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If you are planning to travel or move to Europe, we have an important announcement: starting April 22, 2026, the rules for traveling with pets within the European Union (EU) will be unified and strengthened under new regulations. For those who plan to bring their dogs or cats from Japan to the EU, this change will have a particularly significant impact on "documentation accuracy. Please make sure you are well prepared now.
Why is this news important now?
The amendments are based on a new Delegated Regulation adopted by the European Commission (European Commission), which renews the EU Pet Travel Regulation framework that has been in place since 2013. The same legal standards will now apply in all EU member states for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Many of you may be relieved to hear that "the basic requirements will remain almost the same," but in fact, the point this time is not so much the "content of the rules" but rather the "stricter operation. Until now, minor errors in documentation have often been overlooked, but after April 22, such "oversight" is expected to disappear.
Details of the changes: What will change?
✅ Basic requirements remain the same
The basic conditions for moving dogs, cats, and ferrets within the EU remain the same.
- Attachment of microchip(ISO 15-digit standard; tattoos done prior to July 2011 will continue to be accepted)
- rabies vaccination(within expiration date)
- EU Pet Passport or official health certificate(upon entry from non-EU countries)
Point of Interest 1: The order of "microchip → vaccine" is strictly scrutinized.
EU regulations have long required that "rabies vaccination be given after the microchip is installed. However, after April 22, this order will be checked more strictly. If the vaccination is given before the microchip is installed, the vaccination may be considered "invalid" for entry into the EU.
💡 In Japan, the order of inoculation may vary from veterinary hospital to veterinary hospital. Please check your past vaccination history.
Point of Interest 2: Tightened health certificate requirements for entry from third countries (e.g., Japan).
When entering the EU from Japan with a pet, an "Official Animal Health Certificate" issued by an authorized veterinarian is required. This certificate must include the following
- Individual identification information (e.g., microchip number)
- Proof of rabies vaccination
- Confirmation of Echinococcus (Echinococcus multilocularis) deworming treatment as needed
- That this move is a "non-commercial move".
💡 ③ Echinococcus deworming isFor dogs only(Not required for cats and ferrets). Required upon entry into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland.
Point of Interest 3: Pet birds are limited to a "maximum of 5 birds per trip".
This will change not only for dogs and cats, but also for small birds and other animals traveling with them. The revision sets a limit of five pet birds per trip. In addition, quarantine and inspection may be imposed prior to entry or for 30 days after arrival as a measure against avian influenza.
🔮 Future changes: digital pre-registration system under consideration
Although not yet mandatory at this time, the European Parliament and the European Council are discussing the introduction of a system of digital registration of dogs and cats moving within the EU in advance. The proposal is to "register at least 5 days prior to travel," and it is possible that this will become mandatory in the near future. It is essential to keep checking for the latest information.
Advice from PetAir: 3 Things to Do Now
Time is running out before the April 22 enforcement date. Please check the following three points now, especially if you are planning to travel to the EU in the near future.
Check the "vaccination order" for microchip and rabies vaccine.
Contact the veterinary clinic to obtain the vaccination history of your dog or cat. Check to see which came first, the date of microchipping or the date of rabies vaccination. If the order is reversed, you may need to redo the vaccinations.
Check to see if the destination requires echinococcal deworming (dogs only)
Echinococcus (striped worms) deworming is required prior to entry of dogs into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland. The treatment must be performed 24-120 hours (1-5 days) prior to travel and documented by a certified veterinarian. Cats and ferrets do not have this requirement.
Request health certificates from a certified veterinarian and prepare them as soon as possible.
Under the new revision, the content and accuracy of health certificates will be more strictly checked. Incomplete documentation may cause problems upon entry into Japan. We strongly recommend that you prepare well in advance.
summary
The renewal of the EU Pet Travel Regulations starting April 22, 2026 is not so much a change in the nature of "more new requirements" as it is a change in the nature of "stricter enforcement of the existing rules". Therefore, it is important not to be complacent and think, "It was no problem before, so it will be fine. Especially for those who are bringing their pets from Japan to the EU, please take a second look at the accuracy of your documentation and vaccination history.
Please contact PetAir JPN if you have any problems with your pet's overseas travel.
From the official LINE or inquiry formfreeYou can consult with us at
📚 References and primary sources
- EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU - Your Europe (European Commission)
- EU changes rules for travelling with pets from April 22 - Gamereactor
- New 2026 EU Pet Travel Rules: Bringing Dogs & Cats to Europe - Paws Abroad
- EU pet travel rules changing in Spain from April 2026 - Euro Weekly News
*The information in this article is current as of March 26, 2026. Please check with the official authorities in your country for the latest regulatory information.
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