The short answer
It depends on the country you are flying to. Most routes need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an official health certificate issued by a vet shortly before you travel. Some add a waiting period, a treatment or a blood test, and coming home has its own checks.
The paperwork is the part owners worry about most, and the part most often done wrong. The details vary by country and change, so treat this as the shape of the rules and use the country pages for the specifics.
The usual building blocks
- An ISO microchip, fitted before the rabies vaccination
- A rabies vaccination, often with a waiting period before you may travel
- An official health certificate or pet document for the route, issued by an authorised vet within a set window before travel
- Extra requirements for some countries, such as a blood test, a tapeworm treatment or an import permit
Coming home
The rules for returning to the UK are separate from the rules for leaving, so plan both at once. Our country pages cover each direction and name the official source.
Rules change. Check the official source for your route before you book. We confirm the rules for your exact trip as part of every enquiry.
Start here: pet travel rules by country, or download our PDF guides.