Bringing your dog or cat from Canada to the European Union? You can’t use an EU pet passport for this — that document is only issued by a vet inside the EU. Instead, your Canadian vet issues an EU non-commercial animal health certificate within 10 days of your travel dates, your pet needs a rabies vaccination that’s at least 21 days old (minimum age about 15 weeks), and you must enter through a designated EU point of entry. Here’s the complete, current checklist.
2026 rule change: On 22 April 2026, the EU replaced Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 577/2013 with a new framework: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 and Implementing Regulations (EU) 2026/705 and (EU) 2026/636. Old-model health certificates are only valid if issued before 1 October 2026 (usable through 31 March 2027); old-model EU pet passports remain usable if issued before 1 January 2028. This guide reflects the current rules.
This guide covers traveling from Canada to the EU. Moving a pet the other direction? See our EU to Canada Pet Passport Guide instead.
EU Pet Passport & Travel from Canada
At Your Dog Butler, we deeply understand and empathize with the strong emotional bond you share with your beloved pets, who are undoubtedly integral and cherished members of your family. Our topmost priority is to guarantee the utmost safety, security, and overall well-being of your furry companions when you embark on your journeys together.
As a trusted friend in the pet care community, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the EU pet passport requirements for traveling with your furry companions within the European Union (EU) and entering the EU from non-EU countries.
What is an EU Pet Passport?
An EU Pet Passport is a document that facilitates the travel of pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) between EU countries and certain other territories. It serves as proof that your pet meets all the necessary health and vaccination requirements for entry into these regions.
Key features of an EU Pet Passport:
- Issued by an authorized veterinarian within the EU or designated countries.
- Contains essential details about your pet, including:
- Description and identification (microchip or tattoo)
- Rabies vaccination record
- Contact information of the owner and issuing veterinarian
- Valid for the pet’s lifetime, provided the rabies vaccinations are kept up-to-date.
- Simplifies travel by eliminating the need for additional health certificates for each trip within the EU.
EU Pet Passport Requirements for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets
Your Dog Butler wants to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. To ensure your pet’s safety and compliance with EU regulations, your furry friend must:
- Be microchipped (meeting the ISO microchip standard set out in Article 13 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131) or have a clearly readable tattoo if applied before July 3, 2011. Your pet must be microchipped before receiving the rabies vaccination and the EU non-commercial animal health certificate.
- Be vaccinated against rabies. Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel.
- Have treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, if your destination is free from this tapeworm (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland)
- Have a valid European pet passport (when traveling within the EU or Northern Ireland) or an EU animal health certificate (when traveling from a non-EU country)
EU Pet Passport Travel Documents
Navigating the complexities of pet import regulations, including securing vital documents for the EU pet passport. Let’s explore the key travel documents required for your pet’s international adventures.
European Pet Passport
As a professional pet care provider, we highly recommend obtaining a European pet passport for travel between EU countries. This essential document contains vital information about your pet, including its microchip or tattoo code, rabies vaccination record, and contact information for you and the issuing vet. Rest assured, pet passports are valid for life as long as your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
If you are traveling from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, or Vatican City State, your pet can enter the EU with a pet passport issued in one of these countries or territories.
EU Animal Health Certificate Application
If you are traveling from a non-EU country or territory, Your Dog Butler wants you to know that your pet must have an EU non-commercial animal health certificate, issued by an official State vet in Canada. This certificate must be signed no more than 10 days before the documentary and identity checks at your designated EU travellers’ point of entry (this 10-day window is the same for every EU country — there is no shorter window for specific destinations). Because Canada is on the EU’s Annex II list of countries, your pet does not need a rabies antibody (titer) blood test. Once you’ve entered the EU, that same certificate stays valid for onward travel between EU countries for 6 months from the date of those entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires — whichever comes first.
Helpful Tip: You should also complete and attach a written declaration to your pet’s EU animal health certificate stating that its relocation is for non-commercial reasons.
Special Considerations
At Your Dog Butler, we understand that sometimes you may need to entrust your pet’s travel to someone else. Rest assured, pets must generally travel with their owners, but you may give written permission for another person to accompany your pet. However, it’s important to reunite with your furry friend within 5 days of its relocation.
You can travel with up to five pets. If you have more than five, you must provide proof that they are participating in a competition, exhibition, or sporting event and are more than 6 months old.
To enter the EU from a non-EU country like Canada, your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of its rabies vaccination, and that vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days before travel — in practice, your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to travel. There is no exception that allows younger pets to enter the EU from a non-EU country.
As a detail-oriented pet care provider, we want to remind you that dogs traveling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before arrival in that country — the window is anchored to your arrival time, not when you leave Canada.
Traveling with Other Pets
Your Dog Butler is here to help you navigate the complexities of pet travel. It’s important to note that the EU pet passport is only for dogs, cats, and ferrets. If you are traveling with other pets, such as birds, aquatic animals, reptiles, rodents, or rabbits, we recommend checking the national rules of your destination country for entry requirements.
