Are quarantine periods mandatory for EU pet entry?
Written by
Hoang Long
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.The length of quarantine time for a pet entering an EU country is determined by rabies compliance and the risk status of the country of origin. Pets coming from countries with a minimal risk of rabies, such as the US, can avoid quarantine by obtaining the necessary documents. Pets coming from high-risk countries are placed in quarantine. In treating a client's dog from Morocco, this process was followed, and thus prevented the unnecessary inconvenience of quarantine.
Low-Risk Countries
- ISO microchip: Must be scanned at entry points
- EU health certificate: Issued within 10 days of travel
- Rabies vaccination proof: Minimum 21 days before entry
High-Risk Countries
- Mandatory quarantine: 10-30 days in approved facilities
- Rabies titer tests: Conducted 30 days pre-travel
- Pre-approval paperwork: From destination agriculture ministry
Ensure documentation compliance for quarantine exemption. Submit original rabies certificates with microchip numbers matching EU databases. Health certificates need government endorsements. My client's cat avoided quarantine with notarized USDA paperwork. Missing stamps cause automatic isolation.
Be prepared for high-risk country protocols and book approved facilities in advance (at least a month). Verify and translate vaccination history into the destination language. Home isolation costs on average are €50 per day. I recently advised a family on the costs of a 30-day home quarantine for their dog in France, within a budget of € 1,500.
Check country-specific regulations before traveling. Germany requires an extra liability insurance policy. Italy requires you to register with local authorities within 48 hours of arrival. Spain has rules regarding the muzzling of certain breeds. Always check your national agriculture websites for the latest rules and laws. If you don't follow the local rules, you could be deported.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Tips for Moving With Pets
