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Pet Relocation Services Europe

Moving to Europe with your pet? We’ll help you get them there safely

Relocating your pet to Europe comes with country-by-country rules, airline requirements, vet checks, vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, and strict travel timelines. Pet Express has been helping families move their pets internationally since 1978, taking care of the details so you know what needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and how your pet will be looked after along the way.

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Safe pet transport to Europe for pets of all types and sizes

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Dogs

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Cats

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Guinea pigs and small animals

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Other pets by request

Jack russell terrier dog sits in a travel box in the trunk of a car. Traveling with a pet

Providing international pet transport services since 1978

Understanding the specific requirements for your destination country, such as vaccinations, microchipping, travel documentation, and health certificates, can be complex. That’s why it’s essential to trust professionals to handle the details.

For almost 5 decades, Pet Express has been transporting pets to the European Union, navigating the complexities of international travel with care. We guide you through the essential vaccinations, documentation, and travel arrangements, ensuring your pet’s journey is both compliant and comfortable. With decades of experience, we ensure a smooth, stress-free process so you can have peace of mind knowing your pet is in safe hands for their move to Europe.

Wherever you’re moving from, Pet Express can help transport your pet to your new home

Pet Express works with families relocating to Europe from across the globe. No matter where your journey starts, our team researches the entry requirements for your destination country and manages the process from your end through to arrival.

And more if you’re moving to Europe from somewhere not listed, get in touch, and we’ll let you know how we can help.

How Pet Express Prepares Your Pet for Travel

Our international pet travel services are fully comprehensive, so you don’t have to worry about any of the complex details when it comes to your pet’s journey to Europe. We handle everything — from ensuring the right documentation is approved to ensuring your pet has the necessary vaccinations and complies with regulations in your destination country. We make your pet’s travel seamless and stress-free.

Micro-Chipping and Identification

We ensure that your pet’s microchip and identification meet all the necessary standards for travel to Europe. The microchip provides proof of identity at vets, airports, and quarantine facilities and provides crucial information if your pet is lost or stolen. Your pet’s microchip must comply with ISO Standards, and Pet Express ensures your pet is fully compliant before taking off on their journey.

Vaccinations

Pet Express ensures your pet meets all the necessary veterinary requirements, from health certifications to regular check-ups, ensuring full compliance for travel. This includes the regulations that pets must adhere to, such as being vaccinated for rabies before administering a microchip.

Time management is our specialty, ensuring your pet receives all required vaccinations within the necessary timeframe.

EU Animal Health Certificate

To prepare your pet for travel to Europe, our experts assist you in seeing a USDA-accredited veterinarian to obtain the necessary Animal Health Certificate. The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian from your home country, and any additional vaccinations or health certificates required by your destination should also be confirmed and obtained.

One thing worth knowing: to qualify as a non-commercial move, you or someone you’ve designated (family member, friend, authorised person) must travel within five days before or after your pet. If that’s not possible, we can advise on the alternative.

Pet Express makes preparing your pet for travel simple

Speak with one of our pet travel experts today, and we’ll handle all the documentation and complex regulations so you can travel with confidence knowing your pet is in good hands.

Starting your pet’s European relocation with Pet Express is easy

Step 1

Get in touch

Tell us where your pet is, where they’re going, and when you’re planning to move. We’ll take it from there.

Step 2

We research your destination

Requirements vary by country. We confirm everything that applies to your pet and put together a clear plan.

Step 3

Vet appointments and paperwork

We coordinate vaccinations, health checks, and the EU Animal Health Certificate, all within the required timeframes.

Step 4

Travel arrangements

We book airlines, confirm travel crate requirements, and arrange pickup if you’ve opted for door-to-door service.

Step 5

Your pet travels

We monitor the journey and keep you updated throughout.

Step 6

Arrival

We coordinate with receiving agents at the destination to make sure everything goes smoothly on arrival.

Quarantine Periods

Quarantine periods for pets in Europe can vary depending on the country. Most EU countries do not require quarantine if your pet meets all entry requirements, such as being microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and having the proper health certificates or pet passports. However, some countries may still have specific rules or exceptions. 

Our friendly team will thoroughly research the quarantine requirements of your destination country and keep you informed every step of the way so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive with your pet.

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pet dogs inside pet carriers waiting for their flight

Banned Breeds

Breed restrictions in Europe vary by country, so specific regulations depend on your destination country. Each country has its own set of restrictions, and if your pet isn’t allowed in the country you are travelling to, Pet Express will inform you straight away so you can make an informed decision. For example, Germany has a list of banned breeds that includes certain dog types:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

This information is often available on the country’s official government website. Before planning your pet’s travel, Pet Express will confirm which breeds are banned or restricted and if this information is relevant to you and your pet.