Remember, certain endangered species are protected by the Convention of Washington (CITES) and have strict rules for importing them into the EU. Your Dog Butler advises you to always check the EU wildlife trade database or contact your country’s CITES authority for information on permits and restrictions or view their CITES checklist to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my dog’s EU pet passport to enter the EU from Canada?
No. An EU pet passport is only issued by an authorized vet inside the EU (or a few listed non-EU territories) — it can’t be issued in Canada and can’t be used for a pet’s first entry into the EU. Canadian pet owners need an EU non-commercial animal health certificate instead, issued by a Canadian vet within 10 days of travel.
How long is the EU animal health certificate valid?
It must be signed by your vet no more than 10 days before the documentary and identity checks at your designated EU point of entry. Once you’re in, that same certificate stays valid for onward travel between EU countries for 6 months from the entry check date, or until your pet’s rabies vaccination expires — whichever comes first.
Does my dog need a rabies titer (blood) test to enter the EU from Canada?
No. Canada is on the EU’s “Annex II” list of countries, so pets travelling from Canada are exempt from the rabies antibody titer test required from higher-risk, unlisted countries.
What’s the minimum age for my puppy to travel to the EU from Canada?
About 15 weeks. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination isn’t valid for travel until 21 days have passed. There’s no exception allowing younger pets to enter the EU from outside the EU.
What changed with the EU’s pet travel rules in 2026?
On 22 April 2026, the EU replaced Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 577/2013 with a new framework: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 and Implementing Regulations (EU) 2026/705 and (EU) 2026/636. Core requirements (rabies vaccination, microchip, certificate) are largely the same, but the certificate models and legal citations changed, and there’s a transition deadline for old paperwork.
Is there a deadline for old-style EU health certificates?
Yes. Old-model certificates are only valid if issued before 1 October 2026, and can still be used through 31 March 2027. After that, only the new-model certificate applies. Old-style EU pet passports have a separate, later cutoff of 1 January 2028.
Can I fly my pet into any EU airport, or does it have to be a specific one?
Entry from Canada must happen through a designated travellers’ point of entry — a specific list of authorized airports and border posts, not just any port of entry. Confirm your arrival airport is on the current list before booking your flight.
Canada to the EU Pet Relocation Services
We understand that your pet is a cherished family member, and when it comes to traveling with them from Canada to the European Union through our international pet relocation service, you want nothing but the best. We treat your pets with the same expert care and genuine affection that we would our own, ensuring their journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Departing Canada: Smooth Transitions to the EU
When you’re moving your pet from Canada to the EU, you can trust Your Dog Butler to handle every detail with meticulous care. Our team of dedicated professionals will prepare all the necessary documentation and entry requirements for your pet’s departure, ensuring a seamless handover to our trusted transport partners in the EU.
We understand that every pet is unique, and that’s why we take the time to get to know your furry friend and their specific needs. Whether it’s a special diet, medication, or extra cuddles, we’ll make sure your pet receives the personalized care they deserve throughout their journey.
Arriving in the EU: A Warm Welcome for Your Pet
Your pet’s well-being is our top priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure they arrive in the EU happy, healthy, and ready to start their new adventure. We work closely with our network of global pet relocation companies to coordinate every aspect of your pet’s arrival, from custom clearance to transportation to their final destination.
With Your Dog Butler, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pet is in the hands of professionals who are not only experts in pet travel but also genuinely love and care for animals. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and photos so you can see for yourself how well your pet is doing.
Why Choose Your Dog Butler?
When it comes to pet travel, experience and reputation matter. Your Dog Butler is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s top pet moving companies, with a track record of excellence and a commitment to going above and beyond for our clients.
We’re more than just a pet transport provider—we’re your partner in pet care. Our team is made up of dedicated animal lovers who understand the special bond between pets and their owners. We’re here to offer not only our expertise but also our compassion and support throughout your pet’s journey.
Trusted by top-rated companies and pet owners alike, we take pride in our unwavering dedication to pet safety and happiness. When you choose Your Dog Butler, you can have confidence knowing that your pet is in the best possible hands.
Ready to Start Your Pet’s EU Adventure?
Traveling with your pet from Canada to the EU should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. Let Your Dog Butler take care of the details so you can focus on the joys of starting this new chapter with your furry friend by your side.
Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from planning and preparation to arrival and settling in. With our expert knowledge, personalized service, and genuine love for pets, we’ll make sure your pet’s journey is as safe, smooth, and enjoyable as possible.
So why wait? Contact Your Dog Butler today and let’s start planning your pet’s unforgettable adventure to the EU. We can’t wait to welcome your furry family member aboard and show them the care and attention they deserve. Safe travels!
