Domestic carnivores: Travel within Europe has been subject to new rules since late December

The new regulations on traveling with domestic carnivores (dogs, cats, ferrets) within the European Union entered into force on December 29, 2014. Since that date, the new pet passport has been required, and the minimum age for rabies vaccination has been set at 12 weeks. > To bring a dog, cat, or ferret into France , European owners must meet three requirements as of December 29:

• have their pet microchipped;
• have the animal vaccinated against rabies at a minimum age of 12 weeks (a primary vaccination is valid only after a post-vaccination waiting period of at least 21 days);
• have the new pet passport certifying the rabies vaccination (including the start and end dates of validity) and the animal’s identity (data now secured by a plastic seal applied by the veterinarian to prevent tampering). However, previously issued passports remain valid and do not need to be replaced.

For groups of six or more dogs, cats, or ferrets, three additional requirements apply: a clinical examination conducted within the past 48 hours, an official Traces certificate, and an authorized means of transport. In this context, an exemption is provided for participation in an exhibition or sporting competition if the animals are over six months old and their owner has a document proving registration for the event. First-category dogs without a pedigree are not permitted to enter France. Second-category dogs with a pedigree (or without one in the case of Rottweilers) are permitted but subject to strict entry and ownership conditions that are incompatible with short-term tourist stays.   > To travel to Member States other than their own, a European owner’s dog, cat, or ferret must have the following, in the order listed below:

• a microchip (a tattoo applied before July 3, 2011, that is legible remains valid);
• a valid rabies vaccination, administered at a minimum age of 12 weeks (initial vaccination and up-to-date boosters);
• the new pet passport, dispensed and completed by an authorized veterinarian.

  In Ireland, the United Kingdom, Finland, or Malta, the following will also be required for dogs:

• treatment for echinococcosis administered within 120 to 24 hours prior to arrival, with the veterinarian recording the date and time in the passport;
• the use of an approved means of transport, i.e., not a private vehicle (United Kingdom and Malta).

  For groups of six or more domestic carnivores, the three additional measures outlined above apply, along with their exemptions for exhibitions and other competitions. Ultimately, any owner found in violation of these provisions may be required, at their own expense, to have the animal returned to its country of origin, placed in quarantine, or even subjected to euthanasia.