Export of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the European Union – Commercial Movements and Non-Commercial Movements of More Than Five Animals

Note 1: As of February 29, 2012, the European Union (EU) requires the use of a new health certificate for the commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets, and for the non-commercial movement of more than five pet dogs, cats, and ferrets belonging to the same owner, into its Member States.

Note 2: Every attempt has been made to ensure that the information on this site is up-to-date; however, countries can change their import requirements without notifying the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It is strongly recommended that you contact the embassy or official veterinary authorities in the country of destination to confirm that there are no changes, additional requirements, or prohibitions related to certain breeds of dogs or cats. Information about the Movement of Pets (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) – Commercial Movement From Third Countries is also available on the European Union website.

Certification Requirements

Versions of the Health Certificates are available in most EU official languages; all certificates include English text. Please use the appropriate version for the first point of entry into the EU. (e.g. The animals are being shipped to Italy, but they are required to stop over or change aircraft in France. The English/French certificate is required. The certificate will be inspected at the first point of entry. This will be France.) If the language of the Member State of the first point of entry is not available, please contact your local Animal Health Office.

The veterinary health certificate must be completed in block letters and signed using another colour other than that of the text of the certificate. All dates must be written following the "dd/mm/yyyy" format.

The certificate must be accompanied by supporting documentation or a certified copy concerning vaccination and identification.

For further information, access to the appropriate language version of the certificate, and a detailed, step-by-step, instructional document on filling out the health certificate, please contact your local Animal Health Office. Note that the instructional document also contains information about the additional requirements of certain Member States.