Belgium Pet Import Requirements

Home » Information » Pet Passports » Belgium Pet Import Requirements

What is a Pet Passport?

We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that conform to Belgium pet import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering this country from non-EU countries. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Belgium will include proof of microchip, current rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (some countries), and one of the following:

An official EU or NI Pet Passport (resident EU or Northern Ireland pets)
An EU Health Certificate (non-EU-resident pets)
A government-issued Pet Passport from a part 1 listed third country (see EU COUNTRY CLASSIFICATIONS)
An Animal Health Certificate when entering Belgium from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales). UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted as a substitute for an Animal Health Certificate.

Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements

These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs, cats and ferrets including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO Belgium below.

Pets in Belgium

According to the Belgian Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (BEPEFA), there is an average of 3 pets per Belgium household. Dogs have gained in popularity in recent years with 38% of households owning at least one dog. At least 31% of households in Belgium own at least one cat.

Many public places, including cafes and some public transport, are pet friendly. Belgian Rail allows small pets in a basket, cage, or box to travel for free.

Belgium has a strong network of veterinary services offering a high quality of pet care. Dogs must be registered and microchipped. Vaccinations, especially against rabies, are required.

Pet-Friendly Airlines Flying to Belgium

A large variety of commercial airlines that accept pets fly to Brussels include but are not limited to Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air Serbia, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Croatia Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Iberia, KLM, Lot Polish, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore, TUI Fly and Turkish Airlines.

Flights to Belgium should be direct or transit through a listed third country (see step 1) or another EU Member State if possible*. If your pet transits through an unlisted country (see step 1), then a Transit Declaration will be required. The declaration must state that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

Find a Licensed Veterinarian

Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals.

Quarantine for pets entering Belgium

There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Belgium if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.

All steps required to conform to regulations to import a dog, cat or ferret to Belgium must be completed in the origination country. Steps 1-8 should be followed in the order given.

Step 1: EU Country Classifications

The European Union (EU) does not recognize any countries as rabies-free. Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all countries are subject to current rabies vaccination according to their regulations. The EU classifies countries as either:

The requirements to import a dog, cat, or ferret to Belgium will depend on the classification of your country of origin and whether your pet has entered an unlisted country within the past four months. Click on the links above to find your origination country’s classification.

Pet owners should identify the classification of their country of origin before reviewing import regulations for Belgium.

Step 2: Type of Transport

The European Union classifies the movement of pets as non-commercial or commercial. These pet import requirements apply to both non-commercial and commercial transports. Review the conditions below to determine whether your pet’s transport will be classified as non-commercial or commercial as the requirements for each type of transport are different.

Conditions for Non-Commercial Transport

• All pets must enter Belgium with or within five days of their owner*. Proof of travel will be required AND
• The transport applies to no more than five pets unless proof of participation in a competition or show is available, and pets are over six months of age AND
• The purpose of the transport must not be for adoption, sale, or exchange of ownership.

*Some EU Member States will allow a representative assigned by the owner to travel with the pet under non-commercial regulations.

All pet owners transporting their pets under non-commercial regulations must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport stating that their pet’s transport does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership of their pet.

Unless all of the above conditions are satisfied, your pet must travel under commercial regulations.

Conditions for Commercial Transport

The pet is not traveling with or within five days of the owner* OR
The transport is greater than five pets under one owner’s passport OR
The purpose of the transport involves any change of ownership, adoption or commercial sale.

*Some EU Member States will allow a representative assigned by the owner to travel with the pet under non-commercial regulations.

If any of the above conditions are met, then your pet must travel under commercial regulations. The importer must be registered in the origin country and have proof of the organization they represent. They also must have proof that this business or organization will be responsible for the import of the pet. The exporter must provide proof that they are registered in the exporting country.

Step 3: Pet Microchip

The second step to import a dog, cat or ferret to Belgium is to have your pet identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO compliant, you can either bring your own microchip scanner.

Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital or trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer or government database in your country.

A tattoo is an acceptable form of identification under the following conditions:

It was applied prior to July 3, 2011, and
The tattoo is clearly visible, and
Your pet was vaccinated for rabies after the tattoo was applied and
All rabies vaccinations after the tattoo was applied were kept current. (No rabies vaccinations were allowed to expire before boosters were administered).

Step 4: Vaccinations

All dogs, cats and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Belgium must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered at the same time or after a microchip was implanted.

