Travelling around Europe with your dog, cat or ferret: passport, microchip and rabies

To cross borders within the European Union your pet needs three things, and one of them takes time. What the European regulation asks for, so you are not caught out on the last day.

Travel with dogs, cats and ferrets between EU countries is governed by Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. For non-commercial travel, your pet has to meet three conditions (art. 6):

A microchip. A legible tattoo applied before July 2011 is also valid.
A valid rabies vaccination. It must be given by a vet when the animal is at least 12 weeks old and after the microchip.
A European pet passport, issued by your vet.

The 21 days to bear in mind

The first rabies vaccination is not valid until at least 21 days have passed since the vaccination protocol was completed (Annex III). If it is the first time, get it vaccinated well in advance. Later boosters are valid from day one if they are given before the previous one expires.

Other details

You can travel with a maximum of five animals, except for competitions or sporting events (art. 5).
Some countries also require a specific parasite treatment before entry. Check the requirements of the country you are going to.
To travel outside the EU or come back from certain countries, a rabies antibody test may also be needed, and it is best done months in advance (art. 10).
Transport companies have their own rules: ask when you book.

Summary of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. Ask your vet before every trip: each country's requirements can change.