Pet Transport to Europe
Moving to Europe with your pet?
Understanding the specific requirements for your destination country, such as vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates, can be complex. That’s why it’s essential to trust professionals to handle the details. Since 1978, 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.


Choose Pet Express for your Pet’s Journey to Europe
Moving to Europe with a dog or cat involves navigating complex requirements, including specific vaccinations, certifications, and documentation. Pet Express simplifies the process and ensures a smooth journey by handling these logistical challenges. With extensive experience in navigating pet travel to Europe, Pet Express understands all the essential regulations and requirements for a successful relocation, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move while your pet’s needs are professionally managed.
How Pet Express Prepares Your Pet for Travel
Our pet transport 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 11784 or 11785, 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 tested and 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.
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.
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 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.


Banned Breeds
Breed restrictions in Europe vary by country, so specific regulations are dependant on your destination country. Each country has its own set of restrictions, and if your pet isn’t allowed in the country you are traveling 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
How Pet Express supports your Pets European move
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 dog’s breed, ensuring their comfort and safety during transit.

Customized paperwork assistance (including customs clearance)
Handling all documentation, including health certificates, import permits, and customs requirements.

Door-to-door delivery and pick-up
This convenient service ensures that your dog 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.
Choose Pet Express to safely transport your pet to Europe
Pet Express offers expert European pet transport services, ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort throughout their journey. Their experienced team handles all the logistics, from veterinary requirements to crate booking, and ensures compliance with each country’s regulations. Focusing on care and personalized service, Pet Express manages travel complexities, making your pet’s relocation to Europe seamless and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is a European Pet Passport and Pet Health Certificate the same?
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.
What are the vaccination requirements for pets traveling to Europe?
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 that your pet meets all the vaccination requirements.
How far in advance should I start preparing my pet for travel to Europe?
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.
Can Pet Express assist with travel to countries outside of the EU?
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.
What happens if my pet’s documentation is incomplete or incorrect?
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.
How many pets can I bring to Europe?
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.