Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Stay updated with the latest pet travel news, airline policies, hotel accommodations, and import/export regulations from around the world
EU Removes Rabies Antibody Titre Test Requirement for Pets from Serbia and Montenegro
June 12, 2026
The Official Journal of the European Union has published Regulation (EU) 2026/1169, which eliminates the requirement for a rabies antibody titre test when traveling to the EU with cats, dogs, or ferrets originating from Serbia and Montenegro.
The new rule takes effect on the seventh day following publication in the Official Journal.
View the full regulation here
Whether you’re a jet-setting Chihuahua or a parakeet with a passion for Paris, the rules of the game just changed. As of today, April 22, 2026, the European Union has officially tightened the leash on pet travel.
If you’re planning on crossing borders with your furry (or feathered) family, you’ll want to pay attention. At PetsTravelINFO, we’ve waded through the legalese so you don’t have to. Here is the “tail-end” of what’s new.
New EU Pet Travel Rules 2026: The “Passport-Gate” Edition
The days of “casual” pet passports are over. The EU has decided that a European Pet Passport is a privilege, not a right. Here’s the breakdown of the new landscape:
The EU Passport: Residents Only!
Starting today, the blue EU Pet Passport is officially reserved for the “locals.” Only EU citizens or those with a valid residence permit can have one issued.
The “Old Passport” Problem: If you’re a non-resident (looking at you, Great Britain and the US) but you’ve been coasting along using an EU passport issued in a previous life or by a very relaxed vet you’re officially on notice. The UK Government has already issued a stern warning: using an EU passport as a non-resident after April 22, 2026, is a “no-go”. Expect extra scrutiny at the border; it’s time to switch to the official Health Certificate route!
The “Five-Pet” Fleet Limit
The EU has done some math, and they’ve decided that a car full of animals shouldn’t look like Noah’s Ark.
- The Old Rule: Five pets per person.
- The New Rule: Five pets per vehicle.
The Health Certificate Upgrade (Good News!)
It’s not all “thou shalt not.” The EU has actually thrown a bone to those traveling on certificates.
- Extended Validity: The new-style European Health Certificate is now valid for 6 months of travel within the EU (up from the previous 4 months).
This is a huge win for slow travelers and “digital nomads” who want to take their time exploring the continent without rushing back for a fresh vet stamp.
Expert Summary for the Savvy Traveler
- Non-EU Residents: Stop using your old EU passports today. Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or your country’s equivalent.
- The “Vehicle” Rule: If you’re a multi-pet family, count your paws before you pack the van. Five is the magic number per vehicle.
- Check the Date: These rules are live right now.
About rabies vaccine
While the core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, 21-day waiting period) remain the same, the European Union has introduced two key updates to the health certificate process to enhance biosecurity.
Here’s what’s changing:
- 30-Day Rabies-Free Declaration
The new EU Animal Health Certificate will now require an official declaration that your pet has been resident in a country (such as the US, UK, or Canada) with no reported cases of rabies in the 30 days prior to travel. Your veterinarian will need to confirm this. - Enhanced Traceability
While not mandatory for every traveler on day one, the EU is implementing a framework for digital pre-registration of pets. This means that in the near future, you may be required to enter your pet’s details into a database before you fly. It is highly recommended to check with the embassy of the country you are visiting or your airline close to your departure date for any specific online registration steps.
What You Need To Do:
· Make sure your USDA-accredited vet is aware of these new rules when filling out your health certificate.
· Plan Ahead: Because the certificate involves a new declaration, it’s wise to schedule your vet appointment a little earlier than usual to ensure all paperwork is perfect.
Safe travels to you and your furry companion!
ITA Airways conducted a test flight allowing large dogs into the cabin without carriers
September 23, 2025
ITA Airways just made history with a groundbreaking test flight that let big dogs roam free in the cabin – no carriers required!
On September 23rd, 2025, the Italian airline took a bold leap forward, welcoming two furry passengers, Moka and Honey, aboard their Milan-Rome flight. These lucky pups got to stretch out on the floor right next to their owners – one pair settled in at the front of the plane, while the other claimed their spot at the back.
This wasn’t just a one-off experiment either. ITA Airways has announced they’re planning to roll out a new policy that will allow dogs weighing up to 25 kilograms to travel in the main cabin alongside their humans.
This could be a game-changer for pet owners who’ve been dreading cramming their larger four-legged family members into tiny carriers.
Great news about traveling with pets from Italy
May 12, 2025
The Italian Civil Aviation Authority has authorized Italian airlines to transport animals weighing more than 8-10 kg on the adjacent passenger seat.
The new law came into force in Italy on May 12, 2025. According to a press release from the Italian National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), Italian airlines can now obtain special permission to transport animals weighing more than 10 kg on the adjacent seat in the aircraft cabin.
When transporting pets, the following rules must be taken into account:
- the animal must be in a suitable carrier;
- the carrier must be secured on the passenger seat or higher (if the aircraft model allows it);
- the carrier must be located by the window;
- the seat next to the emergency exit is not allowed.
The decision on the maximum number of animals on a flight, the weight of the animal and the size of the carrier is made by the airline management.
New CDC Requirements for Dog Entry to US Take Effect August 1, 2024
The CDC has implemented stricter regulations for all dogs entering the United States, effective August 1, 2024, regardless of travel method or service status.
Key Requirements:
- Complete official CDC form several days before travel
- Declare if dog visited high-risk rabies areas in past six months
- Present printed or digital receipt at Iberia check-in and US arrival
High-Risk Area Restrictions:
Dogs from high-risk regions without valid US vaccination certificates or USDA-approved health certificates can only enter through six designated airports with CDC animal facilities: Atlanta, Los Angeles, Washington, New York, Miami, or Philadelphia. Pre-booking at these facilities is mandatory.
Full details available on the CDC website.