What is needed almost always
- An ISO 11784/11785 microchip. It goes in before the rabies vaccination - the other way round, the vaccination is considered invalid and has to be repeated.
- A valid rabies vaccination. It doesn't take effect immediately: the EU admits an animal no earlier than 21 days after vaccination.
- A veterinary passport with vaccine stickers, dates, the vet's signature and the clinic's stamp.
- A veterinary health certificate - issued by an official veterinarian shortly before departure; for the EU, within 10 days of entry.
- An echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment 24–120 hours before entry - required by some countries, among them Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway.
- A rabies antibody titre test - for countries that consider your country of departure high-risk for rabies. Blood is drawn no earlier than 30 days after the vaccination, and after sampling there is usually a three-month wait.
What is missing most often
- The chip was implanted after the rabies vaccination, not before.
- The vaccination is valid, but was given less than 21 days ago.
- There's no clinic stamp or vet signature next to the vaccine sticker in the passport.
- The certificate was issued too early - it has its own short validity.
- The carrier's rules were forgotten: the airline has its own requirements for weight with the carrier, breed and the number of animals in the cabin.
A checklist for your country
The app has a "Travelling abroad" section: pick the pet and the country - the service checks the requirements against what is already in the passport and shows a list of what is ready, what is missing and what has to be done by when. If the rabies vaccination has expired or, on the contrary, was given too recently, you see it straight away.
You can ask the assistant for the same checklist in words - "what do I need to travel to Germany".
Country and carrier requirements change. Always check the final list with the destination's veterinary authority and with the airline - the checklist helps you prepare, but does not replace official requirements.
What to take on the road
- The original vet passport and the certificate - in hand luggage, not checked baggage
- A carrier of the right size the pet is used to in advance, not bought the day before
- Water and a folding bowl; food for the journey plus a day's reserve
- Pads, bags, wet wipes
- Medications the pet takes regularly, with a reserve
- A photo of the pet on your phone and the clinic's contact - in case it gets lost
FAQ
How early should I start preparing for a trip?
At least a month ahead - chipping and the rabies vaccination must be done in the right order, and after vaccination you wait 21 days. If the country requires an antibody titre test, preparation starts 4–7 months ahead.
Is a chip needed if my pet has a tattoo?
For travel abroad - yes. A tattoo is accepted only as additional identification; the ISO microchip is the primary one.
From what age can I travel with a puppy or kitten?
Usually from 3–4 months: before that age the rabies vaccination isn't given, and without it travel is impossible. Some countries admit unvaccinated young animals, but that's an exception to check separately.
Do I need documents for domestic trips?
For a car trip - usually not. For flights and long-distance trains the carrier normally asks for a vet passport with a valid rabies vaccination, and some airlines - a veterinary certificate.
Does the service store the travel documents?
The service stores the passport data - vaccinations, chip, treatments - and builds the checklist from it. The certificate forms themselves are issued by an official vet and must be carried in the original.