How to Transport Pets from the U.S. to Europe

Check with the country’s embassy for specific instructions if you are flying to a country in Europe that is not a part of the European Union. Some countries ban certain dog breeds or individual dogs that may be considered dangerous. The laws vary by country, so check embassy information to make sure your dog will be allowed into your country of destination.

Make reservations for your dog with the airline at the same time as you book your own travel, if he will be flying with you. Airlines vary as to whether reservations are required, and in many cases your pet will fly on a space-available basis. If you are shipping your pet unaccompanied, or if he cannot fly in the cabin with you for any reason, he will travel as cargo. In that case, you need to make reservations and pay for his travel before you can be sure there will be a spot for him. Puppies must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.

Microchip or tattoo your pet. European Union regulations now require microchipping, but some countries outside the EU will accept tattoos. Only International Standards Organisation (ISO) microchip readers are used in Europe, and your dog must have a microchip that complies with these standards so it can be read in Europe. His microchip number must be on all of his documents, particularly his health certificate and his certificate of rabies vaccination.

Update your dog's rabies shot after his microchip is in place. If he was vaccinated against rabies before getting his microchip, he will have to be vaccinated again. Some countries may require a blood test to show the shot was effective, but as of January 1, 2012, most will allow the dog to enter, provided the first shot was given at least three weeks prior to travel. Pets that are too young for a rabies shot can skip this step, but check with the embassy for specific entry requirements if your dog is under 3 months old and not vaccinated against rabies.

Take your pet to a veterinarian and obtain an international health certificate within 24 hours of scheduled departure. The certificate remains valid for 10 days. If your dog doesn’t have a clean bill of health, he can’t travel to Europe.

Deworm your dog for tapeworms by taking him to a licensed veterinarian one to five days prior to departure. This must be documented by the veterinarian on your pet’s paperwork.

Purchase a crate for your pet, and ensure that it is an approved type of airline crate. The most common shipping kennels are solid plastic. They are leak-proof and cannot collapse. These typically have raised seams along the sides that prevent anything from getting too close and blocking air circulation. Your pet must be able to turn comfortably in his crate, sit up without touching the top and lie down in a natural position. His crate must include labels stating that it contains a live animal, as well as giving feeding and watering instructions. Food and water dishes that can be accessed without opening the crate must be securely attached, and food may need to be provided if your dog will be in transit for an extended period. Crates for pets that are traveling in the passenger cabin do not need to be rigid or have labels or dishes attached, but they must fit under the seat and have enough room for your pet to be comfortable.

Arrive at the airport in plenty of time to get your dog checked in well in advance of flight time. If he is traveling as cargo, you will need to take him to the airline’s air cargo office, which usually is in a separate building from the terminal.