Travelling animals

From passport to microchip: from today the rules for dogs and cats travelling in Europe change

European Commission update on non-commercial pet travel to improve health controls and prevent the spread of diseases

by Letizia Giostra

22 April 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

The Motivations
Which animals will have to follow the rules
What masters must get
Exceptions for Ireland, Malta and Finland

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

New things are coming for four-legged friends. From today, 22 April, new EU rules for travelling with dogs and cats between member states come into force. This was decided by the Commission on 20 January, with the aim of improving health controls and preventing animal diseases. Owners will therefore have to adapt to the new rules if they are planning some travel abroad and do not want to leave anyone at home.

The motivations

The aim of the new rules dictated by the European Commission is to strengthen and better coordinate procedures between the Member States. Preventing the spread of animal diseases and zoonoses, making controls more homogenous and guaranteeing health safety without restricting free movement are just some of the motivations that prompted the EU to better define its provisions for four-legged friends.

Which animals will have to follow the rules

Not all types of animals are affected, but only those "pets" that have to make non-commercial movements, i.e. dogs and cats. The new provisions also apply to ferret owners, while specific conditions and a limited number of movements are stipulated for certain birds.

What the masters have to get

As of 22 April 2026, owners of dogs or cats must equip themselves with certain indispensable tools for departure, otherwise they will be banned from travelling. There is a proper checklist for them, to avoid problems at the airport. No departure if the dog or cat is not fitted with an electronic microchip - essential for animal traceability - that complies with EU standards, while the tattoo remains valid only if it was applied before the EU provisions on identification of 3 July 2011 and has not been damaged over time.

The antirabies vaccine - a viral disease that is transmitted through the animal's saliva - must be administered before the journey and registered in the European passport within the prescribed time. Finally, dogs and cats, just like their owners, must also have a passport, otherwise they cannot travel. The document can only be issued by the authorised vet.

Exceptions for Ireland, Malta and Finland

Warning: there are specific rules adopted only in some EU countries. Indeed, dogs bound for Member States that are free of Echinococcus multilocularis, an infectious disease that is also very dangerous for humans. For the countries in question, i.e. Ireland, Malta and Finland, compulsory anti-parasite treatment is required before travelling.