Last updated: 22 April 2026

Pet Import from the UK to the EU
– Rules & Requirements

Since 2026, EU entry rules are based on strict document consistency and sequence of actions. Most refusals are not due to missing documents, but due to incorrect timing or mismatched information.

General Requirements

Entry is allowed only as a non-commercial movement.

• the pet travels with the owner, or
• is transported by an authorised person

The movement must be linked to the owner's travel (usually within 5 days). Maximum: 5 animals.

The owner must be listed in all documents.

A common mistake is listing a courier or driver instead of the owner. In this case, entry is refused even if all veterinary documents are correct.

Microchip

The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination and comply with ISO standards.

If vaccination is done first, it is considered invalid.

Rabies Vaccination

• minimum age: 12 weeks
• 21 days waiting period after vaccination
• vaccination must remain valid at the time of travel

If revaccination is delayed even by one day, it is treated as a primary vaccination and the waiting period restarts.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

Not required for travel from the UK to the EU, as the UK is classified as a listed country under EU rules.

Minimum Age

Since no rabies titer test is required:

• vaccination from 12 weeks
• +21 days waiting period

Minimum age for entry: about 15 weeks.

Errors in vaccination timing are one of the most common reasons for refusal. These errors cannot be corrected at the border, so it is safer to complete a document check before travel.

EU Pet Health Certificate

The EU Veterinary Certificate (Regulation 2026/705) is the main entry document.

The animal health certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into the European Union from the date of issue.
After documentary and identity checks at the point of entry, it may be used for further movement within the EU for up to 6 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
This extended validity applies only after official checks have been carried out at the EU point of entry.

Example of the certificate format can be reviewed here: EU certificate sample

Typical errors:

• different owner name
• incorrect dates
• missing titer information

Typical errors include incorrect dates, missing vaccination details, or mismatched owner information.

In these cases, entry is refused at the border. For this reason, many owners choose to verify documents in advance through a document check .

Parasite Treatment (Dogs Only)

• required for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway
• must be done 24–120 hours before entry
• must be recorded in the certificate

In practice, this requirement may be interpreted inconsistently by border officials.

Restricted Breeds

There is no single EU-wide ban, but some countries restrict certain dog breeds.

Cats are not subject to breed bans, however hybrid breeds (such as Savannah or Chausie) may be restricted depending on generation.

If the generation is not clearly documented, entry may be refused.

Practical Notes

• incorrect sequence of steps
• date miscalculations
• owner mismatch
• certificate errors

These errors cannot be corrected at the border.