TRANSPORTATION OF PETS

In the case of transportation of pets (e.g., cats or dogs), different provisions are applicable to commercial and private transportation. Council Directive 92/65/EEC regulates the commercial transportation of such animals. Each consignment shall be deemed commercial where the number of transported animals exceeds five (5). Regulation 998/2003/EC of the European Parliament and the Council – as amended – along with the relevant implementing decrees regulate the non-commercial movement of pet animals.

The basic requirements in connection with the transportation of pets are as follows:

1. Obtaining an animal passport. (To be issued by a licensed private veterinarian.)

2. Distinct marking of the animal is essential for the issue of an animal passport. There are two methods: Tattoo and/or microchip implantation.

3. The passport must show the details of the owner, a description of the animal, a description of the tattoo or the number of the microchip, the date of a valid rabies vaccination or if necessary, the date of demonstrating the existence of antibodies of rabies virus, its value in International Units and the date of treatment against endoparasites and ectoparasites. (It is important to know that rabies vaccination is valid only if the event occurred at least 21 days before movement. It then follows that animals younger than 3 months must not be transported within the territory of the EU, neither into or out of any third country. There are only few member states that allow the movement of animals of such age. This 3-month rule is also applicable to commercial activities.)

4. In the case of non-commercial movement, however, it is essential to be familiar with the veterinary health status of the country or destination and origin. There are some states with so-called accentuated status (See Annex II, Part A of Regulation 998/2003/EC). Such member states have special requirements with regard to importation and trade. These member states are currently the following: Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Entry into such countries requires evidence of the presence of antibodies in the animals’ blood against rabies virus and such evidence can be obtained through specifically authorized laboratories. In Hungary, Országos Állategészségügyi Intézet (The National Institute for Veterinary Health) has laboratories with the required authorization. In the case of countries with special requirements, special care must be exercised before transportation because local requirements may vary. For example, in case of Great Britain pets may only be imported 6 moths after the first vaccination against rabies and only in the possession of the required certificate on a negative blood test.

5. In the case of other member states, only an animal passport is needed which of course must bear evidence of vaccination against rabies.

6. Movement between member states is subject to the following conditions:

6.1. Possession of Animal Passport

6.2. A certificate issued by the competent authorities for veterinary health which has been signed and stamped by the competent and authorized veterinarian. This standard certificate is available through the so-called TRACES system.

6.3. A TRACES message must be sent on the consignment to the authority competent for the destination. This TRACES message is sent by the competent veterinary health station.

In the case of a real exportation, the terms and conditions of admission are determined by the third country of destination. In the case of a real importation, the animals must possess a veterinary health certificate completed in English and in the language of the state of admission. If the transport is of a commercial nature the veterinary health regulations must be also be observed apart from the standard commercial regulations. Directive 1/2005/EC contains detailed provisions about the movement of pet animals.

The foregoing is for purposes of information only. Please enquire beforehand if you wish to transport animals.