Pet Transportation to Europe
Trusted international relocation to Europe from Australia. Travel is complicated enough for humans, let alone your pets. Our experienced team ensures your pet is ready and able to fly when you are.
50+ years of experience
Offices across Australia & Europe
Dogtainers Pet Transport is rated 4.7 stars - from 1079 on Product Review
Expert International Pet Travel to Europe Made Easy
If you are looking to transport your pet from Australia to a European Union country, the Dogtainers team is here to help.
At Dogtainers, we want to make sure that your move overseas is a stress-free process for you and your furry friend. We have offices all across Australia and in London, so our team will take great care of your pet at both ends of your journey. While it is a long-distance, the route from Australia to Europe is a popular one for pets and families.
Dogtainers has been providing international pet transport services from Australia to Europe (and in reverse) for many years now. Our pet transportation company employs experienced professionals to ensure that your pet is in the most capable hands. Taking care of your loved one’s comfort and safety is our number one priority.
Dogtainers works with 90% of the largest and smallest pet-friendly airlines across the globe. We will always find the most direct route, so you are reunited with your cat or dog as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, we can provide airport-to-airport service, door-to-door service, or a tailor-maid solution for you.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
The only pet transport company in Australia with a formal
International Service Guarantee
Your pet's international move is managed by experienced professionals every step of the way — backed by the only guarantee of its kind in the industry.
Fully compliant travel
All arrangements completed in a timely, secure and fully compliant manner — nothing left to chance.
Your pet's comfort first
Your pet acclimatises to their crate before travel and flies in a pressurised, temperature-controlled cabin at 18°C.
End-to-end management
From permits and health checks to airline coordination and delivery — we handle every detail so you don't have to.
Trusted by industry leaders and government bodies
What’s Included in Your Europe Pet Move
With 50 years of experience transporting pets safely and securely, put your trust in Dogtainers. For pet transport between countries, we offer:
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- Preparation of all local and international travel documents.
- Government approved vets on hand to take care of vaccinations, worming and flea treatments, blood tests and health checks.
- A dedicated pet travel consultant in your city and specialist advice regarding the best preparation for your pet’s relocation.
- The most direct route available to your destination.
- At-home pet crate sizing for maximum comfort: we’ll also bring the crate to your home so that your pet can get used to it.
- Access to our temperature controlled pet travel vans, to pick up your pet.
- The option to customs clear and deliver your pet to your final destination.
TRUSTED SINCE 1971
Why Choose Dogtainers
Australia's most trusted pet transport company — 50 years of experience, offices in every state, and a team of genuine pet lovers.
● Official RSPCA partner
● IPATA member
● Australia's oldest pet transport company
Offices in every state
The only pet transport company with local offices and staff in every state and territory — always someone nearby looking after your pet.
50 years of experience
Operating since 1971 — Australia's oldest pet transport company, moving thousands of pets safely every year.
Accredited and trusted
Official RSPCA partner and IPATA member. Your pet is in certified hands from pick-up to delivery.
Pet lovers, just like you
We know pets are family. Every team member shares your commitment to their care and wellbeing.
Pet Entry Requirements For European Union Countries
What Countries Do The EU Pet Import Requirements Apply To?
The EU countries include Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. These countries all share the same pet import requirements.
What Countries Have The Same Pet Import Standard As The EU Countries?
Malta, Norway and Switzerland are not considered EU but these countries follow the same import standards.
What Do I Need To Send My Pet From Australia To Europe?
You will need to provide an ORIGINAL copy of all vaccinations and blood test results as these documents will be needed and will travel with your pets.
How Long Does The Pet Transportation Process To The EU Take?
Although the flights to The EU might only take a number of hours, planning for your pet’s trip can actually take several months to complete. This is because of the very strict pet importation restrictions and scheduling requirements The EU has in place. To avoid disappointment, we recommend contacting us at least one month before you’d like your pet to fly out.
The Process
A Clear Path, Every Step of the Way
From first enquiry to safe arrival, our team manages every requirement so your pet's journey stays simple and stress-free.
