Pet travel has become a popular trend in recent years, especially among pet owners who wish to include their furry friends in their vacations.

However, pet travel used to be a complicated process, with each country having its own set of laws and regulations regarding pets. In response to this issue, the European Union has imposed new rules regarding the travel of pets across borders. In this article, we will discuss these new laws and the fines associated with violating them.

What Are The New Rules?

According to the new rules, pets that travel between EU member states must have a valid pet passport.

This passport contains all the necessary information regarding the pet’s health and vaccinations, including the pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and the pet owner’s contact information. The passport must be issued by an authorized veterinarian, and the information must be kept up to date. The pet owner must also ensure that their pet has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before traveling.

In addition to the pet passport, pets must also be identified with a microchip. This chip must meet ISO Standard 11784 or 11785, and must be implanted by an authorized veterinarian before the pet is vaccinated against rabies.

The microchip number must be recorded in the pet passport.

If the pet is younger than 12 weeks old or is traveling from outside the EU, additional requirements apply. These requirements include specific vaccinations and treatments to prevent the spread of diseases such as rabies and tapeworm.

What Happens If You Fail To Comply With The New Rules?

If a pet owner fails to comply with the new rules, they may face hefty fines or even prosecution. The fines vary depending on the country in which the violation occurs, but they can be as high as several thousand euros.

In some countries, pets that do not have a valid pet passport or microchip are subject to quarantine, which can be expensive and traumatic for the pet.

Furthermore, the pet owner may be held liable if their pet infects other animals or humans with a disease. This can result in legal action against the owner and possible criminal charges.

How To Ensure Compliance With The New Rules?

The best way to ensure compliance with the new rules is to plan ahead. It is important to start the process of obtaining a pet passport and microchip well in advance of the trip.

The pet owner should also ensure that their pet is up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies.

It is also important to research the specific requirements of the country to which you are traveling. Each country has its own set of rules regarding pet travel, and some may require additional vaccinations or treatments.

The pet owner should also research the quarantine laws in the destination country.

Finally, the pet owner should ensure that their pet is comfortable with traveling. Some pets may suffer from anxiety or motion sickness during trips, so it is important to prepare them for the journey by taking shorter trips beforehand.

Conclusion

The new laws regarding pet travel are designed to ensure the health and safety of both pets and humans. Pet owners should take the necessary steps to comply with these laws to avoid fines and legal repercussions.

By obtaining a pet passport, microchip, and current vaccinations, and researching the specific requirements of the destination country, pet owners can enjoy safe and stress-free travel with their furry friends.