Requirements for non-commercial movement of certain pet animals are stated in EU Regulation no. 576/2013 (Pet Regulation).
Pet animals are in the Pet Regulation limited to including the following species:
- Dogs, cats and ferrets
- Birds (with certain exceptions*)
- Domestic rabbits and rodents
- Reptiles and amphibia
- Invertebrates (except bees, molluscs and crustaceans)
- Ornamental tropical fish
* The definitions of pet animals excludes birds of the following species: fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites (Ratitae). Such birds can never be considered pet animals under the law.
Other species of animals cannot not be moved within the legal scope of the Pet Regulation and shall be moved in accordance with the general movement requirements.
General rules for non-commercial movement of pets
For the movement to be considered non-commercial the following general requirements must be met:
- The movement of the pet is caused by the owner need to travel, either because the pet:
- travels with the owner, or
- is moved accompanied by an authorised person up to five days before or after the owner's movement.
- The movement of the pet does not have as its aim either the sale of or the transfer of ownership of a pet.
If the general requirements are not met, the pet animal cannot be moved in a non-commercial movement. Instead the movement must comply with the normal requirements for movements within the Union and entry into the EU.
For more information on normal movements within the Union and entry into the EU, please visit the website of the EU Commission
Additional requirements for non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds
In addition to the general rules for non-commercial movement of pet animals there are specific requirements for non-commercial movements of:
- Dogs, cat and ferrets being moved within the EU and into the EU
- Birds being moved into the EU
Non-commercial movement of other pet animal species than dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds
For other species of pet animals covered by the Pet Regulation, there are currently no EU requirements.
The limitation on how many pet animals can be moved do not apply to other species than dogs, cats, and ferrets.
However, please be aware of the following:
- The keeping of certain species is banned anywhere else but on certain approved establishments
- Ban on import of certain rodents
For travelling with dogs, cats and ferret, please go the two guides:
For travelling with birds from third countries, please go to the page on:
Travelling to other EU member states or to third countries
Are you travelling to other EU member states with your pet animal, please consult with the competent authority in the country of destination, before you depart.