Western Europe is the most popular international destination for American travelers so it makes sense that it’s also the number one destination for pets traveling abroad as well. The European Union (EU) requirements for the import of pets are fairly straightforward with some slight variation between EU nations. We can help you prepare by giving you the basics on international pet travel to the EU.
Map Your Route
In addition to your final European destination, you’ll need to note all of the layover stops along the way. The airline will want to know this information as will the customs officer at your final destination. Generally this won’t add any additional requirements to your veterinary paperwork but call each embassy or check out their website to be sure. Also, don’t make any travel plans less than 10 business days in advance and ideally give yourself 30 days to prepare.
European Requirements
The EU generally requires 3 things for the successful acceptance of your pet. You’ll need a valid visa unless you’re a US citizen or from another country part of the visa waiver program. You’ll also need to microchip your cat or dog and have the chip number handy with you when arriving at your final destination in Europe. Once you’ve got the microchip implanted and the information on you, go to the embassy website of the final destination country. Download their ‘pet passport’ which is easily found on EU nation embassy websites. Fill out the form which mainly consists of pet description, microchip information, rabies certificate, and a letter from the vet stating overall good health. After all of the necessary paperwork is filled out, you’ll need to send it to your home state’s agriculture department to have it stamped for approval. This process usually takes about 2 weeks and costs around $150. Before sending out any of the original paperwork, be sure to make copies in case anything gets lost along the way.
Estimated Costs
You’ll need to consider in the following costs prior to traveling with your pets from the US to Europe. First the added airfare of traveling with your pets is usually around $200-300 per pet one way. This is a fee that you’ll pay upon check-in and not when you book so be sure to set aside that money for when you arrive at the airport. Getting the required veterinary checkups and paperwork will cost another $50-300 depending on what shots may need updating and it will cost an additional $75-100 to get those forms stamps by your state government.
One top of that you’ll need to factor in postage costs as well as tracking numbers and miscellaneous fees (i.e. chew toys) that will no doubt pop up. Crates aren’t cheap either – a carrier is less but a large crate can cost upwards of $400 and you may end up having to replace your current one if it doesn’t meet the airline specs. There is a lot of work involved but if you start early and save up it should be much easier, especially the second time around.
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