24/04/2026
New EU rules for traveling with pets
From April 22, 2026, new rules will apply in the EU: with more than five dogs in the same vehicle, you can no longer travel unless, for example, you are participating in competitions or using public transport.
The aim of the regulation is to curb the illegal cross-border trade in pets. However, for most travelers traveling with one or fewer pets, there are no changes. The requirements for a pet passport, rabies vaccination, and a chip identification document still apply here.
It is important to note that special rules apply when traveling with more than five animals in the same vehicle. The maximum number of dogs accompanying the owner or an authorized person must not exceed five animals in total.
However, this number may be exceeded if the following conditions are met:
🐶 Animals are transported for the purpose of participating in competitions, shows, or sporting events, or training for such events.
🐶 Written documentation confirming that the animals are registered to participate in such an event or are registered with an association that hosts such events.
🐶 All animals are over six months old. If the animals do not meet these conditions, they must meet the requirements for commercial import. All three conditions must be met simultaneously.
Note: From April 22, 2026, these requirements will now be applied directly based on EU animal health legislation, specifically Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the "Animal Health Act"). The content of the previous regulation has therefore not been abolished, but rather transferred to the new Uniform Animal Health Act.
👉 Read more about the rules on the EU website:
Vorschriften für Reisen mit Hunden, Katzen und Frettchen innerhalb der EU und aus dem Ausland in die EU; Informationen über den Heimtierausweis und die EU-Tiergesundheitsbescheinigung; Informationen zu anderen Haustieren; Vorschriften für die Einreise aus einem Nicht-EU-Land in die EU.