If entering Belgium from another EU Member State, part 1 or part 2 listed country, pets must wait 21 days after primary rabies vaccination. If entering Belgium from an unlisted country, pets must wait for 30 days to have a licensed veterinarian administer a rabies titer test (next step).

In both cases, do not count the day of the veterinary visit in the wait time.

Other Vaccinations: Pet owners should always consider healthy vaccinations against diseases such as:

canine distemper (also for ferrets)
canine hepatitis
canine leptospirosis
canine parvovirus
feline viral rhinotracheitis
feline panleukopenia
feline leukemia

Exception: Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper when being transported commercially.

Step 5: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test

A rabies titer test must be administered to pets entering Belgium from unlisted countries only. The test should be administered no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination is administered. Do not count the day of the veterinary visit.

A rabies titer test, also known as a serology test, measures the rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. There are several kinds of rabies titer tests, although the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) is preferred.

The test must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, and the blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory for processing. Assuming test results are within acceptable limits, your pet can enter Belgium three calendar months after the date the blood was drawn for the test and avoid quarantine.

The result of a rabies titer test is no substitution for proof of current rabies vaccination.

It is worth noting that some EU Member States require that serology levels be confirmed prior to leaving their country. It is always wise to have this test done prior to travel if possible. The test is valid to enter any EU Member State for the life of your pet if boosters are administered prior to the expiration of the previous rabies vaccination.

Step 6: Import Permit

Pet owners do not need an import permit when entering Belgium with a dog, cat, or ferret. Unaccompanied pets may need an import permit.

Step 7: Parasite Treatments

Pet owners should always protect their pets from internal and external parasites to keep them healthy when traveling internationally; however, proof of these treatments is not required for pets imported to Belgium.

Step 8: Health Certificate

Every country worldwide requires an original health certificate in their pet import regulations, and Belgium is no exception. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number. Your veterinarian must state that your pet is fit to travel and is not originating from an area that is under restrictions for rabies. Additionally, your veterinarian should attest that your pet is displaying no symptoms of any contagious diseases.

The type of health certificate required will depend on the purpose of the transport: non-commercial or commercial.

Non-Commercial Transport to Belgium from an EU Member State or Part 1 Listed Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply unless your pet has entered an unlisted country within four months of travel.

Resident Pets: Have your veterinarian issue and update an EU Pet Passport or a government-issued Pet Passport (part 1 listed third countries) for your pet. A health check prior to travel is recommended and may be required by your air carrier.

An EU Health Certificate is not required for pets traveling to Belgium with a current EU Pet Passport.

Non-Resident Pets (visitors): Your pet will need a non-commercial EU Health Certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.

Related: Non-commercial bi-lingual EU Health Certificate for Belgium.

Non-Commercial Transport to Belgium from a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 applies under the following conditions:

Your pet is originating from an unlisted country or
Your pet has entered an unlisted country within four months of travel.

A licensed veterinarian must issue an EU Health Certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian. This veterinarian represents the agency in your country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.

The EU pet health certificate for Belgium is valid for transports of five or less dogs, cats or ferrets. The form is good for 4 months of travel within the EU if the rabies vaccination documented on the certificate does not expire during that time.

Note: Pets entering the European Union from Great Britain must secure an Animal Health Certificate instead of an EU Health Certificate.

Commercial Transport to Belgium from an EU Member State

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply.

Your pet must travel from a licensed premise which is registered with the governing authority in your EU Member State
responsible for the import and export of animals. Your veterinarian must obtain and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet. Your pet must be inspected, and an intra-trade Pet Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of entry.

The transport must be recorded in the TRACES system by an agent ahead of travel. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the European Union.

Commercial Transport to Belgium from a Part 1 and 2 Listed Third Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply.

Your pet must be inspected, and a Commercial EU Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian within 48 hours of travel.

The transport must be recorded in advance in TRACES by an agent. This system tracks the import, export and intra trade of all live animals entering, transiting or leaving the European Union. The transport must also be recorded in IPAFF if originating in Great Britain.

Commercial Transport to Belgium from an Unlisted Country

Steps 3, 4, and 5 apply.

Note: Pets can only enter Belgium from unlisted countries under commercial regulations from these countries.

Your pet must be inspected by a licensed veterinarian who will issue a Commercial EU Health Certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian within 48 hours of travel.

