Press Release: Travelling with pets: Pet passports to be introduced in July 2004

The European Commission adopted a Decision on 27 November 2003 establishing a model passport which will allow pets and their owners to travel more easily within the European Union. New EU legislation comes into force in July 2004 which will mean all cats, dogs and ferrets will need a passport to travel. The pet passport, a veterinary document, will provide proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies. This is the sole requirement for pets to travel to all Member States except Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. 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.