Belgium

Discover the essential rules and requirements for traveling with your dog to Belgium. Learn everything about identification, vaccinations, and additional requirements to ensure a smooth trip.

Travel with your dog to Belgium

The dog must be identified by means of a microchip and must have a European passport.

The dog must be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination must be given at least 21 days before departure, and must be repeated within the validity period. A vaccination after this period is considered a first vaccination and is only valid again after 21 days. 

A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old when receiving its first rabies vaccination, which means a puppy can only cross the border from the age of 15 weeks.

When traveling with more than five dogs, they must undergo a clinical examination, and their passport must include an additional certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the country of departure. The dogs will then be subject to commercial transportation regulations.

The non-commercial transportation rules still apply when transporting more than five animals for participation in competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or training, as long as the animals are older than 6 months and the owner can provide written proof of participation.

Don’t forget to check the regulations for all the countries you’ll be traveling through, 
such as the Netherlands, Germany, or France.

Source(s): Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment

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France

Discover the essential rules and requirements for traveling with your dog to France. Learn all about identification, vaccinations, and additional requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Traveling with your dog to France

In France, there are two categories of "dangerous" dogs. Owners must have a special permit, including training and behavioral assessment of the dog. Category 1 dogs (attack dogs) are more strictly regulated than Category 2 dogs (guard and defense dogs). You can find more information about this here.

Don't forget to check the regulations for all the countries you travel through,
such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.

Source(s): Ministère de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation

Germany

Discover the essential rules and requirements for traveling with your dog to Germany. Learn all about identification, vaccinations, and additional requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Traveling with your dog to Germany

The dog must not interfere with the driver and must be protected against sudden movements or in case of an accident. This can be achieved through a special dog harness attached to the seat belt, a securely fastened car crate, or a closed luggage compartment with a safety net or barrier.

The muzzle requirement for dogs in Germany is not uniform and can vary by state (Bundesland) and even by municipality. There is no general rule that applies to all of Germany. However, a muzzle is often required in public places, especially for large dogs and certain breeds.

For short visits to Germany (maximum of four weeks), there are exceptions to the import ban for potentially dangerous dog breeds, such as Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and crossbreeds of the aforementioned breeds. In some states, this list is more extensive, see here. Dog owners must be able to show the necessary documents, including proof of ancestry, vaccination certificate, and behavioral test certificate. This regulation is intended to accommodate tourists and short-term visitors. Checks may occur at German customs, so keep all papers on hand. Stricter rules apply for longer stays.

Don't forget to check the regulations for all the countries you travel through,
such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic or Poland.

Source(s): Zoll, Bundesministeriums für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL)

Luxembourg

Discover the essential rules and requirements for traveling with your dog to Luxembourg. Learn all about identification, vaccinations, and additional requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Traveling with your dog to Luxembourg

Luxembourg legislation classifies certain dog breeds as dangerous, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Tosas, Pitbulls, Boerbulls, and similar breeds. Special rules apply to these dogs:

Import or purchase requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture

Owners must complete a 12-hour course on dog behavior and care

Dogs must undergo 24 hours of behavior training at a recognized center

Training certificates are valid for 3 years and must be renewed

Dangerous dogs must always be leashed in public spaces

Ownership is prohibited for persons under 18 or with a criminal record

Don't forget to check the regulations for all the countries you travel through,
such as Belgium, Germany, or France.

Source(s): Landwirtschafts Portal, Journal officiel du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

The Netherlands

Discover the essential rules and requirements for traveling with your dog to the Netherlands. Learn everything about identification, vaccinations, and additional requirements to ensure a smooth trip.

Travel with your dog to the Netherlands

Do not forget to check the rules for all the countries you travel through,
such as Germany or Belgium.

Source(s): Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority

Discover all the information you need to travel through Europe with your dog. Our page provides details about the rules, requirements, and tips for each European country. Plan your next vacation with your four-legged friend using this handy travel guide.

Travel with your dog within Europe

Discover all the information you need to travel through Europe with your dog. 

Our page provides details about the rules, requirements, and tips for each European country.
Plan your next vacation with your four-legged friend using this handy travel guide.

Is your favorite country missing from this list? Please fill out this form.

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