Documents for traveling with pets within the European Union

The European pet passport: what it certifies and who issues it

The European pet passport certifies the pet's microchip identification, rabies vaccination, and other health data; it is issued by an authorized veterinarian after verifying that all requirements are met.

The correct order: microchip first, then vaccine

The microchip identification must be applied before the rabies vaccination, or at most on the same day, because the latter is to be considered valid for legal purposes: a vaccination administered before the microchip implant is not recognized and must be repeated.

The 21-day waiting period for rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination requires twenty-one days from completion of the primary course before being considered valid for travel: a technical timeframe always to be calculated well in advance of the departure date. An expired booster, even by a single day, is equivalent to a new primary vaccination and reopens the 21-day waiting period.

Antiparasitic treatment for Finland, Ireland, and Malta

Finland, Ireland, and Malta, countries free from the Echinococcus multilocularis parasite, require an antiparasitic treatment (based on praziquantel or equivalent active ingredient) to be administered by a veterinarian in a precise time window, generally between 24 and 120 hours before arrival, for dogs entering the country. This is an additional requirement compared to the standard passport, to be verified specifically if the destination is one of these three countries.

The most useful practical advice is to always calculate the 21-day vaccination waiting period well in advance and verify whether your destination requires additional requirements, such as antiparasitic treatment for Finland, Ireland, and Malta. Those traveling outside the EU can also consult our guide to health documents for animals traveling abroad.