Taking your pet to Europe and Northern Ireland

Photo by Martin Milmoe

Taking your pet to Europe and Northern Ireland

For most people, pets are part of the family, so it’s natural for you to want them to join you on holiday. The good news is it’s possible to take your dog or cat to Europe, provided it has been microchipped, had the relevant vaccinations and has a valid Animal Health Certificate.

We have put together some information for people travelling with their pet cats, ferrets or dogs, including assistance dogs, to help with planning their trip. 

Check regulations for travel with your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU Country or Northern Ireland. There are different rules if travelling to a non EU country.

Documents and information required for travelling with your pet

  • Microchip your pet. 

    You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

  • Animal health certificate (AHC)

    Please note that you can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain to enter the EU, you will now require an animal health certificate. 

    Within 10 days of your travel date, take your pet to an official vet who is permitted to sign and issue AHC's. Take proof of your pet’s microchipping date and vaccination history.

    • Your pet's AHC will be valid for:

      • 10 days after the issue date for entry into the EU or NI
      • Onward travel within the EU or NI for 4 months after the date of issue
      • Re-entry to GB for 4 months after the date of issue
      • Your pet will need a new AHC for each trip to the EU or NI.

  • Vaccinations 

    Proof of Rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment will be required.  

    Pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they may be vaccinated against rabies for the purposes of pet travel.

    You’ll need tapeworm treatment if you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland. Tapeworm treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before you arrive.

There are no changes to the current health preparations for pets entering GB from 1 January 2021. Your pet must have one of the following documents when returning to GB from the EU:

  • An EU pet passport (issued in the EU, or in GB before 1 January 2021).
  • The AHC issued in GB used to travel to the EU – which you can use up to 4 months after it was issued.
  • A UK pet health certificate (issued outside the UK for travel into GB only).

Dogs should have a tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before entering Great Britain. This treatment must be approved for use in the country where it is applied and contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against tapeworm (Echinococcus Multilocularis).

Your pet will not need this documentation or tapeworm treatment if entering GB directly from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

You can travel with up to five pets with an Animal Health Certificate. If there are more than five pets you must either provide proof that they are participating in a competition, exhibition or sporting event or comply with animal health rules which apply to the commercial import of animals into the EU. 

Ask your campsite reception on your return journey, they may be able to help you find a local vet and even may be able to make an appointment for you.  We have listed links to the yellow pages for each country below that could also help. 

Please note that many vets are closed on Sundays and Mondays as well as Bank Holidays. Please bear this in mind when complying with the "between 24 and 120 hours" rule for tapeworm treatment for dogs.

Always check the date and signature on your pet's passport / health certificate before you leave the vet's surgery.

Alternatively try the following local websites

Each ferry route and LeShuttle will have their own guidance for travelling with your pet,  it’s a good idea to do some research before you travel.  LeShuttle and all of the ferry ports booked by the Club are designated TPEs.

Leshuttle is a good option for nervous dogs, it’s a short hop at just 35 mins and as you remain in your vehicle there is no change for your pet.

The options for travelling on ferries depends on the operator and the route, P&O Dover to Calais offer pet lounges especially for dogs and their owners, on alternative routes dogs must stay in the vehicle.  

Brittany ferries and DFDS have 3 options, for them to stay in the vehicle, in a kennel or a pet friendly cabin, the latter gets booked very quickly so do book early to avoid disappointment!

DFDS even offer outdoor dog friendly exercise decks!

In some countries you may be asked to muzzle your dog in public places or when using public transport.

Consider purchasing an identification tag with 00 44 preceding your mobile number if you travel overseas regularly.

Most countries in Europe have legislation in place which requires dogs to be restrained when they are travelling in vehicles so they are not able to distract the driver.

Checklist:

  • Dog blanket
  • Towels
  • Bowls for food and water
  • Poo bags
  • lead and / or harness
  • Favourite toys
  • Pet travel carrier / crate 
  • Details for a local vet where you are staying
  • A muzzle

Check which rules apply to your chosen campsite: 

  • Does the campsite allow pets?
  • Is there a restriction on the number of pets or breed?

A charge may apply for each pet staying on a campsite, check the travel pages for the amount.  This charge is payable locally.

Dog must be kept on leads at all times on all campsites

Some dog breeds will need to be muzzled when in public areas

Do not leave your pet in your vehicles for long periods of time

Most countries in Europe have legislation in place, which requires dogs to be restrained when they are travelling in vehicles. You may need to take a harness or carrier with you if you are intending to travel on Public Transport or in a Taxi.

Travelling on Public transport  - please note in some countries dogs are not allowed on public transport. In some cases small dogs may be allowed if they are in a special bag or basket - please check if you plan to use buses or trains.

Pine Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoa Pityocampa).

Please be aware when booking your winter holidays in Europe that some campsites with Pine trees may attract Pine Processionary caterpillars. They are usually active between February/April and produce a silky nest which begins to leave towards the end of their life cycle. It is advised that you keep dogs and children away from these caterpillars. For more information please visit forestresearch.gov.uk.  If you see these on a campsite - please report to reception.

Restrictions on pets abroad

Some countries impose restrictions on the type of dog that is allowed to be imported under the Pet Passport Scheme. Please find below the restrictions by country.

Some dogs are considered to be potentially dangerous and are subject to specific regulations. In France, these dogs are classified as 2 categories : attack dog and guard and defensive dog. If you keep a dog belonging to one of these categories, you are subject to certain obligations (owner's holding permit, behavioral assessment of the animal, specific conditions of access of the animal to public spaces, etc.).   It must be noted that most campsites will not allow category 1 or 2 listed dogs.

Category 1 dogs – these are classified as dangerous.

  • any dog of the type known as American Staffordshire Terrier without a pedigree (also known as Pitbulls)
  • any dog of the type known as Mastiff
  • any dog of the type known as a Tosa without a pedigree

Category 2 dogs – all dogs (except Rottweilers) must have a pedigree and be registered with a breed society.

  • Staffordshire Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Tosa
  • Rottweiler

Category 2 dogs must be kept muzzled and on a lead at all times in public.

Please note the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be imported into France without any restrictions.

For more information on taking your pet to France, visit http://www.agriculture.gouv.fr

The following rules apply to restricted breeds in Ireland.

  • These dogs listed need to be muzzled in public.
  • These dogs listed must be on a short, less than 2 meters (6.5 feet), lead. The leash must be ‘sufficiently strong’ or it needs to be a chain.
  • Dogs must wear a collar at all times with the owner's information on it. This information should include owner's name & address.
  • These dogs can only be led by people over the age of 16.

Restricted dogs in Ireland 

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • English Bull Terrier
  • German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Japanese Akita
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Movement of dogs and cats between Great Britain and Ireland is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, and current information on their website http://www.agriculture.gov.ie

(Information supplied by the Sécurité de la Chaine alimentaire et Environnement)

There is no national legislation regarding dangerous dogs. However, each individual local authority can impose its own rules, which range from compulsory muzzling to banning certain breeds. You will need to contact the campsite you plan to visit to find out if any local laws apply.

If you are planning to visit other countries please contact the relevant embassy to check if there are any restrictions.

The following breeds and/or cross-breeds of dogs cannot be taken into Denmark:

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

If a dog looks similar to a banned breed, the owner may be asked to provide documentation or a pedigree chart

For more information visit: https://english.nvwa.nl/topics/travelling-to-the-netherlands-with-your-dog-or-cat

A dog must be muzzled or on a leash in public places in Portugal, i.e. in the street, on a beach, in a park, etc. Cats and dogs are admitted in public transport on condition that they are in a pet box. Only guide dogs for the blind are allowed to travel normally.

Since 29 December 2014, any person importing a dog from the list below must inform the veterinary services at the point of entry at least 48 hours prior to arrival.

  • Fila brasileiro
  • Dogue argentino
  • Pit bull terrier
  • Rottweiller
  • American Staffordshire terrier
  • Staffordshire bull terrier
  • Tosa inu


For further information on Portugal’s regulations visit their government website. https://www.dgav.pt/

Italy does not have a restriction on breeds, however the following rules apply

  • Dogs must be leashed when out in public
  • The lead must be no longer than 1.5 meters
  • Dangerous or aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle at all times
  • Dogs must be trained and not a threat to society
  • Dogs traveling on public transport must be leashed and muzzled

In public transport, regulations vary according to the municipality. In Rome, small and medium dogs are allowed in the first and last carriage of the underground, if they are on a lead, muzzled and have a ticket; in Turin, only small dogs carried in the owners’ arms are allowed. In trains, small dogs in a cage can travel free, others must be on a lead, muzzled and have a ticket. In all cases, the owner must be able to present the veterinary health documents.

For further information on Italy’s regulations visit their government website. http://www.salute.gov.it

Austria does not have a restriction on breeds, however the following rules apply

  • Dogs must be leashed when out in public
  • Dangerous or aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle at all times
  • Dogs must be trained and not a threat to society
  • Dogs traveling on public transport must be leashed and muzzled

Travelling in Europe - Pets

For more information: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals

Banned breeds 

  • Bull terriers and their crossbreeds that are not registered with the World Canine Organisation (FCI)
  • Dobermans
  • American Staffordshire Terriers
  • Pitbull Terriers
  • Rottweilers
  • Great Danes
  • German and Belgian Shepherds
  • Japanese fighting dogs
  • Large Japanese spitzes
  • Mastiffs

Save £20 when you book online

Did you know you can save money when you book your crossings, campsite or overseas site night vouchers together? You’ll also save time and the £20 booking fee* if you book online.

BOOK A HOLIDAY

*A £20 booking fee applies to European holidays (crossings, campsites and Overseas Site Night Vouchers) which are booked over the phone via our Contact Centre. The fee will not apply when a trip includes holiday elements which cannot be booked online (eg: escorted tours, campsites that are on request etc).

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Lake Garda, Italy

Photo by S Hulley