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.
In order 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 Echinococcus multilocularis (a species of tapeworm).
These rules are laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases (the ‘Animal Health Law’) and in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 when dogs, cats and ferrets travel with their owners (non-commercial movements).
FOR ATTENTION From 22 April 2026 new rules for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets will apply The rules for the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, pet cats and pet ferrets will be updated to align with Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law), which sets the general framework for animal movements and ensures a consistent legal framework for disease prevention. The updated rules which will replace existing rules laid down in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 from 22 April 2026, can be found in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. The existing animal health rules have proved to be sound, proportionate and effective. Therefore, the aim and main provisions of those existing rules are to be maintained in the future but updated to take account of the animal health framework laid down in the Animal Health Law, and of the experience gained by the Member States. |
Related links
- Poster: Diseases don't respect borders
- Poster: Keep animal diseases out of the EU
- Brexit: Notice on travelling between the EU and the United Kingdom after the end of the transition period
- Brexit: The Windsor Framework