How Much Does an EU Pet Passport Cost in 2023?

With an EU Pet Passport, your dog, cat or ferret can travel through the EU and other non-EU countries with ease. So, if you’re planning on going traveling, you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home!

The price for a complete EU Pet Passport can cost anywhere between €20 and €448+. The price is broken down into the following compulsory and potential costs:

1. Pet microchipping
2. Rabies vaccination
3. Vet visit
4. Animal Health Certificate
5. Rabies titer test
6. Tapeworm treatment
7. Additional vaccines and treatments

The cost for an EU Pet Passport depends on the following:

1. Your veterinarian’s fees
2. The country you are visiting
3. The species of your pet

Firstly, different veterinary clinics will have individual prices for their services. Furthermore, different countries require different vaccinations, treatments and documents for different species of pet.

In this article we will breakdown the different fees for an EU Pet Passport, and how you can save some money.

What is an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport is a compilation of documents that your pet needs in order to travel. With an EU pet passport, your dog, cat or ferret will be able to travel freely through the EU without enduring a quarantine period. For an official EU Pet Passport the documents must be issued by an official veterinarian within the EU. If you are travelling to the EU from a non-EU country, you will need a microchip, rabies vaccination and animal health certificate. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel.

The documents required to travel depend on which country you are travelling from, and which country you are entering. Each country has different rules and requirements to export and import pets. These also vary between pet species. We will discuss the requirements in detail below.

Pet Microchipping costs between €0 and €100

In order to get an EU Pet Passport, your dog must have a microchip (“transponder”).

A transponder is a tiny device of the size of a grain of rice that is injected under the skin of your pet. Each contains a microchip with an individual identification number. Veterinary clinics and animal charities can scan animals to identify them and reunite them with owners when lost.

We recommend that getting a microchip is the first step in the process of obtaining a pet passport. This is because if your pet isn’t microchipped before they get their rabies vaccination, then the vaccination may not be valid. Thus, your pet would have to get vaccinated again.

The cost to have a pet microchipped at a veterinary clinic in the EU ranges from €25 to €100. The prices vary depending on the country and the individual prices at different vet clinics.

How do I save money on my pet’s microchip for my EU Pet Passport?

Different veterinary clinics charge different amounts for inserting pet microchips. Check a few local vets to see if you can find a cheaper price.

Alternatively, give your local charities a call. Many charities and animal shelters may offer microchipping for free!

Rabies Vaccination costs between €0 and €100

In order to get an EU Pet Passport in 2023, all dogs, cats and ferrets require an up-to-date rabies vaccination. In order to qualify, you must be able to show that your dog has had their rabies vaccination within the past year.

The average cost of the one-year rabies vaccination in the EU can range drastically between €25 and €100. This is the price for getting your pet’s vaccination at a veterinary clinic.

How do I save money on my rabies vaccinations for my pet’s passport?

Different veterinary clinics have different prices for rabies vaccinations. Call a few different vet clinics to find the cheapest rate.

You may be able to get your rabies vaccination for free at some charities. Check your local charity to see if you are able to get this for free. Usually you will need to prove that you are on benefits in order to qualify.

If your pet has already had a rabies vaccination within the past year, you will not need to pay this part of an EU Pet Passport. However, ensure that the vaccination doesn’t expire until after you return home.

A vet visit costs between €20 and €100+

You will need to visit a credited veterinarian to issue your EU Pet Passport. Only certain vets are authorised to issue EU Pet Passports, or animal health certificates so make sure you check before booking an appointment.

As well as checking your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination certificate, they will also perform a basic health examination to ensure your pet is well enough to travel. Once the vet is happy your pet is ready for travel, they will review all the paperwork and complete your EU pet passport book.

The cost for visiting a vet varies widely throughout the EU, depending on the country and veterinary you visit. You can pay as little as €20 or over €100.

How do I save money on a vet visit for my pet’s passport?

Different veterinary clinics charge different amounts. Shop around to find the best price for you in your area. Just be sure that the clinic is authorised to issue EU Pet Passports.

Animal health certificate cost varies widely

This cost will only apply if you do not reside in the EU. In order to bring pets into the EU, you must carry an animal health certificate This document must be filled out by your vet and endorsed by your home country’s animal regulatory agency.

Once you have an authorised animal health certificate, your pet is able to get an EU pet passport. When you arrive in the EU, just book an appointment with an authorised vet to complete a pet passport. You will need to bring your certificate along with you, as well as any additional medical records.

The cost of getting an endorsed EU Health Certificate depends on your home country. The costs vary widely.

Rabies Titer Test / Rabies Blood Test can cost €100+

Some countries require pets to have a rabies titer test, also known as a rabies blood test. This is to ensure that your pet’s rabies vaccine was successful.

Your vet will need to take a blood sample from your pet, which will be sent to an EU-approved blood testing laboratory. They will need to prove that there is a sufficient amount of the rabies antibody in your pet’s blood.

You will need to pay the standard rate for a vet visit, as well as a fee for sending the blood sample off for testing. Vet’s have advised us that the cost is usually around €100 but can be much more depending on the veterinary clinic.

Tapeworm Treatment costs between €3 and €18+

Some countries require dogs to be treated against tapeworm. This is the case if you are travelling to Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta.

