EU Pet Travel Scheme Explained!

The process of moving from Cambodia to the EU with your pet can seem bewildering at first, so here we have
explained the veterinary requirements in 6 easy steps.

1. Microchip.
• Your pet must be permanently identified by the implantation of a microchip, and the date of
implantation recorded.
• This microchip must be a 15-digit microchip.
• If your pet has a 10-digit microchip, you must provide your own microchip reader at the airport.
Estimated Timescale: The correct microchip can be inserted during a standard 15-minute veterinary
appointment.

2. Rabies vaccination.
• Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it receives the rabies vaccination.
• The rabies vaccination must happen AFTER your pet has been microchipped. Any rabies
vaccinations before microchipping are not valid for travel.
Estimated Timescale: Initial rabies vaccination can be administered during the same appointment as
microchipping. You may choose to repeat the rabies vaccination one month later to ensure the highest
probability that your pet will pass the Rabies Antibody Titration Test (see next step).

3. Rabies Antibody Titration Test.

• This tests your pets blood to make sure that they have developed a high enough level of
antibodies in response to the rabies vaccine.
• You must wait a minimum of 30 days after the date of rabies vaccination (where the day of
vaccination counts as day 0, not day 1).
• Must be performed by an EU-approved laboratory.
Estimated Timescale: A blood sample can be drawn from your pet during a standard 15-minute veterinary
appointment. You must then wait 3 calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before your
pet is eligible to travel. It can take up to 3 weeks to receive results from the laboratory, and up to 6 weeks to
receive the original copy of the Rabies Serology Certificate.

#33 Street 334, Sangkat Boeung 023 986 640 Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 7pm
Keng Kang 1, Khan Chamkarmon, Saturday: 9am - 12pm
Phnom Penh Sunday: CLOSED
 4. Export Permit.
• The Cambodian Government require all animals leaving Cambodia to be issued with an Export
Permit by the Ministry of Agriculture.
• You can apply for the Export Permit at any time during the 3-month waiting period, but you
must know your pet’s exact date of travel.
• You are required to supply a photocopy of the following with your application:
i. Your passport
ii. Your pet’s vaccination details (rabies vaccination and annual vaccinations)
iii. Your flight details
Estimated Timescale: Usually takes 1 - 3 working days to be issued, dependent upon Cambodian national
holidays.
5. Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate and Declaration for the Non-Commercial Movement of
Animals.
• Must be issued AFTER the 3 month waiting period.
• An official veterinarian must complete the Third Country Certificate and the owner or
authorised person must complete the Declaration.
• The owner or authorised person responsible for the animal must accompany the pet within five
days of the pet’s movement.
• Your pet must arrive in the EU within 10 days of the date of issue of the certificate.
5. a. Veterinary Health Certificate
• Most airlines/pet shipping companies will require a certificate from a licensed veterinarian
stating that the pet is not showing clinical signs of contagious disease and is fit to travel.
• We recommend that a preventative flea/tick treatment and a de-worming treatment is
administered for all animals and recorded on this certificate.
Estimated Timescale: Your pet will require an appointment within 10 days of their flight in order to be
examined and declared healthy by the veterinarian. The certificates and declaration can be completed during
this appointment.
6. Tapeworm treatment (dogs only).
• Dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta or the United Kingdom, or Norway, must be treated for
tapeworm with an approved product by a licensed veterinarian a minimum of 24 hours and a
maximum of 120 hours (between 1 and 5 days) before their scheduled arrival time.
Estimated Timescale: The worming treatment can be administered at the same appointment as the Third
Country Official Veterinary Certificate and Declaration for the Non-Commercial Movement of Animals are
completed.

TOTAL ESTIMATED TIMESCALE: Approximately 5 - 6 months.

#33 Street 334, Sangkat Boeung 023 986 640 Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 7pm
Keng Kang 1, Khan Chamkarmon, Saturday: 9am - 12pm
Phnom Penh Sunday: CLOSED
 TIP! We recommend that you begin these preparations ideally 6 months in advance of when you
intend to move your pet.

TIP! Your Rabies Serology Certificate is valid for movement into the EU for your pet’s entire life! They
never have to repeat the blood test as long as rabies booster vaccinations are given yearly, on or
before the due date.

TIP! The UK only accepts pets imported as manifest cargo, they are not allowed to travel either as
excess baggage or in the cabin.

TIP! If you are travelling to the UK with your dog, you are required by law to register your dog’s
microchip on an approved UK database within 30 days of arrival. A list of approved UK databases and
more helpful information can be found at http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/animal-health-
welfare/animal-health/Pages/microchipping-dogs.aspx.

TIP! If it is likely that you will move to the EU from Cambodia in the future, you can complete the first 3
steps at any time during your pet’s life.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is offered as advice only and is liable to change. Please contact the relevant
veterinary authority in your country of destination to check the requirements. In addition, individual airlines and/or pet
relocation companies may have specific conditions for travelling with pets in addition to the requirements set out here.
Please contact your airline and/or pet relocation company directly for information.

#33 Street 334, Sangkat Boeung 023 986 640 Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 7pm
Keng Kang 1, Khan Chamkarmon, Saturday: 9am - 12pm
Phnom Penh Sunday: CLOSED