Unlike the UK, Europe gives the option of pet transfer either by cargo or as excess baggage, however, rules and regulations between EU countries may slightly vary making it important to consult a pet relocation specialist to assist with the move. Bahrain Pet Relocation team can prepare a door-to-door move to any of the EU destinations and ensure you have all the necessary documents to bring your best friends safely home.

Microchip of your pet with ISO standard microchip is a must for brining pets to the EU, in addition to a number of vaccinations and certificates, including the annex forms for commercial or non-commercial moves

DOGS AND CATS IMPORT REQUIREMENTS TO THE EU

There is a slight difference in the requirements between dogs and cats to import to the EU, mainly the tapeworm treatment which is required for dogs only.

Because many of the EU countries are considered rabies free, strict rules and requirements apply and you need the proper documentations to avoid quarantine upon arrival or the rejection of the shipment that may lead to sending back to origin.

Below are general rules and requirements for pet entry to the EU.

  • Microchip ISO standard, with dates mentioning implementation and scanning
  • Rabies Vaccination and Certificate must be at least 21 days old prior to travel
  • Rabies Antibody Titer Test for pets traveling to the EU from unlisted countries such as KSA via Bahrain – No Rabies Titer Test requirements for dogs and cats that are originated in Bahrain or spent the required window period in Bahrain before travel.
  • EU Health Certificate Annex (commercial or non-commercial).
  • Tapeworm Treatment (for dogs only) – with regards to tapeworm treatments, only approved manufactures are approved, consult your veterinarian or our relocation team for directions on this treatment.
  • Endorsement of Paperwork.
  • Box seal and seal certificate.

EU enforces that the rabies vaccination given right after microchip must either be a 1-year vaccination or a 3-year vaccination is still accepted as long as the pet travel within the first year of these three years.

EU PET PASSPORTS

Because many pets coming to Bahrain carry EU pet passports and are being relocated back to the EU, it’s important to cover the below details.

EU Pet passports make the process easier but are not a must; pets coming from outside the EU do not carry the EU Pet Passports as official veterinarians inside the EU can only issue these passports.

Pets who carry EU passports with an expired rabies vaccines or with a three years rabies vaccine that are coming to the EU from Bahrain in the second or third year of the rabies vaccine must re-do the rabies vaccinations at least 21 days prior to travel.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMMERCIAL & NON-COMMERCIAL PET TRAVEL TO THE EU

The five days rule and the number of pets imported are the thin line between a commercial or noncommercial move. The EU requires pet owners to arrive to the EU within five days of their pet arrival however this is still flexible considering many factors, please consult your pet shipping consultant for further details.

Non-commercial moves follow Annex IV health certificate forms while commercial moves follow Annex 1 – time frame of endorsement also varies, within five days and no less than 24 hours for non-commercial and 48 hours for commercial moves. Also commercial moves have higher taxes while non-commercial moves have minimal tax and both depending on the declared value of the pet upon arrival or as mentioned on the travel documents

PLANNING YOUR PET MOVE TO THE EU CAN BE SMOOTH AND SAFE IF WELL PREPARED AND ORGANISED, CONTACT OUR RELOCATION SPECIALISTS TO MANAGE ANY DETAILS YOU REQUIRE.

Attention: The above are general guidelines, regulations and requirements can change and may not be updated. Contact your relocation specialist for further assistance.