Dog passport: cost, documents and how to get one
The dog passport is an official document issued by a veterinarian that records your pet's microchip, rabies vaccination and treatments. It is required for travel within the European Union and is obtained in a single consultation, once the identification and vaccine are registered.
Last updated 15 septembre 2026
What is a dog passport?
The dog passport (officially the “EU pet passport”) is a document issued by a veterinarian that records your pet's identification and vaccinations. It is required for any movement within the European Union and serves as the official health record during border checks.
Each passport is nominative: it belongs to a single animal, carries its microchip number, and must be presented to control officers when travelling, just like your own ID.
How to get a dog passport: the steps
The steps to get a dog passport are simple and happen in three stages:
- •Have your dog identified with an ISO-compliant microchip, if this has not been done yet
- •Check that the rabies vaccination is up to date (administered after the microchip is implanted)
- •Visit an authorised veterinarian, who issues the passport after checking the information
If the microchip and rabies vaccine are already registered, the passport can be issued on the day of the consultation. For a puppy, the rabies vaccination can only be given from 12 weeks of age, followed by a 21-day waiting period before the first trip: so allow at least about 15 weeks.
The documents recorded in the passport
- •The microchip number (or tattoo number, in the cases provided for by the regulations)
- •The rabies vaccination: date, product, batch number and validity date
- •The other vaccinations given by the veterinarian
- •Any antiparasitic treatments, in particular against the tapeworm required by some countries
- •The issuing veterinarian's name, address and stamp
Dog passport cost: what does the price depend on?
There is no single price for a dog passport: the cost depends on the veterinarian, the country you are in and the procedures already completed. The bill usually covers the consultation, the document itself and, where applicable, the microchip and rabies vaccination if they have not been done yet.
The price of a dog passport varies by veterinarian and country: ask for a quote before the consultation to avoid surprises, especially if the microchip or rabies vaccine still needs to be done.
Travelling outside the European Union
The EU passport is not always enough outside the EU. Depending on the destination, the authorities may require a recent health certificate, an import permit requested several weeks in advance, a rabies serology test or even quarantine on arrival. Always check the official rules of the destination country and our destination rules tool before booking.
Tips for keeping your dog's passport up to date
- •Have the veterinarian record every booster vaccination in the passport
- •Keep a digital copy of the passport on your phone in case it is lost
- •Check the validity of the rabies vaccine before every trip
- •Plan veterinary procedures 4 to 8 weeks before an international departure
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a dog passport?
The EU pet passport is issued by an authorised veterinarian during a consultation. No town hall or prefecture paperwork is needed: the document is handed over by the veterinarian once the microchip and rabies vaccination are registered.
How long does it take to get a dog passport?
If your dog is already microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, the passport is issued on the day of the consultation. Otherwise, allow time for the microchip and vaccine, plus, for a first trip within the EU, a 21-day waiting period after the rabies vaccination.
How much does a dog passport cost?
The price varies by veterinarian and country. It also depends on the procedures needed: if the microchip or rabies vaccination has not been done yet, it adds to the cost of the document. Ask your veterinarian for a quote to know the exact total.
Does a dog passport have an expiry date?
The document itself remains valid as long as the information in it is up to date: it is the rabies vaccination that has a validity period (usually one to three years depending on the product administered). A passport with an expired vaccine does not allow travel.
My dog is identified by tattoo: is that enough?
The microchip is now the standard identification for travel. A tattoo applied before the dates set by European regulations can remain valid in certain cases, provided it is legible and registered. Confirm with your veterinarian that your dog's identification is compliant before travelling.
Do I need a passport to travel outside the European Union?
The EU passport is specific to the EU. For many destinations outside the EU, you also need a health certificate or an import permit issued under the rules of the destination country. Always check the country's official requirements before departure, and our destination rules page.
What should I do if the passport is lost?
Have a new passport issued by your veterinarian, with a rabies booster if necessary to retrace the information. Always keep a digital copy of the passport and vaccination certificates on your phone to make the process easier.
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