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Brussels, |
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Movement of pets
The EU has established uniform animal health rules for the movement of dogs, cats and ferrets in order to protect animal health and reduce the risk of transmission of diseases to humans. The framework focuses in particular on diseases such as rabies and Echinococcus multilocularis, which are central to the sanitary rules applying to these animals.
The legal basis is currently split between two main instruments. The general animal health framework is laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429, the Animal Health Law, while the specific rules for pets travelling with their owners in non-commercial movements are laid down in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. This distinction reflects the need to regulate both the wider animal health framework and the particular regime for privately owned companion animals.
A significant change is imminent: from 22 April 2026, new rules for the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets will apply. These updated rules are intended to align the pet movement regime with the Animal Health Law and replace the current framework under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. The new rules are laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. According to the Commission, the existing rules have generally proved sound, proportionate and effective, so the new regime mainly preserves their core structure while updating it to fit the broader animal health framework and the experience gained by Member States.
Overall, the EU regime on movements of dogs, cats and ferrets is designed to combine disease prevention, traceability and harmonised travel rules for companion animals, while distinguishing between non-commercial travel with owners and the broader sanitary framework applicable to animal movements more generally.
The legal basis is currently split between two main instruments. The general animal health framework is laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429, the Animal Health Law, while the specific rules for pets travelling with their owners in non-commercial movements are laid down in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. This distinction reflects the need to regulate both the wider animal health framework and the particular regime for privately owned companion animals.
A significant change is imminent: from 22 April 2026, new rules for the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets will apply. These updated rules are intended to align the pet movement regime with the Animal Health Law and replace the current framework under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. The new rules are laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. According to the Commission, the existing rules have generally proved sound, proportionate and effective, so the new regime mainly preserves their core structure while updating it to fit the broader animal health framework and the experience gained by Member States.
Overall, the EU regime on movements of dogs, cats and ferrets is designed to combine disease prevention, traceability and harmonised travel rules for companion animals, while distinguishing between non-commercial travel with owners and the broader sanitary framework applicable to animal movements more generally.
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