Additional Vaccinations Your Dog Needs for Mainland Europe Travel

When planning to take your dog on holiday to mainland Europe, it is essential to understand the additional vaccinations and preventative treatments that may be necessary to keep your dog safe and healthy, beyond the standard UK requirements for a pet passport. This article details the key health measures to consider for your dog’s protection when travelling abroad in 2025.

Understanding the Current UK Pet Travel Requirements

To travel from the UK to mainland Europe, your dog must have a valid identification and documentation for ease of border crossing. This begins with a microchip implanted before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be given when your dog is at least 12 weeks old, and you must wait at least 21 days after vaccination before travel.

Since 1 January 2021, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry to EU countries from Great Britain, replaced by an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel. This certificate allows one entry and onward travel within the EU for up to four months. Dogs must enter the EU at designated Travellers’ Points of Entry.

Tapeworm treatment within 24 to 120 hours before entering certain tapeworm-free EU countries such as Ireland, Malta, Finland, and Norway is also mandatory. Adding to this, traveling to Northern Ireland now requires a specific Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document.

These procedures represent the current framework for legal pet travel, and knowing them sets the foundation for additional health precautions while abroad.

Additional Vaccinations and Preventatives for Travel to Europe

While the rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment cover legal travel requirements, other diseases prevalent in certain European regions may pose a risk to your dog. The following are important considerations discussed with your vet prior to travel:

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm, caused by parasites spread via mosquito bites, is uncommon in the UK but more frequent in southern Europe, such as parts of southern France. Although there is no vaccine, preventative medications prescribed by your vet can kill worms before they mature. Monthly heartworm preventatives, such as vet-approved topical products, are recommended for travel to mosquito-prone areas.

Additionally, using dog-safe mosquito repellents during your visit adds an extra layer of defence.

Leishmania Vaccination and Protection

Leishmania is a serious disease spread by sand flies along the Mediterranean coast that can cause chronic and debilitating symptoms in dogs, including weight loss, skin lesions, and infections. While a full recovery is not always guaranteed, vaccination can significantly reduce the risk.

Vaccination courses usually involve three injections over six weeks, with immunity developing around four weeks after completion, plus annual boosters. Insect-repellent collars such as Scalibor or Seresto and spot-on treatments help repel sand flies, especially at dawn and dusk when they are most active.

Brucellosis Vaccination

If your travel includes areas with many stray or wild dogs, vaccination against brucellosis may be advised. This contagious disease can be transmitted between dogs and also to humans. Discuss with your vet about the necessity and timing for this vaccine.

Parasite Control: Fleas, Ticks and Worms

Parasites common in the UK also occur throughout Europe but with additional threats such as tick-borne illnesses including babesiosis and ehrlichiosis that are rare in the UK. Effective tick prevention products, such as deltamethrin (Scalibor) collars offering several months protection, and monthly broad-spectrum worming treatments are essential.

It's wise to avoid areas where ticks are prevalent, check your dog carefully after walks, and remove any ticks promptly and safely.

Planning Your Dog’s Health for Travel

Begin discussions with your vet at least 12 weeks before travelling. This allows sufficient time for vaccinations and preventative treatments to take effect, and for travel documentation to be arranged correctly. Your vet can create a customised health plan for your dog's destinations and length of stay, ensuring compliance with legal travel requirements and maximising your dog's protection.

Remember that responsible pet ownership means not only meeting legal requirements but also ensuring your dog’s comfort and wellbeing throughout your travels.

Conclusion: Ensuring Safe and Healthy Travel

Travel to mainland Europe with your dog requires more than just a pet passport or Animal Health Certificate. Additional vaccinations such as against Leishmania, brucellosis, heartworm preventatives, and strict parasite controls may be needed depending on where you are going.

Early planning with your vet will help you navigate these requirements smoothly, protecting your dog from local diseases and ensuring a happy and healthy holiday together.

Safe travels!