Taking Pets to Europe
Moving to Europe is exciting… but the thought of your dog or cat flying without you (or arriving first) can feel overwhelming. At PetAir UK, we treat your pet like family – because to you, they are. We’re the UK’s trusted, vet-led pet travel company with 20+ years of expertise and a track record of 33,000+ pets travelled safely to 300+ destinations worldwide. From paperwork to flight planning, to welfare-first travel day care, our veterinary professionals and dedicated travel coordinators handle the details – so you can focus on your move.
What you need to know
Pet Travel to Europe – What You Need to Know
Europe isn’t one single rulebook – requirements can vary by country (EU, EEA, Switzerland and other non-EU destinations). But for most UK to EU/EEA dog and cat travel, the process follows a clear framework.
The essentials (most dogs and cats travelling from the UK to the EU/EEA)
1) Microchip first
Your pet must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) their rabies vaccination.
2) Rabies vaccination + waiting period
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies and typically need to wait at least 21 full days after their first vaccination course before travel.
3) The right travel document
For many owner-accompanied trips, this is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). The AHC is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU (plus longer validity for onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain). GB-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU.
An SHC (Special Handling Code) applies to pet travel to the EU where a pet travels with its owner or within five days of them. Proof of the owner’s travel and a valid Export Health Certificate (EHC) are required, and entry must be handled by an EU customs broker for import clearance. An SHC is also required if the owner does not travel within five days, or if the pet has been purchased, sold, or transferred to an EU resident, as these movements are treated as commercial and subject to additional import requirements.
4) Tapeworm treatment (dogs only – for specific countries)
Dogs travelling directly to certain countries (including Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland) need a vet-administered tapeworm treatment no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before arrival.
5) Entry checks on arrival
Many EU countries require entry via a designated travellers’ point of entry where your pet’s identity and documents may be checked.
Do you need rabies blood tests (titre tests) for pet travel to Europe?
For pets travelling from the UK to the EU, a rabies blood test is not normally required, because the UK is treated as a low-risk, listed country for rabies in this context.
Don’t worry – you don’t have to figure this out alone. PetAir UK will confirm which route applies and manage the correct documentation and approvals.
Why PetAir?
Why Choose PetAir UK for Pet Flights to Europe
- 100% vet-led service with in-house vets and qualified veterinary nurses.
- 20+ years of experience and over 33,000 pets flown safely.
- Custom-built, IATA-approved pet travel cabins sized perfectly to your pet.
- Dedicated travel coordinators who manage every stage of the move.
- Transparent, all-inclusive quotes – no hidden costs.
- 1-to-1 veterinary support through our Vet-Led Travel Prep service.
- Flexible budgeting through Pet Travel Payment Plans.
- Extra reassurance with our Pet Travel Care Tags.
- Consistently high customer satisfaction, strong testimonials and global airline partnerships.
With PetAir UK, your pet’s safety and wellbeing always come first. To learn more about why you should choose PetAir, click here.
The PetAir Process
Step-by-Step Pet Travel Process with PetAir UK
- Get a Quote – Tell us about your destination and pet; we’ll prepare a tailored plan.
- Consultation with Our Compliance Team – We review health requirements and plan vaccinations/treatments.
- Travel Prep & Documentation – We organise your pet’s AHC, endorsements, and entry requirements.
- Cabin Customisation – Choose the best pet cabin setup for comfort and safety.
- Flight Day & Tracking – We support departure, documentation checks, and real-time updates.
- Arrival & Onward Support – Meet and greet assistance and onward travel guidance on arrival.
Learn more about the process of relocating your pet with PetAir in our blog here.