You can bring a dog, cat or ferret into the EU from a non-EU country if the animal has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate, and the journey is non-commercial. Requirements depend on the country of departure, and the animal must enter through a designated travellers' point of entry.
Contents
Transporting pets from countries outside the European Union is possible, but it requires meeting a series of strictly defined conditions. Here is the key information to help you prepare to move your animal and avoid problems at the border.
Conditions required for transporting animals
- Marking the animal: a dog, cat or ferret must be marked with a transponder (microchip) that meets the specifications in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013.
- Rabies vaccination: the animal must be vaccinated when it is at least 12 weeks old and no earlier than the day the transponder was implanted. The vaccination becomes valid no earlier than 21 days after completion of the first vaccination, and each subsequent one must be given within the validity period of the previous one.
- Rabies antibody titration test (where required): the test is not required for movements from the territories and third countries on the list adopted under Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 (the derogation in Article 12 - EUR-Lex); before travelling, check whether the country of departure is on that list. Where the test is required, it should be carried out at least 30 days after vaccination and no less than three months before the move. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml and the test must be carried out in an approved laboratory.
- Treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis: applies only to dogs travelling to countries that require it (including Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway). The treatment must be recorded in the animal's document and given 24 hours to 5 days before arrival (GOV.UK).
- Health certificate and declaration: the animal must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian and a written declaration from the owner that the movement is non-commercial. The model certificate is set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013; it is valid for 10 days from issue until the document check at the travellers' point of entry into the EU.
Entering the EU: the travellers' point of entry
Animals from countries not on the Article 13 list may enter the EU only through designated travellers' points of entry (Article 10(2) of Regulation 576/2013), where documents and identity are checked. Plan the trip so that the certificate does not expire, and start early enough for all tests and documents to be ready before the date of travel.
From the UK to Poland
From 22 April 2026, people resident in Great Britain should not use EU pet passports to enter the EU. An Animal Health Certificate is needed for each trip and, according to GOV.UK, it can be used for up to six months for onward travel in the EU and re-entry to GB, as long as the rabies vaccinations remain valid (GOV.UK). If you are moving permanently, see also relocation goods from the UK to Poland.
Exceptions and special cases
- More than five animals: if you are transporting more than five animals, they must meet the conditions that apply to commercial imports, unless they are going to competitions, exhibitions or sporting events.
- Tattoo: animals marked with a clearly legible tattoo before 3 July 2011 are acceptable.
- Young animals: Member States may allow the movement of unvaccinated animals under 12 weeks, or vaccinated animals aged 12-16 weeks that do not yet meet the vaccination validity requirement, on the conditions in Article 11 of Regulation 576/2013 (this applies to animals from the countries and territories on the Article 13 list).
For people moving with animals
If you are planning to relocate with your pets, meet all the required conditions before you leave. This avoids problems at the border and protects the animals, other people and public and animal health.
Related guides for people returning from the UK to Poland
- A complete guide to moving from the UK to Poland
- Documents for clearing transfer of residence property
- How to prepare an inventory list for clearance
- The key rules for transporting transfer of residence property
For an unusual trip or a larger number of animals, it's best to confirm the documents with our team in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to bring a dog or cat into the EU from a non-EU country?
The animal must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian, confirming the microchip and a valid rabies vaccination, and a written owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue until the check at the travellers' point of entry.
Is a pet passport enough to travel from the UK to the EU?
No. According to GOV.UK, from 22 April 2026 people resident in Great Britain should not use EU pet passports to enter the EU and need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip. A passport issued before that date may no longer be valid for entry.
Is a rabies antibody test always needed?
No. The test is not required if the animal arrives directly from a territory or third country on the list adopted under Article 13 of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. For other countries it must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and no less than 3 months before the move. Check whether your country of departure is on the list before you travel.
Do I have to treat my dog against Echinococcus multilocularis?
Only if you are travelling to a country that requires it, such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. A vet gives the treatment no earlier than 5 days and no later than 24 hours before arrival and records it in the animal's document. Check whether your destination requires it.
How many animals can I bring on a non-commercial trip?
As a rule, up to five. More animals must meet the conditions for commercial imports, unless they are travelling to competitions, exhibitions or sporting events and meet the additional conditions.
Related guides
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