As a responsible pet owner, you want to ensure your furry friend’s safety and comfort during travel. One essential document that can guarantee this is the animal passport. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of animal passports, exploring who releases them, the procedure for issuance, vaccinations required, costs involved, and regulations according to destination.
Who Releases an Animal’s Passport
Veterinary services from local health authorities are responsible for issuing animal passports. To obtain a passport, your pet must be registered on the regional animal registry of affection and have a microchip or legible tattoo identification mark (valid only if applied before July 3, 2011).
Procedure and Time for Issuance
The passport is issued starting from an age of three months for the animal, as the rabies vaccine cannot be administered before 12 weeks old. To obtain a passport at the veterinary service, you must present:
- The animal for inspection of the microchip or tattoo;
- The certificate of registration on the regional dog registry;
- The health certificate with vaccination certification (antirabies) in validity;
- A receipt for payment (the cost varies by region, ranging from €5.61 to €15.00);
- An ID document and owner’s tax code.
The passport is issued at sight and has no expiration date; it follows the expiration dates of vaccinations. In general, a 12-month period is respected for vaccine reminders. If there is not enough time for the trip, you can get the vaccination reminder at least 21 days before departure.
Vaccinations Required
There is only one mandatory vaccine that allows you to travel: antirabies. If the destination chosen is the UK, Ireland, Sweden, or a third country on EU territory (such as Monaco), additional vaccinations and tests are required:
- Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival;
- Titration of antibodies against rabies;
- Treatment against echinococcus multilocularis for dogs;
- A written declaration by the owner that allows another person to transport the animal without commercial intentions.
Passport Cost
Each local health authority sets its own tariff, based on their interpretation of the law and regional regulations. There is no single price for a passport; it depends on the region you are in. Prices range from €5.61 (Emilia-Romagna) to €15.00 (Umbria, Tuscany, and Liguria). In some cases, the animal may also undergo a veterinary visit, which requires an additional fee (from €15.00 to €30.00).
Additionally, if the animal is not vaccinated or has no microchip, you will need to add the cost of the vaccination and/or tattooing. The typical price for a vaccine is around €8.00/€10.00, while the cost of a microchip is approximately €20.00, resulting in a total cost of €60.00.
Regulations According to Destination
When traveling with your pet between EU countries, you must follow certain rules:
- Plan the trip well in advance (preferably six months before);
- Ensure that the animal has the required identification:
- Microchip or legible tattoo.
- Vaccination against rabies at least 21 days before arrival;
- Titration of antibodies against rabies;
- Certifying document for the animal’s health.
The passport must be issued by a local health authority and have the required certifications.
United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden
Since January 1, 2012, dogs, cats, and other animals can enter these countries without undergoing quarantine. To travel to these countries:
- Microchip or legible tattoo for identification.
- Vaccination against rabies at least 21 days before arrival;
- Titration of antibodies against rabies (minimum 120 days from vaccination);
- Passaporto UE and certificato sanitario.
- Treatment against tapeworms for dogs only, administered within 24-120 hours prior to arrival.
- A written declaration by the owner that allows another person to transport the animal without commercial intentions.
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Norway
To travel to Norway:
- Microchip or legible tattoo identification;
- Vaccination against rabies at least 21 days before arrival;
- Passaporto UE and certificato sanitario.
- Treatment against internal parasites within 5 days prior to arrival;
- Two vaccinations against internal parasites, with an interval of 28 days between them.
Third Countries on EU Territory
Andorra, Switzerland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City apply similar regulations for animal control during travel. Only the passport will have different characteristics:
- A gray cover;
- The ISO code and State emblem;
- Uniquely numbered document.
- The animal must have:
- Microchip or legible tattoo identification;
- Vaccination against rabies and titration of antibodies;
- Treatment against echinococcus multilocularis;
- Health certificate with a 10-day validity period from issuance;
- A written declaration by the owner that allows non-commercial transportation.
It is mandatory to undergo customs checks, which may result in a visa for entry.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. The animal passport plays a crucial role in ensuring your furry friend’s safety and comfort during travel. By understanding the procedure for issuance, vaccinations required, costs involved, and regulations according to destination, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Do I need an animal passport to travel with my pet?
A: Yes, an animal passport is required for pets traveling within the EU or to certain non-EU countries. - Q: What vaccinations are required for travel?
A: The mandatory vaccine is antirabies. Additional vaccinations and tests may be required for destinations outside the EU. - Q: How long does it take to obtain an animal passport?
A: The process typically takes a few days, but can vary depending on the region and veterinary service. - Q: What is the cost of an animal passport?
A: The cost varies by region, ranging from €5.61 to €15.00. - Q: Do I need to undergo customs checks when traveling with my pet?
A: Yes, mandatory customs checks may result in a visa for entry. - Q: Can I travel with multiple animals at once?
A: No, only up to 5 animals can be transported at a time, unless they are over 6 months old and intended for exhibitions or competitions. - Q: What is the required documentation for non-EU countries?
A: The passport must have a gray cover, ISO code, and State emblem; the animal must have microchip or legible tattoo identification, vaccination against rabies and titration of antibodies, treatment against echinococcus multilocularis, and health certificate with a 10-day validity period. - Q: Can I use an existing health certificate for my pet?
A: No, the passport replaces the health certificate; it must include certification of all vaccinations performed (including antirabies) and the animal’s and owner’s personal data.
Tips for a Successful Journey
- Research your destination and its specific regulations regarding animal travel.
- Plan ahead and apply for an animal passport well in advance to ensure timely issuance.
- Consult with your veterinarian to determine the necessary vaccinations and treatments for your pet.
- Ensure that your pet has all required identification, including microchipping or tattooing.
- Consider using a reliable travel service or pet sitter to help with transportation and care during your journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling with your pet requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the requirements for an animal passport, vaccinations, costs involved, and regulations according to destination, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry friend.