For more information, check out The Ultimate Guide on Moving to Europe with a Pet

From paperwork to arrival, we help manage your pet’s move to Europe with care

Pet Express simplifies your pet’s journey to Europe by managing all the complexities of international travel. From ensuring compliance with vaccinations and documentation to coordinating transportation and logistics, we handle every detail to give you peace of mind.

Our expertise in European regulations and personalized care for your pet’s needs ensures a smooth, stress-free relocation. Let us guide you through the process, making your pet’s European adventure easier and more comfortable.

Air and ground transportation

With Pet Express, your pet travels securely, whether by air or road, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the entire journey.

Veterinary support and health certifications

Expert veterinary care and assistance with all required health documents to comply with travel regulations.

Breed-specific care

Custom services to meet the unique needs of your pet, ensuring their comfort and safety during transit.

Customized paperwork assistance (including customs clearance)

Handling all documentation, including health certificates, import and export permits, and customs requirements.

Door-to-door delivery and pick-up

This convenient service ensures that your pet is picked up from your home and delivered to your destination safely.

Coordination with trusted partners worldwide for seamless travel

Collaboration with global partners to ensure a smooth and efficient journey for your dog from start to finish.

Pet Express ensures that every aspect of your pet’s move is handled with expert care and attention, making the journey as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

Why pet owners across the world trust Pet Express

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Nearly 50 years of experience in international pet travel

We’ve been managing international pet relocations since 1978. European pet travel regulations are what we know best.

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We’re IPATA members

As proud members of IPATA (the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) and the International Air Transport Association, we operate to the highest standards in the global pet transport industry.

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Professional and personalized service

One team handles everything from vets, paperwork, airlines, customs, and delivery. You don’t need to coordinate between multiple providers.

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Real updates throughout your pet’s journey

You’ll know where your pet is at every stage of the journey. Our team is available to answer questions whenever you need us.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a pet health certificate and a European pet passport are not the same. The health certificate is required for international travel from non-EU countries to Europe and must be issued before travel. The European pet passport is used for travel within EU countries and must be issued by an authorized EU veterinarian. Both documents include similar information but serve different purposes based on the destination.

Most importantly, your pet’s rabies vaccination is required for all European countries. Some countries may require other vaccinations, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of your destination. Always ensure that your pet’s vaccination records are current, as failure to comply could result in delays or denial of entry. We make sure you are informed of all these regulations, and before your pet leaves the country, we conduct thorough checks to ensure your pet meets all the vaccination requirements.

Europe has 50 countries, but only 27 are EU members. If you’re moving to an EU country, one consistent set of entry rules applies, which makes the planning process simple. If you’re heading somewhere outside the EU, like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or the UK, the requirements are different and need to be researched separately.

The current EU member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

This list can change, similar to the UK, since Brexit, it has its own set of entry requirements that are entirely separate from the EU framework. Pet Express stays current with these kinds of changes, so your pet’s move isn’t affected by something that has changed since you last checked.

It’s ideal to start planning your pet’s move a few months in advance. This gives you enough time to get in touch with Pet Express so we can research your destination requirements, schedule vaccinations, complete health check-ups, and process all necessary documentation. Pet owners must travel within five days of their pet for the move to be considered “non-commercial,” so keep this in mind when planning your travel timeline.

Yes. We can assist with pet travel to any country. Enquire now, and we can discuss your destination country, the specifics of traveling, and the requirements needed.

Moving a pet internationally isn’t like booking a flight. The requirements are detailed, the timelines are strict, and the consequences of a mistake such as quarantine, denied entry, or a distressed animal, are ones no pet owner wants to face.

A professional pet relocation company takes all of that off your plate. We know which documents each country requires, which airlines have the best live animal policies, and how to handle the unexpected when it comes up. You get to focus on your move, knowing your pet’s journey is being managed by people who do this every day.

This can result in your pet being denied entry to the country or undergoing a quarantine period. It’s important to ensure all this documentation is correct. Pet Express has a proven track record of providing all the necessary documentation and ensuring a seamless journey for your pet. Your pet won’t be turned around at customs with us. 

You can travel with up to five pets. Any more than that must have proof that they are participating in a competition, exhibition, or sporting event.

The cost of overseas pet transport depends on many factors, including your destination country, flight route, airline availability, your pet’s breed, size and weight, crate requirements, vet checks, permits, documentation and any quarantine or arrival requirements. Because every pet’s journey is different, pet transport prices can vary quite a bit from one relocation to the next.

The best way to understand the cost is to request a personalised quote based on your pet, your travel plans, and where they are travelling from and to. Our team can talk you through what is included, what may be required for your destination, and the next steps for planning your pet’s overseas move.

Most pets travel in the pressurized, climate-controlled cargo hold of a commercial flight. It’s a well-regulated process, and airlines that carry pets have trained animal-handling staff. We book direct routes wherever possible to keep travel time short. Smaller pets may be eligible for in-cabin travel depending on the airline and their size.

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