Taking your pet touring overseas

Travelling abroad with your pet

For most people, pets are part of the family, so it’s natural for you to want them to join you on holiday. The good news is it’s possible to take your dog or cat to Europe, provided it has been microchipped, had the relevant vaccinations and has a valid Animal Health Certificate.

Getting an Animal Health Certificate

Animal Health Certificates

You'll need an Animal Health Certificate for your pet to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland and this certificate must be issued within 10 days of your travel date. An official vet will issue this certificate if your pet has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. If it's your first time taking your pet abroad or you haven't been for a while, you should contact your vet a month prior to departure to check what is required and ensure there is enough time for your pet to have the relevant vaccinations. 

Out and about with your pets

Pets on ferries

Each operator has its own rules on pet transportation. Please enquire about specific regulations for your chosen ferry operator when booking your pet’s travel through our Contact Centre.

Pets on overseas sites

Before you travel, remember to check whether the sites you are staying on accept pets, and if there are any restrictions in place about the number or type of pet that’s accepted.

Typically dogs are required to be kept on a lead at all times must not be left unattended for long periods of time. Be sure to check with the campsite whether dogs can be walked on-site or if there is a specific area in which they can be exercised.

Please be aware when booking your winter holidays in Europe that some campsites with Pine trees may attract the Pine Processionary Caterpillar (Thaumetopoa Pityocampa). The caterpillars are usually active between February and April produce a silky nest which begin to leave towards the end of their life cycle. It is advised that you keep dogs and children away from these caterpillars. For more information please visit forestresearch.gov.uk.

Items to bring with you

• In some countries you may be asked to muzzle your dog in public places or when using public transport.
• Consider purchasing an identification tag with 00 44 preceding your mobile number if you travel overseas regularly.
• Most countries in Europe have legislation in place which requires dogs to be restrained when they are travelling in vehicles so they are not able to distract the driver.

Restrictions on pets abroad

Some countries impose restrictions on the type of dog that is allowed to be imported under the Pet Passport Scheme. Please find below the restrictions for France, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands:

France

France has two types of restrictions when it comes to travelling with dogs:

Category 1 dogs – these are classified as dangerous.

• any dog of the type known as American Staffordshire Terrier without a pedigree (also known as Pitbulls)
• any dog of the type known as Mastiff
• any dog of the type known as a Tosa without a pedigree

Category 2 dogs – all dogs (except Rottweilers) must have a pedigree and be registered with a breed society.

• Staffordshire Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Tosa
• Rottweiler

Category 2 dogs must be kept muzzled and on a lead at all times in public.

Please note the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be imported into France without any restrictions.

For more information on taking your pet to France, visit the French Embassy website.

Ireland

The following breeds of dog must be kept on a leash and securely muzzled when in public, at all times they must wear a collar bearing the name and address of the owner.

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Bull Mastiff
• Doberman Pinscher
• English Bull Terrier
• German Shepherd (Alsatian)
• Japanese Akita
• Japanese Tosa
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Rottweiler
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Movement of dogs and cats between Great Britain and Ireland is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, and current information is available on their website.

Spain

The following breeds are not banned from entering Spain, but they must be registered within 3 months of entry:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Dogo Argentino,
• Fila Brasiliero
• Tosa Inu
• Akita Inu
• Doberman Pinscher

Denmark

The following breeds and/or cross-breeds of dogs cannot be taken into Denmark:

• Pitbull
• Tosa
• American Stafforshire Terrier
• Fila Brasielero
• Dogo Argentino
• American Bulldog
• Boerbull
• Kangal
• Ovcharka
• Tornjak
• Sarplaninac

Netherlands

(Information supplied by the Voedsel en Waren Autoriteit (VWA)

All breeds can be imported into the Netherlands, unless they show aggressive behaviour.

Belgium

(Information supplied by the Sécurité de la Chaine alimentaire et Environnement)

There is no national legislation regarding dangerous dogs. However, each individual local authority can impose its own rules, which range from compulsory muzzling to banning certain breeds. You will need to contact the campsite you plan to visit to find out if any local laws apply.

If you are planning to visit other countries please contact the relevant embassy to check if there are any restrictions.