Enquiry
Tell us about your pet, travel dates and destination.
Health & Vaccinations
Required tests and treatments completed to schedule.
Documentation
Import permits and paperwork lodged and approved.
Booking & Crate Prep
Pre-Flight Check
Final vet clearance and comfort check before departure.
Arrival & Delivery
Customs cleared and your pet safely reunited with you.
Please allow enough time for the full process — depending on your destination country's requirements, this can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Our team will confirm the exact timeline for your pet's journey.
Import Requirements In EU
Dogs
- Rabies vaccination
- Tapeworm treatment
- Microchip implanted
- AQIS export paperwork
- Health certificate
- Final veterinary inspection
Cats
- Rabies vaccination
- Tapeworm treatment
- Microchip implanted
- AQIS export paperwork
- Health certificate
- Final veterinary inspection
Vaccines
- C3 vaccine for dogs – at least 14 days before departure
- F3 vaccine for cats – at least 14 days before departure
There are additional requirements for commercial shipments transiting through non-approved countries such as Thailand and Qatar.
What Would My Pet’s Trip Be Like From Australia To Europe?
In most cases, while preparing your pet for travel, they will stay with us on site at one of our offices, where our trained staff will take great care of your pet and pre-flight preparations. A water dish will be available inside your pet’s crate and will be topped up during any transits. Upon arrival the airline’s freight handler will check their welfare and proceed to start the customs clearance with the consignee. Please note that unless otherwise advised, the Customs Clearance is NOT included in our quote.
How Do I Send My Pet From Europe Back To Australia?
If your pet is returning from Europe to Australia, we would recommend that you discuss the trip back to Australia with our trained import consultants, who can outline an estimated price and all the requirements needed, ensuring your pet’s safe return.
Pets Fly Like Us
Transporting your pet by air is the quickest and most efficient way of moving your pet to or from Europe with the least amount of hassle. For international flights, live animals travel in the cargo cabin, which is pressurised just like the cabin you fly in. The plane’s captain is aware that your pet is on board and keeps the aircon set to a comfortable 18ºC.
Call Dogtainers now on 1300 13 52 52 or get a quote to start planning your pet’s journey to or from the European Union countries.
FAQs about Pet Transport to Europe
What Are The Specific Requirements For Transporting Pets Within The European Union?
When transporting pets within the European Union, specific requirements must be met. Your pet must obtain an EU passport from an authorized veterinary, have a valid rabies vaccination, and note that the maximum number of pets allowed is five. Additionally, depending on the country you are travelling to, there may be additional requirements such as microchipping, blood tests, or specific health certificates. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the country you are travelling to with a reputable pet transport company.
What Is The Recommended Airline For Transporting Pets To Europe?
Emirates, Qatar, and Singapore Air are recommended for transporting pets. These airlines have a good reputation for pet transport and provide suitable conditions for pets during transit. However, it is important to note that the airline may vary depending on the specific requirements of your pet and the country you are travelling to.
What Kind Of Crate Is Suitable For My Pet During Transport To Europe?
Crates must be IATA and airline-approved. These crates meet strict international standards and are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for pets during transit. It is important to ensure that the crate is the correct size for your pet and that they are comfortable and familiar with it before the journey.
How Much Time Is Required For Preparation Before Pet Transport To Europe?
We ask clients for one month’s notice to ensure everything is properly prepared. This timeframe allows for sufficient time to meet all necessary requirements for pet transport, including veterinary checks, vaccinations, and obtaining the required paperwork. It also allows time for the pet to become familiar with the crate and any necessary travel arrangements to be made.
What Is The Quarantine Process For Pets Travelling To Europe From Australia?
The quarantine process for pets travelling to Europe from Australia is relatively straightforward. The paperwork is checked on arrival by the relevant authority, and this takes 3-4 hours. Once the paperwork is approved, pets are released to the owner. It is important to ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order before travel to avoid any delays in the process.