How to issue a European veterinary certificate for a dog?

How to issue a European veterinary certificate for a dog? - briefly

To issue a European veterinary certificate for a dog, you must follow these steps:

  1. Visit your local vet or an authorized veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and meets all necessary vaccination requirements.
  2. The vet will complete the form with the required details, including the dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and any other relevant information.

How to issue a European veterinary certificate for a dog? - in detail

To issue a European Veterinary Certificate for your dog, you need to follow these detailed steps:

  1. Visit an Authorized Veterinarian: Ensure that the veterinarian is authorized to issue EU pet passports or certificates. This can typically be done at any licensed veterinary practice in your country.

  2. Microchipping: If your dog does not already have a microchip, it must be implanted before any other procedures are carried out. The microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice that is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades. This microchip will store your contact information and can be scanned to identify your pet.

  3. Vaccination: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies. If this is the first time your dog is being vaccinated, you will need to wait 21 days before traveling. However, if your dog has been previously vaccinated and is up-to-date, no waiting period is required.

  4. Blood Test: In some cases, a blood test may be necessary to confirm that the rabies vaccine was successful. This is particularly important for dogs being transported into EU countries from non-EU countries. The test should be done at least 30 days after the vaccination. You will need to wait three months from the date the successful blood test was taken before you can travel with your dog.

  5. Issuance of Certificate: Once all necessary procedures are completed, the veterinarian will issue a European Veterinary Certificate for your dog. This certificate is valid for:

    • 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU, or
    • Four months for onward travel within the EU (provided that the dog remains healthy and there are no new health threats).
  6. Travel Requirements: When traveling with your dog, make sure to carry all necessary documents, including the European Veterinary Certificate, proof of microchipping, and vaccination records. It's also advisable to bring a recent photograph of your pet in case it gets lost or separated from you during travel.

  7. Compliance with Destination Rules: Some EU countries may have additional requirements or restrictions regarding the importation of pets. Make sure to check and comply with any specific rules for the country you are traveling to.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your dog is properly prepared for travel within the European Union, with all necessary certificates and documents in place.