On 22 April 2026, new EU regulations for travelling with companion animals will come into force.
If you travel with a dog or cat within the EU, or betweenthe EU and non-EU countries, it is important to be prepared – the changes are more significant than many people realise.

While the basic requirements remain familiar, controls will become stricter, documentation will be more important, and EU-wide digital tracking is expected to be introduced.

What is changing?

The EU is introducing a single harmonised legal framework for all non-commercial movements of companion animals, meaning the same rules will apply across all member states.

For dogs and cats, the main requirements remain:

1) Identification by microchip (or a tattoo applied before July 2011)
2) A valid rabies vaccination
3) Correct documentation, such as an EU pet passport for travel within the EU

The numberof animals per journey remains limited to five.
Movements involving more animals are generally treated as commercial transport and are subject to much stricter rules.

Entry into the EU from non-EU countries

When entering the EU from a third country, requirements are reinforced:

• 1) An official animal health certificate issued by an authorised veterinarian is required
• 2) Rabies vaccination must be correctly administered and documented
• 3) The animal must come from an area with no reported rabies cases in the 30 days prior to travel

The health certificate is generally valid for up to six months, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.

Companion birds – key points

For companion birds entering the EU:

1) A maximum of five birds per journey is permitted
2) Each bird must be individually identified
3) Measures to reduce the risk of avian influenza may apply, including testing, pre-travel isolation, or quarantine after arrival

Journeys involving more than five birds are treated as imports and are subject to significantly stricter requirements.

Digital pre-registration – under consideration

The EU is currently assessing the introduction of mandatory digital pre-registration for each journey with a companion animal, potentially several days before travel.
This has not yet been finalised, but may affect how future trips need to be planned.

What this means for Spaindianvia’s customers

For most people travelling with dogs or cats within the EU, the requirements will feel familiar.
The key change is stricter enforcement. Documentation, vaccinations and timelines must be fully compliant.

These changes are particularly relevant for those who:

1) live in one EU country but travel frequently across borders
2) divide their time between different EU countries
3) regularly travel with pets within or to the EU

Careful planning will become increasingly important.

Why are the rules being tightened?

The EU aims to combat illegal breeding and trade, improve disease prevention, and strengthen animal welfare standards.
Increased traceability is intended tosupport safer travel as mobility within and to the EU continues to grow.

This text has been rewritten and condensed to suit Spaindianvia’s customers and target audience, based on an original article by Jonny Erixon.