Requirements for moving from Saudi Arabia with pets within Europe

Relocating with your family overseas it’s a stress procedure and since your pets are part of the family you will also want to take them abroad with you and include them in the moving process. For being able to do relocate with your pets, you need to know a few facts when moving within the European Union.

Requirements for moving from Saudi Arabia with pets within Europe

You might not be familiarized with the European Pet Passport (EU Pet passport) but this document  allows for qualifying domestic animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) to freely move within Europe. It is a booklet, equal for most European countries. It  has mandatory information about an individual pet and contains the identification number, and proof of valid vaccination against the rabies virus.

It may also contain other non-obligatory information and is valid for the lifetime of the animal. Each passport is numbered for identification purposes. Animals travelling within any European Union country need to be accompanied by this Passport.

On the other hand, different rules apply for Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway and the United Kingdom. For example, dogs must have in addition to the passport, also proof of tapeworm (echinococcosis) treatment. This treatment must be administered between 24 and 120 hours before entering the country.  Your vet should have the relevant information and be able to prepare your pet before traveling.

If you would like to move with other animals like reptiles, rabbits, rodents, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates within the EU you will not need a pet passport. But it can be the case that rabbits and rodents from outside Europe may need to spend up to four months in quarantine.

For further information take a look on the EUROPA website on transporting pets in the EU or contact with any of our Crown Relocations offices around the world.