Can I bring my dog to Europe?

Since it was quite complex, I thought I would outline it here for others to find and read through. I will also include useful links to web sites where you can find the necessary forms and up to date information. Here we go:

• Make sure your dog is microchipped
• Make sure your vaccines are up to date
• Start Early
• Plan your Route
• Research Airlines (links included)
• Call Airline
• Other Countries
• Watch their weight
• Download the necessary form
• Contact your Vet
• Staying longer than 3 months?
• What to bring

Make sure your dog has a microchip
Your dog must have a chip implanted and you or your vet has the chip (aka Transponder) ID, you will need it for your Health certificate.

Make sure your vaccines are up to date and valid for at least 3-6 months out.
Have the vaccination and expiration dates ready. Depending on how long you plan to be traveling, always ensure your vaccines surpass your return date by at least 1-2 months. Remember that bringing your dog back in the US could be as difficult and time consuming if your pup’s vaccines are not up to date. You don’t want to have your dog quarantine once you return to the US!

Start early and stay informed
Start your research ahead of time because the rules are always changing. Over the last 12 months there have been changes to the rules, especially when it comes to ESA vs. service dogs, and the weight limitation for when a dog can travel in the cabin or needs to be in a crate and transported in the cargo of the plane.

Plan your route
For our flight to Italy, we decided to avoid connections and only fly one leg from Miami to Rome. In Rome we rented a car and drove everywhere else. It made it so much easier for all of us! We also traveled by ship and as long as we were around, Pumpkin was always upbeat and ready for new adventures! I’m confident Pumpkin would have been fine to continue on a connecting flight, had she had a chance to take a walk outside and do her business.

Research the Airlines
Every airline has different rules for transporting dogs. Fees also vary depending on airline. We traveled with ITA Airlines and have to say that they were very helpful and forthcoming through the whole process. in terms of fees, we paid a one-time fee of $225.00 round trip for Pumpkin and were seated next to each other in the outer two seats of the plane, basically we had a window and an isle seat. The only thing that bothered me was that they didn’t assign us our seats until we checked in at the airport. Maybe it was because we booked through Delta and not directly with ITA, but whatever the reason, they could have assigned our seats early on, especially since we booked almost 4 months in advance! Here is a list of all major airlines with links to their websites.

Call the airline to confirm they know you are bringing a pet
Immediately after you book your flight, call the airline and let them know that you are bringing a pet and make sure they add it to your record. Check this link for a list of airlines phone numbers

Other countries
If you plan to arrive in a country that is not part of the EU, like Switzerland or the UK (which I strongly discourage), make sure you know the countries rules, you may have additional requirements and paperwork you will have to fill out.

Watch their weight!
If your dog is within one or two pounds of the maximum weight, make sure you keep his weight in check because they may weight your dog at the airport.

You can find more information and all the exceptions on the EU Government web site specific to entry rules in the European Union that apply to pets arriving from the US.

Download the form
Once you are ready to start, download the Pet Health Certificate. Next,

Have your Vet send it out within 3 days from your departure
This was the most nerve racking part of the whole trip! This means that the vet has to ship the paper work, the FDA has to receive, process and return it within 72 hours prior to your departure. Luckily it all went smoothly and the paperwork arrived the day before!

Staying longer than 3 months?
If you are planning a trip longer than 3 months and are a resident or a citizen of the EU country, you will need to apply for a EU pet passport, which allows you to travel everywhere within Europe. The EU passport has the same expiration date as your most recent rabies vaccine. You can only obtain a EU pet passport from an authorized vet in the town/city where you reside (depending on countries specific rules and restrictions you may have to enroll a relative or family member who is a permanent resident).