Your Dream Journey with Pets: The Ultimate Guide to Sailing with Pets in Europe

Bearing the company of your pet during your maritime adventures can indeed enhance your cruising experience. Thankfully, there’s no need to fret about kennel or cattery costs when you can have your four-legged companion onboard with you. Not to mention, they also make for generous companions during your walks on land.

The regulations around voyaging with pets though are relatively convoluted. The good news is, if you’re sailing within the British Isles, between the mainland, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands or if you’re starting from Northern Ireland, there are no pet-related travel documents or health prerequisites. You’re also not restricted to using specific routes or ports and can bring along your pet when cruising on your private boat.

Wishing to take your pet to the European Union aboard your vessel? The answer is a resounding yes! However, there are several rules to consider. Maritime arrivals into the EU must be via designated Traveller’s Points of Entry (TPE), specifically designed for animal arrivals. Given France’s 33 TPEs, contrasted with Holland’s eight and Belgium’s lone hub, it’s worth researching the options.

The departure of the UK from the EU has influenced changes to these regulations. The former EU pet passports, previously issued in the UK, were rendered invalid for EU travel from 1st January 2021. Presently, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), valid for a single voyage and a maximum of four months from the date of issue. Please note, acquiring an AHC is usually costlier than the older pet passports.

Surprisingly, EU pet passports remain valid but only if issued in the EU or Northern Ireland.

As for the AHC, you must ensure your pet is microchipped and has received a recent rabies vaccination (pets must be at least 12 weeks old to get this jab). Wait for 21 days following the primary rabies vaccination, then obtain an AHC from your vet no later than 10 days before your EU trip.