as the UK.