Plan, Prepare, Purchasing
As the holiday season begins, we are often asked about how to travel with a raw fed dog abroad. This blog is designed to help you to plan your adventure & ensure you have all you need ready for your dog with no surprises.
Full European Union (EU) rules are kept updated on the gov.uk site. Please always keep checking this link as advice can change at any point: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs the following, (correct as of 12th July 2023):
An up to date microchip
A valid rabies vaccination
An animal health certificate, or a valid pet passport that’s accepted in the country you’re travelling to
Tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.
Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to, or through, for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.
Food Options
Personal imports and exports of animal products, including meat, are no longer allowed.
It is therefore even more important than ever that planning your trip includes options for where to buy your dog's food from.
This ban includes all edibles so treats as well. Where there is a medical exemption, special pet feed is permitted (and then only if weighing less than 2 kilograms, the product does not require refrigeration before opening, and the food is a packaged proprietary brand product for direct sale to the final consumer, and the packaging is unbroken unless in current use).
What options do pet parents have given the rule change?
In the event that you choose to attempt to take your dog's food and it contains any animal product, you do so at your own risk.
It is likely to be confiscated and your dog may go very hungry until you find a supermarket or butchers to feed them.
it is worth noting that France has large stores that are similar to Pets At Home so there may be some food options there potentially.
We therefore strongly recommend you search for “BARF Raw Pet Food near….” and enter the names of towns or cities along your route.
Raw food is usually found in supermarkets or butchers but it is worth noting that you may not be able to get your usual brands and may need to feed DIY in some instances.
Please be aware of the risks of feeding fresh animal products, see our blog "Buying Fresh" for more information.
Where can pet parents find more help?
If you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland:
Contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline if you need more information about pet travel.
Pet Travel Scheme helpline
Telephone: 0370 241 1710
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays)
Find out about call charges
If you’re travelling to a non-EU country
Contact APHA if you need more information about pet travel to a non-EU country.
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Telephone: 03000 200 301
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges.