Rules on Taking Your Pet Abroad

It’s perfectly legal for you to take your pets abroad. Most of the time. And whilst following a list of rules. The rules aren’t overly-complicated, and you’ll find that most countries are generally accepting of cats and dogs.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking your pets abroad.

What you need to do

First of all, get your pet an official pet passport. These can be issued by your vet.

Then, you need to make sure your cat or dog is microchipped, and is vaccinated against rabies (and is up to date with all booster jabs).

The rabies vaccination needs to be given at least three weeks before your trip out of the country.

And that’s it.

Well, you also need to make sure that any camping sites you’ll be staying at in Europe will allow you to bring pets. You should check before you travel.

 

Taking Your Pets to France

The vast majority of cats and dogs will be allowed to travel to France, as long as you meet the above requirements.

Some types of dogs, however, will not be permitted – as they are considered to be dangerous.

They include Staffordshire Terriers (without pedigree), American Staffordshire Terriers (without pedigree), Mastiffs and Tosas (without pedigree).

Other types of dog are permitted, as long as they have a pedigree and are registered with a breed society. They must be muzzled and on a lead whilst out in public.

They include Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and Tosas; however you must have certificates from a registered Kennel Club breeder, and it is advised to keep these with you at all times in the event you are questioned.

All other types of dog are fine.

Taking Your Pets to Ireland

Again, most cats and dogs are fine to travel to Ireland.

But if you have a certain breed of dog – they must be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times whilst out in public.

They must also have the owner’s name and address on the collar.

The full list of dog breeds this impact includes American Put Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tose, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Taking Your Pets to Spain

All dogs and cats are welcome to travel to Spain.

However, the following must be registered within three months of entry to the country:

Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.

Taking Your Pets to Denmark

The following breeds of dog are banned from Denmark, and cannot enter under any circumstances:

Pitbull, Tosa, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasielero, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerbull, Kangal, Ovcharka, Tornjak, Sarplaninac.

Taking Your Pets to the Netherlands

Any and all breeds of dog can be taken to the Netherlands, unless they show “aggressive behaviour”.

Taking Your Pets to Belgium

There are no national rules with regards to pets being allowed.

However, local authorities can implement their own legislation. As mentioned, you should check with the campsite you will be visiting.

Returning to the UK

When you return back home, make sure you still have a valid pet passport, or your pet will not be allowed to re-enter the UK.  There are additional steps that will need to be taken to be granted entry including visiting a vet with your pet before returning. Full details can be found here

https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad