A common question from those relocating from the US to Europe is whether they can obtain an EU pet passport while still in the US. The answer is no. However, you can get your pet ready to receive an EU pet passport once you arrive in Europe. This passport allows for easy movement of pets between EU countries without the need for quarantine.
While the U.S. is not part of the EU, American pet owners can still obtain an EU pet passport. This involves a bit more preparation yet opens doors for hassle-free pet travel. Here’s everything you need to know about getting an EU pet passport.
What is an EU Pet Passport?
An EU pet passport serves as an identification and health record for traveling pets. It contains details like microchip information, vaccination records, and recent blood work showing valid rabies antibody levels.
As long as you keep your pet’s vaccinations and blood tests current, many European countries will honor the passport. This grants entry without quarantine or extra steps upon arrival.
Some key EU Pet Passport benefits include:
- Ease of crossing borders within the EU
- No quarantine if conditions are met
- Valid in most European countries
Keep in mind that each country can still have its own rules. Yet the passport dramatically simplifies the overall process.
Important Updates for U.S. Pet Owners
- Address Requirement: A pet passport is primarily important for clients with a physical address in the EU since any EU passport must have an EU address.
- Restrictions in the UK: You cannot get a pet passport in the UK as they are not part of the EU.
EU Pet Passport Requirements for the U.S.
For American-based pet owners, obtaining an EU passport involves a few extra prerequisites. Here are the main steps:
- Microchip Your Pet
- Vaccinate Against Rabies
- Perform Rabies Antibody Test (Depends on the country you are moving to.)
- Purchase an EU Health Certificate
Let’s break these down further:
Microchip Your Pet
The first requirement is for your pet to have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant international microchip. Most veterinary offices can implant one just under your pet’s skin for permanent identification.
Vaccinate Against Rabies
Your pet must also have a current rabies vaccination. Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations for when boosters are due.
Perform Rabies Antibody Test
Here’s where extra lab work comes in for U.S. residents. You must have a vet draw your pet’s blood to test rabies antibody levels. Samples then go to a US-approved facility to ensure adequate protection exists.
Purchase an EU Health Certificate
Finally, after fulfilling the prior steps, have your vet complete an EU health certificate. This gets sent with your pet’s passport when traveling. Be sure to confirm document requirements for the specific country.
What is the Cost to Get an EU Pet Passport?
Between microchipping, vaccinations, blood tests, paperwork fees, and the passport itself, costs typically range from $400-600 overall. However, this grants the freedom to avoid quarantines when entering other countries. For frequent travelers or overseas moves, it can certainly be worth the investment.
The passport also lasts for life as long as you keep rabies shots current per your vet’s advice. This makes it very economical over time compared to duplicate testing and paperwork. Check with your pet shipping company as well – sometimes basic health exam fees cover certain prerequisites like microchipping.
Bring Your Pet to Europe Stress-Free
While it may involve some planning ahead, an EU pet passport enables owners based in the U.S. to seamlessly relocate overseas with pets. It also simplifies vacations across multiple countries. Consider getting one issued for your furry friend if European travel is in your future.
Once your pet has settled into its new home, you’ll need to contact your local vet to transfer all vaccination records to the new pet passport. For personalized guidance on EU pet passport regulations or safely transporting pets worldwide, contact the experts at Airpets International. Airpets has many years of experience in smooth pet moves across the U.S. and internationally. Our animal care professionals know the ins and outs of documentation requirements, airline rules, and best practices for minimizing stress on pets.
