Going on holiday with your animal in Europe is simple as long as you plan ahead: the rabies vaccine imposes a fixed waiting period.
The three conditions for travelling in the European Union
- A compliant microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccine.
- A valid rabies vaccine, given at least 21 days before departure for a first vaccination.
- A European pet passport, issued by your vet, listing the chip, vaccines and your details.
The animal must generally be at least 12 weeks old to be vaccinated against rabies, so about 15 weeks to travel.
Countries with an additional requirement
To enter Ireland, Malta, Finland and Norway (and the United Kingdom), dogs must receive a tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment given by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival, recorded in the passport.
Outside the European Union
Each country has its own rules: rabies antibody titration, quarantine, health certificate. Enquire several months in advance with the destination country's embassy and the FASFC.
Returning to Belgium
The same conditions apply on return. An animal bought or adopted abroad must be identified, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a passport or health certificate.
The checklist before leaving
- Passport up to date, rabies vaccine also valid on the return date.
- Antiparasitic treatment suited to the destination (ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies in the south).
- Details of a vet at the destination.
- Chip number and a recent photo of the animal.
The file in your pocket
With Zoolinko, the health record, chip number and vaccine dates are on your phone, shareable with a vet abroad in seconds.
General information: check the rules in force with your vet and the FASFC before any departure.