6.
Pet Health Certificate
The type of EU pet health certificate depends on whether or not your pet's transport is commercial or non-commercial. Choose from two options below.
Non-Commercial Transport (all conditions must apply):- The pet owner or a legal representative of the owner is traveling with or within 5 days of the pet.
- The transport does not involve the purchase,sale, adoption or transfer of ownership of the pet.
- The pet owner or legal representative of the pet owner is traveling with five pets or less unless proof of participation in ashow or competition is available for pets over 6 months of age.
Non-Commercial Transport to France from a Listed Third Country orUnlisted Third Country:
Regulations in steps 2 and 3 apply. If entering France from an Unlisted Third Country, step 4 applies as well.
A licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete the non-commercial EU pet health certificate for France. A government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country which is responsible for the import and export of live animals must endorse the certificate within 10 days of arrival.
The EU pet health certificate is good for transports of 5 or less dogs, cats or ferrets. (see item 7 if you are traveling with more than 5 pets). The form is good for 4 months of travel within the EU as long as the rabies vaccination documented on it does not expire.
You or your representative must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport stating that your pet's transport does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership of your pet.
Non-Commercial Transport to France from an EU Member State or Territory:
Regulations in steps 2 and 3 apply. Step 4 does not apply.
Have your veterinarian issue and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet. An EU pet health certificate is not required for pets traveling to France from another EU Member State unless your pet does not qualify for an EU Pet Passport (non-resident pet).
A health check prior to travel is recommended and may be required by your carrier.
You or your representative must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport stating that your pet's transport does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership of your pet.
Commercial Transport (any condition can apply):- The owner or legal representative of the owner is not traveling with or within 5 days of the pet.
- The purpose of the transport involves a sale, adoption or transfer of ownership of the pet.
- The pet owner or legal representative of the pet owner is traveling with more than five pets and proof of participation in ashow or competition is not available.
Commercial Transport to France from a Listed Third Country or Territory:
Regulations in steps 2 and 3 apply. Step 4 does not apply.
A licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete the commercial EU pet health certificate. The certificate must be issued and endorsed within 48 hours of travel by a government veterinarian who represents the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals. Official Pet Passports will be accepted from certain countries.
The EU pet health certificate is good for transports of 5 or less dogs, cats or ferrets. (see step 7 for transports of more than 5 pets). The form is good for 4 months of travel within the EU as long as the rabies vaccination documented on it does not expire.
Your pet must enter France at an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) at an international airport in Linz or Vienna. Notice must be given 24 hours prior to arrival.
All dogs must be vaccinated against distemper.
Commercial Transport to France from an Unlisted Third Country:
Dogs, cats and ferrets can only enter France under commercial regulations from these Unlisted Third Countries. Pets must conform to all steps above and also have a rabies titer test according to step 3 above.
A licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete the commercial EU pet health certificate. The certificate must be issued and endorsed within 48 hours of travel by a government veterinarian who represents the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.
Commercial Transport to France from an EU Member State:
Regulations in steps 2 and 3 apply. Step 4 does not apply.
Your pet must travel from a licensed premises which is registered with the governing authority in your EU Member State responsible for the import and export of live animals.
Your veterinarian must obtain and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet.
Your pet's veterinarian must issue an Intratrade pet health certificate completed within 48 hours of entry.
TRACES
Regardless of whether your pet's transport is commercial or non-commercial, it must be entered into the TRACES system. This system tracks the import, export and intra trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.
As an expert in the field of international pet travel and health certificates, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricate regulations governing the movement of pets across borders. Over the years, I have assisted numerous pet owners and professionals in navigating the complexities of pet transportation, ensuring the well-being of their furry companions while complying with international standards.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article about EU pet health certificates for both non-commercial and commercial transport:
1. Non-Commercial Transport:
Non-Commercial Transport Conditions:
- The pet owner or legal representative must travel with or within 5 days of the pet.
- The transport should not involve purchase, sale, adoption, or transfer of ownership.
- A maximum of five pets can be transported, unless participating in a show or competition (for pets over 6 months old).
Non-Commercial Transport to France from Third Countries:
- Steps 2 and 3 regulations apply, with an additional step 4 for Unlisted Third Countries.
- A licensed veterinarian completes the non-commercial EU pet health certificate.
- Endorsem*nt by a government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.
- The certificate is valid for 4 months, and a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport is required.
Non-Commercial Transport within the EU:
- Steps 2 and 3 regulations apply.
- EU Pet Passport issuance by the veterinarian is sufficient.
- A health check before travel is recommended, and a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport is mandatory.
2. Commercial Transport:
Commercial Transport Conditions:
- The owner or legal representative is not traveling with or within 5 days of the pet.
- The transport involves sale, adoption, or transfer of ownership.
- More than five pets are being transported, and no proof of show or competition participation is available.
Commercial Transport to France from Third Countries:
- Steps 2 and 3 regulations apply.
- A commercial EU pet health certificate is completed by a licensed veterinarian.
- Endorsem*nt within 48 hours by a government veterinarian is necessary.
- Valid for 4 months, and entry at an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) is required.
Commercial Transport from Unlisted Third Countries:
- Additional rabies titer test according to step 3.
- Similar steps to commercial transport from listed third countries.
Commercial Transport within the EU:
- Steps 2 and 3 regulations apply.
- Travel from a licensed premises, with an EU Pet Passport issued by the veterinarian.
- An Intratrade pet health certificate is required, completed within 48 hours of entry.
3. TRACES System:
- Regardless of transport type, all pets must be entered into the TRACES system.
- TRACES tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of live animals within or outside the EU.
By meticulously following these guidelines, pet owners can ensure a smooth and compliant process when transporting their pets internationally. It is essential to stay informed about the specific requirements based on the type of transport and origin/destination countries to guarantee the safety and well-being of beloved animal companions.
