MOVING TO EUROPE WITH YOUR PETS?

Do you have future plans to move to Europe with your pets? European pet import requires preparation, research and time. Depending on where your pet’s origin country is, the EU import requirements may differ. Regardless of the origin country, all pets importing to Europe require a microchip implanted prior to the rabies vaccination. If shipping your pet as manifested cargo, it is not required that you be on the same flight, however you should arrive in to the EU within 5 days of your pet for your pet to be considered a non-commercial shipment.

It is recommended to contact a Continental Pet Relocation specialist well in advance so that your pet can be prepared and avoid any potential import delays. Your relocation agent can also provide guidance regarding the travel crate. Allowing your pet time to become acclimated to their crate in advance is recommended to help ease anxiety or stress associated with travel.

EU PET IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

Microchip

Each pet shall be identified by means of a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or 11785. Most European countries currently accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.

Rabies Vaccination and Certificate

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. The Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the final health exam.

Further details regarding the rabies vaccine:

• Rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip implant that are valid for 1, 2 or 3 years are acceptable as long as the rabies vaccination is current and has been administered according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.The rabies vaccination must not expire before entering the EU.

It is suggested that all pets have full vaccinations, as well, especially if pre-flight boarding is required:

• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before export date for maximum effectiveness.

EU Health Certificate

This will be provided by your Continental Pet Relocation Specialist. This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your accredited veterinarian and must be signed in a different color than that of the certificate’s printing (usually blue ink). This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the checks at the EU point of entry. For pets arriving as a commercial movement (more than 5 days after the pet owner), the health certificate is only valid for 2 days.

For the purpose of further movements within the EU, this certificate will be valid for a total of four months from the date of issue or until the date of expiration of the rabies vaccination, whichever date is earlier.

USDA Endorsements

The following forms must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Continental Pet Relocation will provide you with the pre-paid Fed Ex Labels for processing documents to the USDA for endorsement as well as a USDA checklist

• Microchip Implantation or verification date proof
• Rabies Certificate
• EU Vet Health Certificate

Airline Health Certificate

Continental Pet Relocation will provide you and your vet with the APHIS 7001 international health certificate that needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days of departure. This is required by all airlines.

The EU Five Day Rule

Pet owners must fly within five days of their pet in order for the move to be considered “non-commercial.” If you are unable to meet this Five Day Rule, the move can still be carried out but it will be considered a commercial move, which increases costs and changes the EU import requirements and timeline.

Please check with your Continental Pet Relocation Specialist if you have questions about the EU Five Day Rule and how to best manage your pet’s relocation.

Additional Details

All original documentation listed above must travel with the pets.

In order for us to successfully clear customs we will need the following documents supplied prior to the pet’s arrival:

• Copy of pet owner’s passport
• A signed letter of transfer from your company on letterhead
• A copy of your plane/e-ticket/boarding pass showing your arrival within five days of your pet
• If this is a military move: move orders, APO address, rank and office

Your agent may also need a Letter of Authorization, Power of Attorney, or a Proforma Invoice form, as well.

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BANNED BREEDS

Some EU Countries have a list of banned breeds.

Banned breeds in Germany

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one). Certain states in Germany will allow these breeds if they have authorization from town hall and are subject to a temperament test.

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Rottweilers (not banned, but subject to a temperament test)

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

Banned breeds in Italy

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers: Venice Only

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

Banned breeds in France

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Boerboel
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler

Banned breeds in Spain

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Akita Inu
• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
• Tosa Inu

Banned breeds in Switzerland

Not all dog breeds are allowed in this country. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds (or a mix of one):

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Bandog
• Breeds with docked tails require additional documentation

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.