PETS DELIVERY EXPERT
EU pet travel: newly issued certificates must use the current template
October 1 ended the transition allowing the older certificate template to be issued. Check the form and validity dates for non-commercial EU entry.
- Old-template issue cut-off
- Published
- Sources checked
Check the template before the appointment
From October 1, 2026, newly issued certificates for standard non-commercial entry of dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU must use the current model. The transition allowing older certificate models to be issued has ended.
The model is in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2026/705, which applies from April 22, 2026. Previous-model certificates issued before October 1 remain covered by the transition until March 31, 2027, subject to their normal entry and validity conditions. This does not extend an individual certificate’s expiry date.
A new form does not replace the preparation
The certificate normally has a 10-day entry-check window from official issue, or from competent-authority endorsement when prepared by an authorized veterinarian. Microchip, rabies and any applicable antibody-test requirements still need their own assessment. The form also travels with the required non-commercial declaration.
A pet moving under commercial rules needs a different process. For a Canadian departure, read our October 17 commercial-certificate transition update.
Our planning recommendation
Send the intended first EU arrival point, travel date and existing records to the certifying veterinarian before the appointment. Ask which current template and endorsement process they will use. If a certificate is already issued, have its dates and eligibility checked before arranging a replacement.
Keep one clearly identified final travel file, so an outdated draft cannot be confused with the endorsed document. We can help organize the preparation timetable for your international move.
Plan the full journey
Check the movement category, rabies timeline, entry documents and first EU border together.
Read our European Union pet travel guide for preparation steps and official sources.
Read the official sources
- European Commission: entering the EU with a pet
- European Commission: April 22 announcement and implementation dates
- EU Regulation 2026/705: certificate models and transition
Sources checked . Requirements can change. Confirm the instructions for your departure country and travel date with the relevant authority.
LET’S ARRANGE THE JOURNEY
Your companion.
Your next chapter.
Tell us where your pet is and where they need to go. We will organize the journey around them.
Start with the route
Share your departure and destination cities, your pet’s breed and weight, your preferred dates, and whether you will travel together. We will assess the route and prepare a transport proposal with the services included.
Request a route & quote