
Taking a Pet to the European Union
For Travel to the EU:
Below are the guidelines for taking a cat to the European Union, effective August, 2026. We suggest that you check to ensure they remain valid before you make any arrangements.
We recommend you take the cat/kitten to the vet as soon as possible, for parasite treatment and to start the vaccines for panleukopenia and “cat flu” (various upper respiratory viruses).
To be taken to a country within the EU the cat needs:
- an international pet passport,
- microchip that meets ISO standards
- rabies vaccine (given at 3 months or older, and after the microchip is implanted,)
- a waiting period of 21 days after the rabies vaccine was given, for it to be considered fully effective.
The current guidelines are found here:
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country - Food Safety
A maximum of 5 cats can be taken by a private person into the EU at any one time.
The above information is as of August 2026. Please review the information before you travel using the links above in case of changes.
