Important updates for those who love traveling with pets: the European Parliament has introduced new measures regarding the pet passport.
The aim is to provide a more straightforward document and at the same time simplify bureaucracy, making it easier to issue and renew pet passports.
It’s important to note that these changes will take full effect 18 months after their publication in the Official Journal, likely by early 2015.
The required documents must be issued by an authorized veterinarian and must include specific details such as proof of rabies vaccination and general health information about the animal.
Additionally, the transponder number, for the electronic microchip, must be indicated.
Currently, dogs, cats, and ferrets with a clearly legible tattoo—according to the law—do not need to have a microchip implanted, as the tattoo is considered valid identification.
There is also a limit: you cannot travel with more than five animals, a rule meant to help curb the commercial trafficking of pets.
Exceptions are possible only for groups of animals participating in sports events, competitions, or similar events, which must be proven.
The new rules also clarify that you can travel with puppies between 12 and 16 weeks old, as long as they are vaccinated, even if they may not yet be fully immune to rabies.
