Requirements for travelling with a pet in Europe
If you plan to take your furry friend on a world tour, you need to know certain rules for transporting animals: in this article we tell you all you need to know on travel with pets in Europe and Luxembourg.
If you plan to travel with your pet to Luxembourg or Europe, you need to know the regulations, that cover this process. The requirements for the entry of animals in Luxembourg are similar to the rules in force within the entire European Union.
General rules for traveling with a pet in Europe
Your pet can travel with you if:
- It is chipped with a 15-digit microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785. Dogs must be identified electronically (with a microchip) within four months after birth.
- It is vaccinated against rabies. Before traveling to Luxembourg, you will need to wait 21 days after pet vaccination. The first day is considered day 0.
The microchip must be implanted the animal is vaccinated against rabies. If your pet has been vaccinated before the chip implantation, the vaccination will no longer be valid and the animal should be re-vaccinated.
- It has a valid European pet passport or EU animal health certificate.
- It has a health certificate if you are going to move from a non-EU country. The certificate must be confirmed by the state body responsible for the transportation of animals in and out of the country and filled in by a licensed veterinarian.
Some animals do not need to be vaccinated against rabies. These include birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, rodents and rabbits. Instead, to enter Luxembourg, they may need a health certificate. Owners of such animals should request information from the relevant authorities of their country.
These rules apply to private travel with pets and have nothing to do with situations that involve a change of ownership. In some cases, a written statement by the owner or accompanying person that the animals are not being transported for sales purposes may be required.
Rules for traveling with more than five pets
You can travel with up to five pets, but if there are more than five pets (dogs, cats or ferrets), you must provide evidence that:
- They are to take part in a competition, exhibition or sporting event (and provide, for example, a registration document).
- They are over six months old, so will not be for sale.
Air traveling with pets in Europe
There are special rules when it comes to traveling via air and planes. You should comply not only with documents but also with the transportation method.
In the airports, pets can be registered for a flight only at the front desk, it is not possible to register them online, like an ordinary passenger.
When examined at the port of entry in Luxembourg, animals must show no signs of diseases transmitted to humans. If your dog or cat seems sick, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required. Such an examination will be made at your expense.
Please note that only dogs and cats are allowed on board (all other types of animals are not). Each aircraft allows three pets in the cabin and one pet in the hold.
- The cost of transportation in the cabin is €50 per flight per animal (Luxair, rates may vary depending on the airline).
- One passenger may carry only one pet in one cage (soft bag or box). It is forbidden to carry two animals in one cage.
- Make sure your pet can comfortably stand or sit in the carrier.
- Your pet will be allowed to travel in the cabin if its weight does not exceed 8 kg (including the cage) and if the size of the cage (soft bag or box) where the pet is transported does not exceed the following parameters: (length) 45 x (depth) 23 x (height) 25 cm, (length) 45 x (depth) 42 x (height) 20 cm.
- Please note that your pet must remain in its soft bag or cage for the whole flight. Under no circumstances should you take your pet out of the carrier.
- The cost of transportation in the luggage hold is €100 per flight per animal (Luxair, rates may vary depending on the airline).
- Your pet will be allowed to travel in the luggage hold if its weight does not exceed 50 kg (including the cage). It is forbidden to carry two animals in one cage.
- Make sure your pet can comfortably stand or sit in the portable cage.
- Maximum size of the box: height — 83 cm, width — 115 cm.
- Close the cage properly. Also, it should have ventilation holes on more than one side and be easily recognizable as a pet cage. Cages for transporting animals in the cabin are not suitable for their transportation in the luggage hold.
- The cage or box should be made of wood, metal, synthetic materials, welded or wire mesh. No part of the box may be made of plastic.
- Holes made only from strong wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood are allowed. It must have secure fastenings that cannot be accidentally opened.
- The cage holes must be small enough to prevent the animal from squeezing any part of its body through them and to guarantee that it will not bite or scratch anyone.
Size and weight limits do not apply to guide animals for passengers with disabilities. They may travel free of charge and without a cage. However, the owner must have a valid medical certificate confirming the need for a guide dog.
Pet transportation laws can also be modified depending on the outbreaks of some diseases such as avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. To ensure proper care during all the stages of pet transportation, the best option is to hire a professional pet carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What documents do I need to travel with my pet within the EU
Do I need to microchip my pet before traveling
What vaccinations does my pet need to travel within the EU
What are the rules for traveling with a guide dog
Can I bring my pet into Luxembourg from a non-EU country
Source: guichet.public.lu, europa.eu, www.luxair.lu
We took photos from these sources: Paul Hanaoka, Unsplash
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