Travelling with Pets - International Guide
Planning International Pet Travel
Travelling internationally with your pet requires extensive planning and preparation. Whether you're relocating permanently, taking an extended vacation, or visiting family abroad, understanding the requirements and regulations is essential for a smooth journey for both you and your pet.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about international pet travel from Denmark, including documentation, health requirements, airline policies, and practical travel tips.
EU Pet Passport Requirements
What is an EU Pet Passport?
The EU Pet Passport is an official document that allows dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel freely within the European Union and certain other countries. Denmark issues these passports through authorized veterinarians, and they're essential for hassle-free travel within the EU.
Requirements for Obtaining an EU Pet Passport
Microchip:
- ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip
- Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
- Microchip number recorded in passport
- Some countries require specific microchip readers
Rabies Vaccination:
- Administered by authorized veterinarian
- Must be given after microchip implantation
- Valid 21 days after primary vaccination
- Annual or three-year boosters depending on vaccine
- Documentation must include vaccine manufacturer and batch number
Veterinary Examination:
- Health check by authorized vet
- Assessment of fitness to travel
- Review of vaccination history
- Issuance of passport by authorized vet only
Maintaining Your Pet Passport
- Keep vaccination records current
- Bring passport to all vet appointments
- Update booster vaccinations before expiration
- Store in waterproof, protective cover
- Bring passport for all international travel
Health Certificates and Documentation
When You Need Additional Documentation
While the EU Pet Passport is sufficient for most European travel, some destinations require additional health certificates:
Non-EU Countries:
- Official veterinary health certificate
- Country-specific requirements
- Export permits from Denmark
- Import permits for destination country
- Additional testing (blood tests, parasite treatment)
United Kingdom Post-Brexit:
- EU Pet Passport no longer accepted
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) required
- Valid for single entry, 4 months
- Must be issued within 10 days of travel
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs 1-5 days before entry
United States:
- Health certificate issued by accredited vet
- Must be within 10 days of travel
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Specific airline and state requirements
Getting Health Certificates
Process:
- Contact destination country's embassy for requirements
- Schedule vet appointment (timing is critical)
- Bring vaccination records and microchip information
- Vet examines pet and completes certificate
- Some countries require government endorsement
- Plan for 2-4 weeks processing time
Airline Policies and Travel Options
In-Cabin Travel
Small Pets:
- Combined weight (pet + carrier) typically under 8kg
- Carrier dimensions vary by airline (usually 45x35x25cm)
- Must fit under seat in front of you
- Advance booking required, limited spaces
- Additional fees apply (typically €50-150 each way)
- Pet counts as carry-on baggage
Restrictions:
- Age requirements (usually 10+ weeks)
- Breed restrictions on some airlines
- Temperature restrictions for summer/winter
- Cannot travel in cabin on all routes
Cargo Hold Travel
Larger Pets:
- Pets too large for cabin travel
- Temperature-controlled, pressurized cargo hold
- IATA-approved travel crate required
- More expensive than cabin (€200-500+ per flight)
- Advance booking essential
Crate Requirements:
- IATA CR82 standards
- Large enough to stand, turn around, lie down
- Secure door with locking mechanism
- Ventilation on at least three sides
- Water and food bowls attached
- Absorbent bedding
- "Live Animal" labels required
Airline-Specific Policies
Different airlines have varying pet policies:
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines):
- Pets up to 8kg in cabin
- Larger pets in cargo hold
- Advance booking required
- Service animals travel free
Lufthansa:
- Pets up to 8kg in cabin
- Excellent pet cargo program
- Climate-controlled facilities
- Professional animal handlers
British Airways:
- No pets in passenger cabin (except service animals)
- Cargo travel through IAG Cargo
- Separate booking and check-in
Always verify current policies directly with your airline well in advance of travel.
