Paw-sport Ready?
Planning a summer getaway with your furry friend? You’re not alone. More and more pet owners are ditching pet sitters and bringing their dogs and cats along for the ride—especially with countries like Italy, France, Germany, and Austria just a scenic drive away. Whether it's a lakeside escape, alpine adventure, or beach holiday, travelling with pets in Europe has never been more popular. But before you pack that leash and squeaky toy, there are a few key things you need to know to make your cross-border journey smooth, safe, and legal.
1. Pet Passport: Don’t Leave Home Without It
If you're a Swiss resident heading into the EU with your dog or cat, an EU pet passport is essential. This passport is issued by your Swiss vet and includes proof of:
• Microchip identification (must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
• Rabies vaccination (more on that below)
Even though Switzerland isn’t an EU member, it’s treated as an equivalent country when it comes to pet travel—so your Swiss-issued EU pet passport is valid for entry into all EU member states.
2. Rabies Vaccination: Plan Ahead!
This is the single most important requirement for EU pet travel. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, and:
• The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel (for first-time shots or expired boosters)
• It must be valid at the time of travel (check the expiry date!)
• It must be recorded in the pet passport by a licensed vet
If your pet has never had the rabies vaccine or if you're unsure whether the last shot is still valid, plan this at least a month in advance of your trip. Without valid proof of rabies vaccination, your pet will not be allowed to enter the EU—or may be subject to quarantine.
3. Border Control: Be Prepared
While most crossings within the Schengen zone are border-check-free for people, pets are a different story. Authorities may stop you for random checks, so make sure you have:
• The pet passport handy
• Your pet securely restrained (we recommend a carrrier box)
• Any necessary travel documentation, especially if you're flying or taking a ferry
4. Tick and Tapeworm Treatments: Country-Specific Rules
Some EU countries have additional health requirements: Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway (yes, it's outside the EU but relevant): Require dogs to be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis (a tapeworm) 24–120 hours before entry.
Even if it’s not a legal requirement in your destination, tick prevention is strongly recommended in summer months due to high vector activity.
5. Accommodation: Pet-Friendly, Really?
Always double-check that your lodging accepts pets—and clarify what pet-friendly actually means. Some places only allow small dogs or charge extra fees. Look out for:
• Size or breed restrictions
• On-leash policies
6. Heat Safety: Don’t Underestimate the Summer Sun
European heatwaves can be brutal for pets. If you're heading south, keep in mind:
• Never leave pets in a parked car
• Plan walks during cooler hours (early morning, late evening)
• Provide plenty of water and shade
• Bring a cooling mat or vest, especially for long-haired breeds
7. Plan for Emergencies
• Just in case something goes wrong:
• Research local vets near your destination
• Save emergency numbers (some countries have 24/7 vet services)
• Bring some emergency medication
• Make sure your pet’s microchip is registered with your up-to-date contact info
