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No experience with dogs, only cats, but the requirements should be the same for all EU countries. Some forum members have mentioned issues with pets using the route via Serbia, as it's not yet EU, others have said it's fine.

We like to avoid any risk of hassle so will take a route that stays within the EU once we cross the Channel.

i brought my dogs and cats through in march (driving). just had rabies jab.ive got the other jabs done over here.

@Suzi Masterson  ooh, interesting, thank you for this!  I don't do yearly injections for myself or pets, so will do the move if they only need minimal injections. Thanks again.

@janemulberry  good point, thank you.

I travel regularly with my dog from UK to BG and to Spain.

If you travel regualrly, it's best to get an EU Pet passport for your dog once you're in Europe.

The first time, you will need an animal health certificate. To get this you will need to visit a vet and they usually reuire plenty of notice.

Your dog must be chipped. It must be at least 12 weeks old and you will have to get the rabies jab done at least 21 days before you intend to travel.

The rabies jab is valid for one year but the Animal Health Certificate is valid for only one trip into Europe. You must travel within 10 days of the certificate being issued and it will last for 4 months if you plan to return.

Animal Health Certificates aren't cheap. most vets charge over £200 just to issue the paperwork.

If you are near North West England, I know a vet who does them from home for £120.

As others have said, I have heard horror stories at the Serbian Border. I heard of dogs being taken away and won't be returned without the payment of a fine (Blackmail)  I travel via Romania. I have been blackmailed there too but for around 50 Euros, not the 500 to 1000 Euros reporrted in Serbia.  Also regarding SerbiaI know of others who had similar issues simply because they were travelling in a van. A friend of mine had to hand over 500 Euros and the customs officer rode with him in the van all the way to the Bulgarian border and wouldn't allow him to stop!

@alanjolly65 thanks for the info.  WOW, didn't know of the blackmailing though.  I think if i make the move, I'll just stay put!  Got three dogs!! thanks again for reply.

@buckleyps It's probably nowhere near as common as everyone says but you just remember the horror stories.

@alanjolly65 yep. I went from france to uk, 2 dogs and one cat, they decided that the timing of the shots for the dogs was out but the cat was ok, cost me nearly a hundred to stay overnight, go to vet next day, pay for them to just stamp a bit of paper................... it happens everywhere.