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.
At Remitly, we realize how important your pet is to you. So here’s our guide to the legal requirements, financial considerations, and practical tips for moving to Europe with pets.
Legal requirements for bringing pets to Europe
You’ll be pleased to know that pet travel regulations are standardized in 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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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! 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.
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 they’re participating in a competition, exhibition, or sporting event. They must also be more than six months old.