Travelling from Cyprus with Your Pet
Want to take your dog or cat on holiday, or moving abroad? The paperwork is not hard, but it has to be done in the right order and in good time. For some countries you need at least four months.
Start early
The most common mistake is leaving the paperwork for the last week. Some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. As soon as you know you are travelling, come in and we will go through what you need.
Travelling within the European Union
For EU countries, the steps go in this order:
- Microchip. It must go in first, before the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies vaccine. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old, so the earliest a pet can travel is at about 15 weeks old.
- EU pet passport. It is issued by an authorised vet and records the microchip and vaccines.
- 21-day wait. After the first rabies vaccine, 21 days must pass before you travel.
Travelling outside the EU
Many countries outside the EU ask for more:
- A rabies antibody blood test, with a waiting period after the test
- A special health certificate
- Sometimes an import permit
Rules are different in every country and they change over time. Always check the official rules of the country you are going to, several months before you travel.
Airline rules
Every airline has its own rules. Ask them early:
- What size and type of carrier they accept
- Whether your pet can travel in the cabin or only in the hold
- Whether they restrict short-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs and Persian cats
Tips for a calm journey
- Get your pet used to the carrier. Leave it open at home for weeks before, with a blanket and treats inside.
- No big meal before the flight. A light meal a few hours before is better.
- Water until shortly before you leave.
- Bring the passport, vaccine records and any other documents the country asks for.
How we can help
At Vet to Pet we fit microchips, give rabies vaccines and issue EU pet passports. We help you do each step in the right order and at the right time. Rules do change, though, so before you travel always check the official sources for your destination too.
Checklist before you leave
- A microchip that reads properly
- A valid rabies vaccine, recorded in the passport
- An EU pet passport or the certificate your destination asks for
- Tapeworm treatment, if your destination needs it
- Confirmation from the airline for your pet
- A carrier of the right size, with your name and phone number on it
- Some of your pet's usual food for the first few days
Common questions
My pet already has a microchip. Does it need a new one?
Usually not, as long as the chip reads properly and is the international type. At the appointment we check it with our scanner to make sure it works before you travel.
How long does the rabies vaccine last?
It depends on the vaccine, usually one to three years. If the booster is given on time, you do not have to wait 21 days again. If it is late, the waiting period starts again.
What happens when we come back to Cyprus?
Coming back from an EU country, the EU pet passport with a valid rabies vaccine is usually enough. Coming back from outside the EU, the rules can be stricter. Check them before you leave, not after.
Should I give a sedative for the flight?
Not without talking to us first. Some sedatives are not safe on a plane. If your pet gets very anxious, come in and we will find a safe solution together.
Sources and further reading
The facts in this article are based on guidance from international and European veterinary organisations.
Getting ready to travel?
We do microchips, rabies vaccines and EU pet passports at the clinic. Book early, well before your flight.
📞 22 015979This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.