Press Release: Travelling with pets: pet passport now obligatory

New EU-wide legislation introducing a pet passport is fully applicable from 1 October 2004. The passport allows pets and their owners to travel more easily within the European Union. The owners of all cats, dogs and ferrets need it when travelling to another Member State. It provides proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies. This is the sole requirement for pets to travel to all Member States except Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom (where stricter criteria apply) and it replaces 25 national documents. The passport can also contain details of other vaccinations, including those not required by law, as well as information on the animal's medical history. The passport allows pet owners to travel without inquiring about the rules in the EU country of their destination.

European Commisson: DG Health and Consumer Protection: Overview: Animal Health and Welfare: Internatiobnal affairs: Pets http://ec.europa.eu/comm/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm

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