Travel preparation at a glance
A good trip starts early. Getting the key steps done in good time avoids stress just before departure and unpleasant surprises at the border. This checklist is sorted by timing so you forget nothing.
| When | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 4 to 6 weeks before | Vet appointment for a health check and vaccinations; check the microchip and EU pet passport; research the destination country's entry rules |
| 1 to 2 weeks before | Book transport and confirm the pet rules; check that the accommodation is dog-friendly; top up tick and parasite protection |
| Just before departure | Pack the travel first-aid kit; have water, food and a bowl ready; note down vet numbers at the destination |
Tip: Plan the rabies vaccination early. It must be at least 21 days before entry, otherwise the protection is not recognised.
The important documents
For travel within the EU you need three documents that belong together. Without them you will not get far at many borders.
| Document | What for | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | unique identification of your dog | vet practice |
| EU pet passport | proof of identity and vaccinations | vet practice |
| Rabies vaccination | compulsory vaccination for travel, at least 21 days before | vet practice |
The microchip is placed under the skin and linked to your data. Only then is the rabies vaccination recorded, because the order matters: without prior identification the vaccination is not recognised for travel. Your vet practice issues the EU pet passport, where the chip number and all vaccinations are documented.
You find more details in the guides on EU pet passport and rabies vaccination in dogs.
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Entry requirements by country
Within the EU a common baseline applies: microchip, EU pet passport and valid rabies vaccination. Some countries also require additional documents, and outside the EU quite different rules often apply. The following overview shows a selection of common destinations.
| Country | Required documents | Note |
|---|---|---|
| France | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | certain listed breeds face import restrictions |
| Austria | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | regional leash and muzzle requirements |
| Italy | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | no additional required documents |
| Spain | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | no additional required documents |
| Netherlands | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | no additional required documents |
| Finland, Ireland, Malta | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | additional tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before entry |
| Switzerland | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | not an EU country, but accepts the EU rules |
| Norway | Microchip, EU pet passport, rabies vaccination | not an EU country, additional tapeworm treatment before entry |
| United Kingdom | Microchip, Animal Health Certificate, rabies vaccination | own rules since Brexit, no EU pet passport |
What this means: For countries with tapeworm treatment or their own documents, plan more lead time. You get the exact deadlines and forms from your vet practice.
The details can change, always check them before travelling with the official authorities. You find a detailed overview per country in the guide Entry requirements with a dog.
Safe on the way, in the car, plane and train
How your dog travels determines its safety. In the car it counts under Sections 22 and 23 of the German road traffic regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung) as cargo and must be secured so that it endangers no one during braking. A transport crate, a barrier grille in the boot or a tested safety belt with a harness have proven effective. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car in summer, even a few minutes can become life-threatening.
On the plane, small dogs may travel in the cabin depending on the airline, often up to about eight kilograms including the bag. Larger dogs must go in the cargo hold. The limits and rules differ greatly by airline, clarify them before booking. On the train, separate rules apply for muzzle, leash and ticket.
What exactly matters when flying, from the crate to the registration, you can read in the guide on Flying with a dog.
Health when travelling
An additional risk travels with you to the south of Europe: the so-called Mediterranean diseases. These include leishmaniasis, transmitted by sandflies, as well as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, which come via ticks, and heartworm disease via mosquitoes. These diseases can go unnoticed for a long time and only show up weeks or months later.
The best protection is prevention. A few weeks before the trip, talk to your vet practice about parasite protection that also covers sandflies, and about a possible leishmaniasis vaccination. That way you are on the safe side before you set off.
You can go deeper in the guides on Leishmaniasis in dogs and Mediterranean diseases in dogs.
The travel first-aid kit for your dog
A small travel first-aid kit belongs in every piece of luggage. It helps with minor ailments on the way and gives you peace of mind until you reach a vet practice.
- EU pet passport and vaccination records
- long-term medication in sufficient quantity
- tick tweezers plus flea and tick protection
- wound disinfectant and dressing material
- remedies for diarrhoea, only after consulting the vet practice
- cooling towel and a foldable water bowl
- familiar food for the first few days
- emergency numbers and a vet at the destination
Focus on the cuddles, we'll focus on the costs.
Arrived at the destination
On holiday the same dangers often lurk as at home, only more intense. Heat is a big issue in the south, watch out for shade, enough water and cool times of day for walks. Take care with standing water too, blue-green algae can occur there.
A new environment means stress for many dogs. Give your dog time to settle in, keep familiar routines and retreat options ready. Also note down the number of a vet practice at the holiday destination, and if in doubt use FirstVet's telemedicine for an initial assessment.
How to recognise and avoid heatstroke and other seasonal dangers is shown in the seasonal calendar for dog health.
Your insurance cover when travelling
Your Dalma cover travels with you. It applies worldwide except for the USA, the US territories and Canada, and also takes effect during a temporary stay abroad of up to five years. So you are covered not only on holiday, but also during a longer stay abroad.
You can also submit the typical travel costs: travel vaccinations such as rabies and antiparasitics such as tick protection or deworming run through the health insurance's precautionary budget (up to 100 euros a year). Vet costs are usually reimbursed within 48 hours, with no hidden fees.
Frequently asked questions about travelling with a dog
Which documents does my dog need for the EU?
Microchip, EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. The order matters: first the chip, then the vaccination, otherwise it is not recognised for travel.
How long before the trip must the rabies vaccination be done?
The first rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days before entry. So plan it early.
Does my dog have to be secured in the car?
Yes. Under the road traffic regulations it counts as cargo and must be secured, for example with a crate, barrier grille or safety belt.
Which countries have stricter entry rules?
Some countries such as Norway require an additional tapeworm treatment, the United Kingdom has had its own rules since Brexit. Check the requirements before travelling with the official authorities.
Does my Dalma cover apply abroad?
Yes, worldwide except in the USA, the US territories and Canada, also during a temporary stay abroad of up to five years.
Does Dalma cover travel vaccinations?
You can submit travel vaccinations such as rabies and antiparasitics through the health insurance's precautionary budget.
