Shipping pets from Vietnam to the European Union (EU) requires advance planning and a clear understanding of EU pet travel regulations. Dogs and cats entering the EU from a non-EU country must meet strict health and documentation requirements. Below is a step-by-step pet shipping timeline to help pet owners prepare efficiently.
Official and up-to-date regulations can be reviewed directly on the European Union website:
EU rules for travelling with pets
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Pet Shipping Timeline for Dogs
Vietnam is classified as a non-EU country, therefore dogs travelling to the EU must comply with EU animal health rules. A valid microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official EU Animal Health Certificate issued in Vietnam are mandatory.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| ISO-compliant microchip implantation | Before rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | At least 21 days before travel |
| Mandatory waiting period after rabies vaccination | 21 days |
| EU Animal Health Certificate issued by official veterinarian | Within 10 days before EU entry |
| Airline booking and IATA-compliant crate preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Final health check and export documentation | 7–10 days before departure |
The total preparation time for dogs typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on vaccination history and document processing.
Pet Shipping Timeline for Cats
Cats travelling from Vietnam to the EU are subject to similar requirements as dogs, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and an EU Animal Health Certificate. However, cats are generally easier to prepare due to fewer additional conditions.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| ISO-compliant microchip implantation | Before rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | At least 21 days before travel |
| Mandatory waiting period after rabies vaccination | 21 days |
| EU Animal Health Certificate issued | Within 10 days before EU entry |
| Airline booking and IATA-compliant crate preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Final documentation and pre-departure check | 7 days before departure |
In most cases, cats can be ready for travel within 5 to 7 weeks, depending on airline availability and documentation timing.
Dog vs. Cat Shipping Timeline Comparison
| Requirement | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Required | Required |
| Rabies vaccination | Required | Required |
| Waiting period after vaccination | 21 days | 21 days |
| EU Animal Health Certificate | Required | Required |
| IATA-compliant travel crate | Required | