U Pet Health Certificate: How to Obtain It and Why It’s Important

Modern travel and relocation with pets require strict compliance with regulations. For owners of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals who plan to travel to European Union countries or within the EU, the mandatory document is the EU Pet Health Certificate (EU Pet Passport). It ensures legal movement of pets, confirms their vaccination and health status, and protects against the spread of infectious diseases such as rabies.

In this article, we explain in detail what the certificate is, how to obtain it, what requirements pets must meet, and how to use the document when traveling.

1. What Is the EU Pet Health Certificate?

The EU Pet Health Certificate, also known as the EU Pet Passport, is an official document confirming that a pet meets EU requirements for international movement.

Main functions of the document:

Confirms vaccination against rabies and other infectious diseases
Lists the microchip number used for unique identification
Records rabies antibody titration results when required
Serves as proof of legal ownership and readiness for travel

The certificate is issued in the name of the pet and its owner and is used for travel within EU countries and in several non-EU countries that recognize the document.

2. Which Animals Can Have the Certificate?

The EU Pet Passport applies to:

Dogs
Cats
Ferrets

It does not apply to exotic animals, birds, reptiles, or livestock. These categories have separate veterinary documentation and movement regulations.

3. Requirements for Obtaining the Certificate

Microchip

Mandatory pet identification using a microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785
The microchip number is recorded in the certificate

Rabies Vaccination

The pet must be vaccinated after the microchip has been implanted
Some EU countries require a rabies antibody titration test

Age Requirements

The pet must be at least 12 weeks old for the first rabies vaccination

Overall Health

A licensed veterinarian must confirm the pet’s good health and absence of infectious diseases

4. How to Obtain the EU Pet Health Certificate

The process includes several steps:

Visit a licensed veterinarian

Only accredited veterinarians can issue the EU Pet Passport
Examination of the pet, verification of microchip and vaccines

Filling out the document

Owner and pet information
Vaccination and preventative treatment records
Veterinarian’s signature and official stamp

Issuance of the certificate

After the procedures, the owner receives the Pet Passport
The document is valid for travel within the EU and countries that recognize the passport

Tip: keep copies of all pages and update the passport after each new vaccination.

5. Why the Certificate Is Required for Travel

The EU Pet Passport is needed for:

Travel between EU countries
Veterinary visits in the EU requiring proof of vaccination
Transporting pets through airports and seaports
Participation in contests, exhibitions, and competitions

The certificate simplifies border control and eliminates the need to obtain separate veterinary certificates for each country.

6. Differences Between EU Countries

Although the EU Pet Passport is valid across the EU, some countries have additional requirements:

Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom: rabies antibody titration test may be required
Germany, France, Italy: strict checks for microchip validity and vaccination compliance
Spain, Portugal: deworming certificate is recommended

Before travel, always check country-specific rules via official veterinary websites.

7. Tips for Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Update vaccinations and parasite treatments on time
Ensure your pet’s microchip registration is active and data is correct
Train your pet to stay in a carrier or travel crate
Collect all documents: passport, certificates, titration test results
Check airline or transport company requirements for pet travel

8. Scientific and Legal Basis

The EU Pet Passport is regulated by Regulation (EU) 576/2013 on the movement of pets.

Additional official guidance comes from:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), particularly regarding rabies prevention
National veterinary authorities such as:
- GOV.UK
- Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (Germany)
- Ministère de l’Agriculture (France)