The price for a tapeworm treatment ranges between €3 and €18+, plus a potential basic vet visit fee.

The tapeworm treatment must be completed by an accredited vet and recorded in your pet’s passport. Therefore, you unfortunately cannot just buy a treatment over the counter.

How do I save money on my dog’s tapeworm treatment for my EU pet passport?

Some veterinary clinics will only charge you for the tapeworm tablet. However, other clinics will charge a basic visit fee on top of that.

Check with a few different veterinary clinics to find the cheapest price.

Additional Vaccines & Treatments costs between €5 and €30+

As well as the standard rabies vaccination, many countries require additional vaccines and treatments.

The cost for these additional vaccines and treatments depends on the clinic you visit, your destination country and the species of your pet. Some countries may just require one additional vaccine, where others may require many.

What are the prices for common pet vaccines required for a EU Pet Passport?

DOGS

• Coronavirus – the average cost is €10-€15. This vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €20-€30.
• Lyme – the average cost is €10-€15. The vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €20-€30.
• Leptospirosis – the average cost is €10-€15. The vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €20-€30.
• Bordetella: – the average cost is €10-€15. The vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €20-€30.
• Canine Influenza – the average cost is €10-€15. The vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €20-€30.

CATS

• Bordetella – average cost for one vaccine is €5-€15.
• FeLV – average cost for one vaccine is €5-€15. This vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €10-€30.
• Feline Chlamydia – the average cost is €5-€15. This vaccine is administered twice for a total cost of €10-€30.
• Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV) – the average cost for one vaccine is €5-€15. This vaccine is administered three times for a total cost of €15-€45.

How can I save money on my pet’s vaccinations and treatments?

Prices between veterinary clinics vary. Call a few different clinics to find the best prices.

Additionally, some vaccines can also be given along with DAPPV (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) to form a five-way vaccine. This may bring the cost down.

There is also the option of signing up for a pet plan. With a pet plan you can get free or discounted treatments and vaccines when you pay a monthly or yearly fee.

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How to get an EU Pet Passport

Getting an EU Pet Passport is simple and will just take 2 simple steps:

1. Research – different countries have different entry requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets. Look into the requirements for your destination country before visiting the vet. You will also need to check whether there are any requirements to return to your home country.
2. Visit the vet – make sure you visit a vet authorised to issue EU Pet Passports, or animal health certificates. At minimum, your pet will need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and a general health check. Your pet may also require additional treatments or vaccinations depending on where you are going. At the end of the appointment, your vet will compile your pet’s passport to take away with you on the same day.

For more information on getting an EU Pet Passport, check How to get an EU Pet Passport [2023 GUIDE].

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How long does it take to get an EU Pet Passport?

Usually, it will take no more than one hour to get an EU Pet Passport. All it takes is a quick appointment at a credited veterinary clinic within the EU.

When calling to make your appointment be sure to inform the veterinarian staff that you want to get a pet passport. Some clinics are not authorised to issue EU pet passports. Furthermore, you want to ensure that they have blank passports in stock.

The duration of the appointment will depend on how many treatments or vaccinations your pet requires. If your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, then your appointment will be quick. In this case, your vet will just need to complete a health check and fill in the Pet Passport booklet. On the other hand, if your pet hasn’t been microchipped or vaccinated, it may take a little longer. You may even have to go back for multiple visits.

Please note, in some cases it will take longer than a day to get your complete pet passport. If you are traveling to a country that requires a rabies titer test (rabies blood test), the process will take longer. In these cases, you will need to allow yourself at least 3 months to prepare, 6 months to be safe.

Give your veterinary clinic a call to confirm how long it will take them based on where you are going.

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

How long is EU Pet Passport valid for?

This certificate is valid for travel throughout the EU for four months, until you leave the EU or until your pet’s rabies vaccination expires.

Can I get my puppy or kitten an EU Pet Passport?

Yes, as long as they are over the age of 12 weeks. Many countries require that dogs and cats are a minimum of 12 weeks old. This is because many countries require rabies vaccinations which can only be administered to pets over this age. Most of the time you must wait 28 days after the vaccination, before entering a country. Additionally, proof of age should be available.

What if I lose my EU Pet Passport?

If a passport is stolen or lost, it can be replaced as long as you have evidence of the animal’s vaccination record and blood test result (if applicable). Both records must also show your pet's microchip number. Details of the lost or stolen passport, including its serial number, country and date of issue (if known) should be recorded on the Pet Passport Control Sheet. We recommend that you scan photos of your pet passport in case you lose it.

Can I get an EU Pet Passport outside of the EU?

Unfortunately no. An Eu pet passport must be issued by an official veterinarian within the EU. You can however travel to the EU with an animal health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in your country.

Bottom Line

The price for a complete EU Pet Passport can cost as little as €20 and up to $448 or over. The price varies so widely as veterinary costs vary between countries and clinics. Additionally, depending where you and your pet are traveling to, they may need additional vaccinations and treatments. Make sure you research the requirements of your destination country before booking the appointment with the vet. If you want to save some money on your EU Pet Passport, compare the prices of the veterinary clinics near you to find the cheapest rates.

For more information on getting an EU Pet Passport, check How to get an EU Pet Passport [2023 GUIDE].

Hope you have found this helpful – happy travels!