New legislation on the "non-commercial transport" of pets, already informally agreed with EU ministers, was approved by Parliament on Thursday. Taking pets abroad will be easier, but pet health requirements will be stricter. Online information for pet owners will also be made clearer.
Before taking their pets across borders, owners should check that their anti-rabies vaccinations are still valid. Young animals between 12 and 16 weeks that have been vaccinated against rabies – but have yet to achieve immunity – should still be allowed to travel.
"There are 64 million cats and 66 million dogs in the EU. One household in four has a pet. In future, travelling across borders with pets will involve far less administrative hassle. We have eased the rules, and this should have a direct impact on citizens" said rapporteur Horst Schnellhardt (EPP, DE) after his resolution was adopted by 592 votes to 7 with 4 abstentions. The legislation will be applicable 18 months after it is published in the EU Official Journal.