Country-Specific Import Requirements
Popular Destinations from Denmark
Sweden, Norway, Finland:
- EU Pet Passport sufficient
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs within 120 hours of entry
- No quarantine for compliant pets
Germany, France, Netherlands:
- EU Pet Passport
- Rabies vaccination current
- No additional requirements
Spain, Italy, Portugal:
- EU Pet Passport
- Some local registration requirements
- Leash and muzzle laws vary
United Kingdom:
- Animal Health Certificate post-Brexit
- Tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before entry
- Approved routes and carriers only
- No quarantine if compliant
United States:
- Health certificate within 10 days
- Current rabies vaccination
- CDC requirements (changing in 2024)
- State-specific regulations
- No federal quarantine, but some states have requirements
Australia/New Zealand:
- Extensive pre-travel requirements
- Blood tests and waiting periods
- Mandatory quarantine (10+ days)
- Very expensive process
- Plan 6-12 months in advance
Preparing Your Pet for Travel
Pre-Travel Veterinary Visit
Schedule a vet appointment 4-6 weeks before travel:
Health Assessment:
- Complete physical examination
- Review vaccination history
- Update necessary vaccinations
- Discuss travel anxiety medications if needed
- Obtain health certificate/documentation
Preventative Care:
- Flea and tick prevention
- Deworming treatment
- Heartworm prevention
- Any required blood tests
Crate Training
Start Early:
- Begin training 2-3 months before travel
- Make crate a positive space
- Feed meals in crate
- Gradually increase time in crate
- Practice with crate door closed
- Take short car rides in crate
Crate Comfort:
- Include familiar bedding
- Favorite toy (securely attached)
- Worn clothing with your scent
- Freeze water in bowl to prevent spills
Medications and Sedation
Travel Anxiety:
- Discuss options with veterinarian
- Test medications before travel day
- Some airlines prohibit sedation
- Natural calming supplements available
- Prescription anti-anxiety medications
Important Notes:
- Never sedate pets without vet approval
- Some medications dangerous at altitude
- Airlines may refuse sedated pets
- Document any medications given
Travel Day Tips
Before Departure
- Feed light meal 3-4 hours before travel
- Provide water until 1 hour before
- Exercise before leaving for airport
- Empty bowels and bladder
- Attach ID tags with destination contact info
At the Airport
Check-In:
- Arrive extra early (3 hours for international)
- Bring all documentation
- Have recent pet photo handy
- Keep pet calm and secure
- Follow airline staff instructions
Security Screening:
- Remove pet from carrier for X-ray
- Carry pet through metal detector
- Keep leash/harness on
- Reassure pet calmly
- Place carrier through X-ray machine
During Flight
In-Cabin:
- Keep carrier under seat
- Don't open carrier during flight
- Speak soothingly if pet is anxious
- Alert crew if any problems
Cargo Hold:
- Trust airline and ground crew
- Some airlines provide tracking
- Meet pet immediately upon arrival
Arriving at Your Destination
Customs and Immigration
- Declare your pet to customs
- Present all required documentation
- Possible veterinary inspection
- Random checks may occur
- Stay calm and patient
First Days in New Location
Help Pet Adjust:
- Familiar items from home
- Maintain feeding schedule
- Regular walking/play routine
- Quiet environment initially
- Gradual introduction to new area
Find Local Vet:
- Research before travel
- Register with local clinic
- Emergency vet contact information
- Understand local pet regulations
Copenhagen-Specific Considerations
Departing from Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Facilities:
- Pet relief areas available
- Some airlines have dedicated pet check-in
- Good signage for pet travelers
- Staff experienced with pet travel
Local Veterinary Services:
- Many vets authorized for EU passports
- Health certificate issuance services
- Travel consultation available
- Emergency services if needed
Returning to Denmark
- EU Pet Passport recognized
- Verify all vaccinations current
- Declare any new pets acquired abroad
- Commercial imports have additional rules
Costs to Consider
Documentation:
- EU Pet Passport: 200-300 DKK (one-time)
- Health certificates: 500-1500 DKK per trip
- Additional vet visits: 400-800 DKK
- Blood tests if required: 500-2000 DKK
Travel:
- Airline fees cabin: €50-150 each way
- Airline fees cargo: €200-500+ each way
- Professional pet transport service: €500-5000+
- Travel crate: 500-3000 DKK
Additional:
- Pet insurance travel coverage: variable
- Quarantine fees (if required): £200-3000+
- Import permits: 0-500 DKK
Alternatives to Flying with Pets
Pet Transport Services
Professional animal transport companies:
- Door-to-door service
- Experienced handlers
- All documentation managed
- More expensive but less stressful
- Good for anxious pets or complex routes
Ground Transportation
Within Europe:
- Car travel if practical
- Train (policies vary)
- Ferry services (UK, Scandinavia)
- Pet-friendly accommodation en route
Pet Boarding
Consider whether pet travel is necessary:
- Quality boarding facilities in Copenhagen
- Professional pet sitters
- Stay with trusted friends/family
- May be less stressful for some pets
Conclusion
International travel with pets requires careful planning, proper documentation, and preparation, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth experience. Start planning at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date, and always verify current requirements as regulations change frequently.
The most important factors for successful pet travel are:
- Current rabies vaccination
- Proper microchip identification
- Valid travel documentation
- Advance airline booking
- Appropriate travel crate
- Pre-travel veterinary consultation
Planning international travel with your pet? Contact MyPeterinarian in Copenhagen for expert guidance on EU Pet Passports, health certificates, and travel preparation. Our experienced team ensures your pet has all necessary documentation and is properly prepared for safe, stress-free international travel. Schedule your travel consultation today!