The transport must be recorded in advance in TRACES. This system tracks the import, export and intra trade of all live animals entering, transiting or leaving the Eurn agent in Belgium. This system tracks the import, export and intra trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Other information

Importing Dogs and Cats to Belgium from Malaysia and Australia

If your pet is entering Belgium from peninsular Malaysia, the following additional conditions must be met:

Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export.
Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.
Your pet has been tested with negative a result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within 10 days of export.

Cats may only enter Belgium from Australia under the condition that they have not lived in areas where cases of Hendra disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.

Importing Puppies and Kittens to Belgium

Unvaccinated puppies and kittens are not permitted to enter Belgium from any country. Microchips can be implanted at 8 weeks of age; however, rabies vaccinations cannot be administered prior to 12 weeks of age.

Although your pet can be microchipped at eight weeks of age, rabies vaccinations must not be administered prior to 12 weeks of age. There is a 21 day wait for puppies and kittens over 12 weeks of age arriving from EU Member States or part 1 or 2 listed third countries. The minimum age for entering Belgium from an unlisted country is seven months of age.

Related: More information on transporting a puppy.

Banned Breeds

Belgium does not publish a list of banned breeds. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.

Entering Belgium with a Pet

Pets entering Belgium by air from non-EU countries must do so at Border Inspection Posts at Brussels, Liege, Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Oostende Airports. Pets entering Belgium under commercial regulations must enter Belgium at Brussels or Liege.

Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo. In all cases, pets must travel in a crate or carrier in accordance with the International Air Transport Association.

All live animals should enter Belgium directly or transit through an EU Member State, or part 1 or 2 listed third country if possible*. If your pet transits through an unlisted country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. This statement must attest that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

All commercial transports, whether by air or land must be preregistered in the TRACES database and the responsible transporter must be registered.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Belgium. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at importer expense.

Exporting Resident Pets from Belgium

All dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Belgium for another EU Member State or part 1 or 2 listed third country must be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies (in that order) and wait for 21 days before leaving Belgium after primary vaccination.

If your pet will visit or enter an unlisted country, a veterinarian in Belgium should administer a rabies titer test before leaving Belgium if your pet will be returning. Even if your pet is not entering an unlisted country, traveling internationally with the results of this test may ensure a smoother customs clearance in your destination country.

Non-accompanied transports may require export permits.

All animals leaving Belgium for non-EU countries that do not have specific health certificates must obtain a health certificate in accordance to their destination country requirements prior to the issuance of an export permit. The agency responsible for the issuance of export permits will issue the necessary documentation.

Importing Other Pet Animals to Belgium

Rodents, rabbits, reptiles entering Belgium from an EU Member State or part 1 or 2 listed third country must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within five days of transport and show no signs of disease or external parasites. They must be accompanied by their owner and less than five in number.

Birds will be subject to 30 days of quarantine in both the origination and destination countries. They must be accompanied by their owner, identified by a non-removable, legible individual marking displaying an alpha-numeric code (clip, ring, microchip, transponder, ear tag).

Birds must have, within the last six months and not later than 60 days prior to dispatch from the third country,

been vaccinated, and at least on one occasion revaccinated, against avian influenza using an H5 vaccine approved for the species concerned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
OR
have been in isolation for at least 10 days prior to export and have undergone a test to detect the avian influenza H5N1 antigen or genome as laid down in the Chapter on avian influenza of the Manual of Diagnostic tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, as regularly updated by the World Organization of Animal Health, carried out on a sample taken not earlier than the third day of isolation.

All birds entering Belgium must be accompanied with a health certificate indicating these conditions.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat and very important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations.

Related: Read more about CITES

Need More Detailed Pet Import Requirements for Belgium?

Visit PetTravelStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Belgium at minimal cost. Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.

Order Now

Here’s what is included in the Belgium pet passport package:

Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to Belgium from any country available in six languages
Required Vaccinations and Intervals
ISO-Compliant Microchip Information
Titer Test Instructions and Overview (required when entering from an unlisted country)
Approved EU laboratories for the titer test
Parasite Treatments
Border Inspection Posts
IATA Carrier and Crate Requirements
Layover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet Travel
Responsibilities of a Pet Transporter
FREE unlimited email support both for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions

Also included at no additional cost:

Non-Commercial or Commercial EU Health Certificate for Belgium
Sample Completed Health Certificate for your Veterinarian
Microchip Certificate
Airline Health Certificate

Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Belgium?

Have a comment about importing your pet to Belgium? Post it below and be published! You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.

Please note that the accuracy of comments made below by users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

Current information

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Belgium pet import requirements.