EU Pet Import Reality
Three Things That Control the Move
01
Microchip First
The microchip must be implanted or read before the rabies vaccination used for EU entry. If the order is wrong, the vaccine may not count.
02
The 90-Day Window
After the rabies blood sample is drawn, at least 90 days must pass before the EU animal health certificate can be issued.
03
Designated Entry
Your pet must enter through a designated EU Travellers’ Point of Entry where identity and document checks can be completed.
Pets we've guided to Europe
Before You Book
What the EU Requires
EU rules are strict on timing and document consistency. A wrong microchip sequence, early blood draw, or expired certificate can delay entry.
Dogs
Microchip, Rabies Test & Entry Checks
- ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip must be permanently implanted or verified first
- Rabies vaccination must be administered after or on the same day as microchipping
- Rabies antibody titer test must be drawn at least 30 days after the vaccination
- Blood test result must meet or exceed the EU minimum threshold of 0.5 IU/ml
- At least 90 days must pass from the blood draw date before the EU animal health certificate can be issued
- Official EU animal health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority within 10 days of arrival
- Entry must be routed through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE)
- Tapeworm treatment is mandatory for specific island or isolated destinations
Dog moves to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland need a certified tapeworm treatment containing praziquantel, administered by a vet 24–120 hours before entry.
Cats
Microchip, Rabies Test & Health Certificate
- ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip must be permanently implanted or verified first
- Rabies vaccination must be administered after or on the same day as microchipping
- Rabies antibody titer test must be drawn at least 30 days after the vaccination
- Blood test result must meet or exceed the EU minimum threshold of 0.5 IU/ml
- At least 90 days must pass from the blood draw date before the EU animal health certificate can be issued
- Official EU animal health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority within 10 days of arrival
- Entry must be routed through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE)
Cat relocations follow the same microchip sequencing and rabies titer rules as dogs, but skip the tapeworm treatment.
How We Help
We Align the Timeline Before You Book
EU moves are manageable when the microchip, rabies vaccine, blood test, certificate, and flight date are planned in the right order.
Get a Custom Plan
Route & Timeline Check
We confirm the destination country, entry point, and realistic travel window.
Record Review
We check microchip, rabies, blood-test, and ownership records for consistency.
Blood-Test Planning
We coordinate the rabies antibody test and waiting period.
Health Certificate
We prepare the EU animal health certificate process and final endorsement.
Flight Coordination
We help align airline rules, crate requirements, and arrival checks.
Final Document Check
We review the certificate, lab report, microchip number, and travel timing before departure.
Clear Answers
Pet Relocation FAQs
How early should we start?
We recommend starting at least 3–4 months before your target date. Because Vietnam is a non-listed third country, EU rules require that at least 90 days pass after a successful rabies blood draw before the official animal health certificate can be issued.
Does my pet need a rabies blood test?
Yes. For pets originating from Vietnam, a rabies antibody titer test is required. The sample must be taken at least 30 days after a valid rabies vaccine, tested at an EU-approved laboratory, and achieve a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Can my pet enter any EU airport?
No. Pets coming from a non-EU country must arrive at a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry where the competent authority can complete identity and document checks.
Do dogs and cats follow the same rules?
Almost identically. Both require the same microchip sequence, rabies vaccination, 30-day post-vaccine blood draw, and 90-day wait before the EU animal health certificate can be issued. Dogs going to certain destinations may also require tapeworm treatment.
Which EU destinations require tapeworm treatment for dogs?
Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland require an approved tapeworm treatment containing praziquantel, administered by a licensed veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.
How long is the EU animal health certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue until EU entry checks. After entry checks, it is valid for further movement within the EU for up to 6 months, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.