Travelling abroad with your dog? Here’s what to do first
Before travelling abroad with your dog or cat, there are a few things to check. Requirements can vary between countries, and it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to make sure your pet meets them all.
For travel with dog and cat within the EU, the following applies:
Your pet needs to be identified. For dogs born before July 2011, a tattoo is usually sufficient in Germany.
Your pet must have a valid vaccination against rabies
Dogs travelling to the UK, Ireland, Finland, and Malta must be treated for tapeworm (fox tapeworm).
Your pet must have an EU passport for pets
Ask your vet for help with ID marking, vaccinations, and obtaining a passport. It’s important to note that tapeworm treatment must be certified by a vet! Also, check the specific vaccination and deworming requirements for the country you’re visiting.
For travel to countries outside the EU:
You’ll usually need a passport and an animal health certificate issued by a vet, along with a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, and pet passport. Always check the specific rules for the country you’re visiting.
Contact the veterinary authorities or the embassy of your destination country for the most accurate information.
If you’re travelling from Sweden to Norway, no extra animal health certificate is needed to confirm Sweden is free from various animal diseases. However, treatment for tapeworm is required.
Think about this:
Remember that when travelling to another country, whether by car, train, or plane, you might pass through others. Your dog or cat must also meet the entry requirements for any countries you transit. When returning to Germany or Sweden from a non-EU country, your pet must meet German or Swedish requirements, which might differ from those at your point of departure and vary depending on the third country you’re travelling from.
To help you keep track of all the rules for entry into Sweden, the Swedish Board of Agriculture has created a travel guide that will help you find out what is required. To keep track of al the rules that apply to entry into Germany the important information can be for example found on the website of German Customs website. We also recommend checking for any known diseases in your destination country that your pet could contract. Some countries recommend protection against diseases like Leptospirosis, Leishmaniasis, and heartworm. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to be aware of and follow the rules for travelling abroad. These rules can change quickly, so make sure you stay up-to-date.
As a pet owner, you are responsible for knowing and following the rules for travelling abroad with a dog or cat. Rules can be updated and changed quickly, so make it a habit to always stay informed. You can find information for Sweden on jordbruksverket.se and for Germany on www.bmel.bund.de and the authorities for the country you are traveling to.
When you arrive, don’t forget to report your dog or cat to customs – this is also the owner’s obligation!
Don’t forget to download the Lassie app. It’ll keep all your insurance documents, paperwork, and terms handy during your trip, and you can access our chat if you have any questions.
Special requirements and precautions:
To be well-prepared, check if there are any muzzle requirements. Some cities in Austria, for example, require them. In Italy and Belgium, local authorities might also require your dog to wear a muzzle, so be ready for this.
And also bear in mind that the risk of parasites is often higher in southern countries than in Sweden or Germany. Talk to your vet about which spot-on preparations or other measures they recommend in this regard.
