Taking pets abroad has just become a lot more complicated…the easy solution? That’s where Minders Keepers comes in, leave them at home with their favourite aunty or uncle! 

From April 22, 2026, all non-EU residents must use a single-use EU Animal Health Certificate for each trip with their pet, as EU Pet Passports are no longer valid for non-EU pets.

Key Requirements for Pets

Microchip: Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination, and the microchip must be readable by standard scanners. 

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Rabies Vaccination: Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. If it’s a first vaccination after microchipping, the waiting period applies from that date. 

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Animal Health Certificate (AHC): Non-EU pets require a single-use EU Animal Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS (for U.S. pets) within 10 days of arrival in the EU. 

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Tapeworm Treatment: Dogs entering certain countries (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, UK) must receive treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis 24–120 hours before arrival. 

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Clinical Examination: Dogs, cats, and ferrets must undergo a veterinary examination within 48 hours before travel to confirm they are healthy. 

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Travel Declaration: A written declaration confirming the pet is traveling for non-commercial purposes must accompany the AHC.