Travelling with Pets in Europe: EU Toughens Rules and Fines from 22 April

If you own a dog or a cat and planning to travel across Europe, it is essential to check your pet's documentation. According to the Official State Gazette, every third family in Spain lives with at least one domestic animal, totalling approximately 13 million pets. However, a significant number still lack correct identification. Simultaneously, updated requirements for the transport of animals will come into effect across the EU on 22 April.

The new rules apply to travelling with pets within the EU and entering with an animal from a non-EU country. Formally, this is not a new regulation but rather a tightening of existing requirements.

To travel with a pet, the following are now mandatory:

— A microchip or a readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011;

— Valid rabies vaccination. If it is the first vaccination, it must be administered at least 21 days before travel. When entering from a non-EU country, a rabies antibody titration test is required.

— For travel to specific countries (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland), the animal must be treated for the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis between 1 and 5 days before the journey;

— A non-commercial movement declaration, confirming that the animal is not for sale or being transported for commercial purposes;

— A European Pet Passport for travel within the EU;

— A veterinary certificate when entering from a non-EU country. This must be issued no more than 10 days before the trip.

The European Passport is the primary document for the animal, containing information about the microchip or tattoo code, medical history, and contact details for both the owner and the issuing vet. The document can be obtained from a licensed veterinarian and remains valid for life, provided vaccinations are kept up to date.

Travelling without the necessary documents may lead to quarantine, fines, or a refusal of entry.

In Spain, animal identification requirements have been in place for some time, and violations carry heavy penalties. Failure to comply can result in a fine ranging from €10,000 to €50,000. This applies to the identification of dogs or cats within Spain as well as when travelling within the EU. Very serious offences are punishable by fines ranging from €50,000 to €200,000.