Introduction
The EU has established uniform animal health rules for the movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets. Although these animals may be kept in establishments like breeding centres and animal shelters, the majority are kept as pets in private homes.
To protect the health of these animals and prevent the transmission of diseases to humans, the EU has put in place rules targeting the control of certain animal diseases such as rabies and echinococcosis (infestation by Echinococcus multilocularis, a species of tapeworm affecting wild and domestic canidae).
These rules are laid down in Regulation 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases (‘Animal Health Law’) and its delegated and implementing acts.
When dogs, cats, and ferrets travel with their owners (non-commercial movements, which do not aim at sale or transfer of ownership of the animals) the applicable rules are laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation 2026/131 on animal health requirements for non-commercial movement of pet animals.
Further information
Movements within the EU
The rules concerning commercial movements of dogs, cats, and ferrets within the EU are set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2020/688, as amended, on animal health requirements for movements within the EU of terrestrial animals and hatching eggs.
Entry into the EU
Specific animal health requirements for entry into the EU of dogs, cats, and ferrets are laid down in Delegated Regulation 2020/692, as amended, on entry and movement of animal consignments, germinal products and animal products.
Travelling with a pet within the EU
The rules for travelling within the EU with pet animals (dogs, cats, or ferrets) where the animals are not for sale or transfer of ownership, are set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2026/131 on animal health requirements for non-commercial pet movement.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country
The rules for bringing pet animals (dogs, cats, or ferrets) into the EU from outside the EU where the animals are not for sale or transfer of ownership, are set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2026/131 on animal health requirements for non-commercial pet movement.
Listing of territories and non-EU countries
Commission Delegated Regulation 2026/131 establishes a list of non-EU countries and territories from which pet animals (dogs, cats or ferrets) may be moved into the EU without having undergone a rabies antibody titration test.
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests
Travellers point of entry
Pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from a non-EU country (with a few exceptions) must pass through a Travellers Point of Entry, an officially designated location where they will undergo documentary and identity checks by the competent authorities.
Young animals
EU countries which allow the movement of young dogs, young cats and young ferrets that have not been fully vaccinated against rabies.
EU countries’ specific information
National internet information pages of EU countries concerning the movements of pet animals (including dogs, cats and ferrets)