EU Countries Pet Relocation Requirements Overview: Moving Pets to EU Countries from Hong Kong (Relocation from/to other territories, please feel free to contact us for details) The European Union accepts cats, dogs, and ferrets for import, creating a unified system across 27 member countries that simplifies pet relocation within the bloc. The EU has established harmonized regulations for pet travel, making it easier for families to move between countries like France, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and other member states without facing drastically different requirements. Unlike isolated countries, EU nations generally do not require quarantine for pets that meet all documentation and health requirements, allowing for immediate reunification with families upon successful customs clearance.
Start planning 2-3 months in advance for smooth processing EU Health Certificate valid for 10 days only - precise timing is essential EU 5-Day Rule applies - pets must travel within 5 days of their owner's arrival to qualify for non-commercial status Key Planning Requirements: Timeline & Advanced Planning
Universal EU Requirements 1. ISO-Compliant Microchipping 15-digit ISO microchip mandatory (ISO 11784/11785 standard) Must be implanted before rabies vaccination AVID-9 and AVID-10 chips also accepted in most EU countries Microchip number must match all documentation exactly 2. Rabies Vaccination Rabies vaccination mandatory for all cats and dogs Must be administered at least 21 days before travel Only inactivated rabies vaccines accepted Pets must be minimum 12 weeks old to receive rabies vaccination Vaccination must remain valid throughout journey 3. EU Health Certificate (Annex IV) Mandatory EU Health Certificate issued by government-accredited veterinarian Valid for 10 days from issue date until EU entry point Must be endorsed by relevant national authority Certificate allows 4 months travel within EU or until rabies vaccination expires 4. Recommended Vaccinations Dogs Should Be Protected Against: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP) Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Administered at least 2 weeks before travel Cats Should Be Protected Against: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) Administered at least 2 weeks before travel 5. The EU 5-Day Rule: Non-Commercial Travel Requirements Pet and owner must travel within 5 days of each other Qualifies for non-commercial pet movement with lower costs Commercial classification applies if timeline not met - involves higher costs and stricter requirements Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel Don’t Worry, PetMover will handle all for you!
Country-Specific Breed Restrictions France Prohibited Breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Boerboel, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier Germany Prohibited Breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier Greece Prohibited Breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Akita Inu, Tosa Inu, English Bull Terrier Portugal Restricted Breeds (Special Requirements): Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu For other EU countries’ breed restriction, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation and quotation.
Travel Methods & Entry Points Transportation Options Manifest cargo recommended for most EU destinations Excess baggage permitted on some airlines and routes In-cabin travel available for small pets on certain airlines All pets require IATA-approved travel crates Major EU Entry Points France: Paris (CDG), Lyon, Nice Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Faro Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki No Quarantine Required: Immediate Release Conditions No quarantine required if all EU documentation is complete Customs inspection process typically takes 2-4 hours Border veterinarian inspection at authorized Border Inspection Points (BIP) Pets quarantined only if documentation incomplete or health issues identified
Living with Pets in EU Countries Pet-Friendly Environment Generally excellent veterinary care available across EU Many pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and public spaces Public transport policies vary by country and city Leash laws and public space regulations differ between countries
PetMover provides comprehensive EU pet relocation services, managing every aspect of the 2-3 month preparation timeline. Our experienced team coordinates EU Health Certificates, handles AFCD endorsements, ensures compliance with the 5-Day Rule, and facilitates smooth customs clearance across all EU member states - delivering confidence and peace of mind for your pet's European adventure. Expert Pet Relocation Support Contact PetMover today to begin your pet's exciting journey to their new European home with expert guidance and professional care.