Pet Export to Europe

Fetchapet are specialists in taking dogs and cats to all European destinations, and we’re a recommended pet shipper for British Airways. We offer a bespoke export service by air to Europe’s international airports, with pick up available from your home anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales.

If your pet needs somewhere to stay before their journey, our partner kennels offer boarding for long or short periods. Every IATA compliant travel container is built in our own workshops and tailor made to your pet’s measurements, so they travel safely and comfortably. Road journeys work a little differently, you won’t need your own travel kennel, since we loan a crate for the trip.

We also handle the full veterinary documentation on your behalf, including your pet’s Animal Health Certificate.

What Documents Does My Pet Need For Europe?

Since 22 April 2026, UK residents can no longer travel on an EU pet passport. Instead, your pet needs an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before you travel.

Before that, your pet needs an ISO compliant microchip, fitted before their rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination itself must be given at least 21 days before travel, and your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when it’s administered.

Regular booster vaccinations, kept up to date before they lapse, mean your pet stays eligible to travel without needing to restart the 21 day waiting period.

Does My Dog Need Tapeworm Treatment For Europe?

Dogs need a tapeworm treatment, given between 24 and 120 hours before travel, to enter Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland.

This is separate from the tapeworm treatment a dog needs when returning to the UK from outside this group of countries, which applies on the way back, not the way out.

A health certificate confirming your pet is fit to travel is also required by all airlines, and by Fetchapet before undertaking any road journeys.

Switzerland is included in the same entry requirements as EU countries, though it asks for rabies vaccination to be given 30 days before entry rather than the usual 21, so it’s worth booking that appointment a little earlier if Switzerland is your destination.

Fetchapet are animal handling agents for most major airlines. For delivery once your pet lands, we work through IPATA, the trade association for pet relocation companies, connecting you with an agent in the destination country.