Travelling Abroad with Your Dog. Documents, Rules, and Practical Tips

The EU pet passport, what it is and who needs one

If you're travelling with your dog to any EU member state, you need an EU pet passport. This is an official document (available only from licensed vets) that contains:

• Microchip number (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
• Vaccination records, especially rabies
• Owner details and contact information
• The issuing vet's stamp and signature

The EU pet passport is valid for the lifetime of the animal, but its usability depends on the vaccinations being current.

Microchipping, the prerequisite

Before a vet can issue an EU passport, your dog must be microchipped. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is given; otherwise you may need to restart the vaccination series.

Rabies vaccination, the most important document

For travel within the EU, your dog's rabies vaccination must be:

• Current, check the booster date carefully
• Documented in the EU passport with the vet's stamp

Minimum waiting periods:

• For initial vaccination: the dog must wait 21 days before crossing into some countries (including the UK and Ireland under their rules)
• For boosters given on time: no waiting period

Pro tip: Check expiry dates at least 6 weeks before travel. If the booster is due during your trip, get it done before you leave.

Travelling to the UK

Since Brexit, the UK has its own entry rules:

• EU pet passport not accepted, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
• AHC must be issued by a government-authorised vet no more than 10 days before travel
• Tapeworm treatment required for dogs entering Great Britain (not required for Northern Ireland)
• Rabies vaccination waiting period applies for non-EU vaccinated dogs

Plan at least 4–5 months ahead if your dog's vaccines aren't yet up to date.

Travelling outside the EU

Rules vary dramatically by country. Some general principles:

• USA/Canada: Rabies certificate required; some states/provinces have additional requirements
• Australia/New Zealand: Extremely strict biosecurity, not recommended for pet travel
• Asia: Requirements vary by country; many require import permits applied for months in advance
• Middle East: Some countries prohibit certain breeds entirely

Always check the destination country's embassy or official veterinary authority website 3–4 months before departure.

What to pack for travelling with a dog

Documents:

• EU pet passport (or AHC for UK)
• Your vet's contact details
• Pet insurance documents
• Copy of vaccination records (a PDF from PetsyPlanet works perfectly)

Health supplies:

• Enough medication for the full trip plus extra
• Flea and tick protection appropriate for the destination
• First aid kit for dogs
• Any prescription food

Comfort and safety:

• Familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress
• Collapsible water bowl
• Harness + seat belt for car travel
• Airline-approved carrier if flying

Travelling by car

• Use a crash-tested crate or a car harness (regular leads are dangerous in an accident)
• Take breaks every 2 hours for water and a toilet stop
• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, temperatures inside can become fatal within minutes

Travelling by plane

• Rules vary significantly between airlines
• Small dogs (under ~8 kg) may travel in-cabin in an approved carrier
• Larger dogs travel in the cargo hold. Book early, as spots are limited
• Ask your vet about anxiety and motion sickness before flying for the first time

How PetsyPlanet helps before a trip

Before crossing any border, open PetsyPlanet and:

1. Check vaccination expiry dates: all boosters visible at a glance
2. Generate a PDF export, ready to show at the border or email to authorities
3. Review the medication list, make sure you have enough supply
4. Share access with anyone travelling with your dog

No paper booklet required. Everything on your phone, ready in seconds.

Summary

Travelling with a dog is absolutely doable, millions of people do it every year. The key is preparation: updated documents, correct vaccinations, and knowing the rules for your specific destination.

Always verify entry requirements with the official authorities of your destination country. Rules change, especially for travel to the UK and outside the EU.