If you want to travel to another EU country with your pet, you need a so-called EU pet passport. The introduction of an ID card requirement for pets serves in particular to prevent the spread of dangerous infectious diseases such as rabies.
In addition, the EU pet passport should enable uniform entry regulations for pets in the various countries of the European Union and help curb the illegal puppy trade We will explain to you below how to calculate the application.
Key facts at a glance
- The EU pet passport must be carried when traveling across borders in the EU and other participating countries.
- ID is only required for cats, dogs and ferrets.
- You can apply for your EU pet passport from an authorized veterinarian.
- The cost of the exhibition is normally between 15 and 25 euros.
- Our animal health insurance also protects you abroad from high veterinary costs.
EU pet passport: what is it?
Since July 3, 2004, there has been an obligation in the European Union to carry a so-called EU pet passport when traveling cross-border with a pet. The card contains various important information about your four-legged friend, such as information on vaccinations. Apart from the member states of the European Union, the obligation to carry the EU pet passport also exists in Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Monaco, Andorra and the Vatican.
Not all animals need an EU pet passport
An EU pet passport is only necessary if you own a cat, dog or ferret. For birds or small animals such as rabbits, however, there is no need to apply for such a pass. But even with the animal species mentioned, it is not required by law to have an EU pet passport. Because the obligation to carry your pet only applies if you actually leave Germany and travel to another country with your pet.
It doesn’t matter how long your trip is. Even if you only drive your dog across the border to go shopping, for example, you must carry your four-legged friend’s EU pet passport with you. Otherwise you may run into problems in the event of an inspection.
Be careful with puppies from abroad
Please note that you will also need an EU pet passport if you bought a puppy abroad and want to take it home with you. A reputable breeder will give you the document with the handover of the little four-legged friend without any problems.
This information is in the EU pet passport
The EU pet passport enables both you and your pet to be identified and also provides additional information about your four-legged friend. The following information is recorded in every EU pet passport:
- The name and address of the holder
- The animal species and the name of the pet
- The gender
- Date of birth
- A description of the fur
- Details of vaccinations carried out
- The microchip number
- Place and date of implantation
Not every veterinarian can issue an EU pet passport
If you want to apply for an EU pet passport for your pet, you must contact a veterinarian. However, not all veterinarians in Germany are authorized to issue the card. Because in some federal states, the veterinarian must first apply for permission to do so, while veterinarians in other federal states are granted it automatically. In order to avoid an unsuccessful visit to the practice, we therefore recommend that you ask in advance whether you can actually get an EU pet passport from the veterinarian of your choice.
You must bear this in mind when applying for the EU pet passport
The primary purpose of the EU pet passport is to prevent dangerous animal diseases from spreading. However, it is not absolutely necessary that your pet already has an appropriate vaccination protection at the time of the application.
However, a clear identification of the four-legged friend is always necessary. You will therefore only receive your EU pet passport if your pet has a microchip or you allow the vet to microchip it as part of your application. Existing tattoos will only be accepted as proof of identity if they were done before 2011.
You have to reckon with these costs for the EU pet passport
It probably goes without saying that the vet will charge you for issuing your EU Pet Passport. The possible costs are set out in the scale of fees for veterinarians. The exact amount can vary, however, as veterinarians can decide for themselves, among other things, what fee rate they charge their customers. If your pet has already been chipped, an EU pet passport should normally not cost you more than 15 to 25 euros.
The EU pet passport can be updated at any time
If necessary, you can have the information in your EU pet passport updated at any time and, for example, have changes regarding vaccination protection noted. The adjustments can be made by any veterinarian who is also authorized to issue the card.
Our animal health insurance is also valid abroad
Of course, your pet can also become ill or injured abroad. If you have taken out health insurance for your dog or cat with us, you can at least remain relaxed with regard to veterinary costs. Because both our dog and cat health insurance offers you reliable protection abroad for up to three months in all tariffs.