Pet Travel to Belgium: Essential Guide for Dogs and Cats

You must follow specific health and documentation requirements when travelling with your dog or cat from the UK to Belgium.

• Microchip: Your pet must be fitted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before receiving any rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination: A primary rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 21 days before your scheduled departure date.
• Health certificate: You must obtain an Animal Health Certificate issued by an official veterinarian within ten days of your travel date.
• Import permit: No import permit is required for non-commercial travel provided you are moving five or fewer pets.
• Tapeworm treatment: While not mandatory for entry into Belgium, ensure your pet is healthy and fit for the journey.
• Arrival checks: Pets are subject to mandatory health and document inspections at the first point of entry into the EU.
• Confirmation: Rules change frequently, so always confirm current requirements with your veterinarian and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.

Bringing your pet from Belgium into Great Britain requires strict adherence to UK government health and identification standards for entry.

• Microchip: Your pet must be identified by a compliant microchip that was implanted before or on the same day as their rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is required, with a 21-day waiting period following the primary vaccination before travel is permitted.
• Travel document: You must carry a valid EU pet passport or an official veterinary health certificate for your pet's entry into the UK.
• Rabies blood test: A blood test and three-month wait are only required if you are travelling from a non-listed country outside the EU.
• Tapeworm treatment: Dogs must receive an approved tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours before their scheduled arrival in the UK.
• Quarantine: Compliant pets that meet all health and documentation requirements are not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Great Britain.
• Confirmation: Regulations are subject to change, so verify all details with your vet and the relevant government authorities before your journey.

Travelling with your dog or cat from another EU country to Belgium is straightforward under harmonised European pet travel regulations.

• EU pet passport: A valid EU pet passport issued in the pet's country of residence is sufficient for travel between EU member states.
• Border checks: There are generally no routine border checks for pets moving between EU countries, though documentation must be carried.
• National extras: Specific rules apply for certain destinations, such as mandatory tapeworm treatment for travel to Ireland, Malta, Finland, and Norway.
• Non-EU export: If travelling from outside the EU, you must provide an EU export health certificate issued by an official veterinarian.
• Import permits: Ensure you have any necessary import permits and have completed required tests if arriving from a non-EU listed country.
• Carrier rules: Always check with your specific transport provider, as they may have additional requirements for the safety of your pet.
• Confirmation: Because rules can change, you must confirm all requirements with your veterinarian and the official authorities on both sides before travel.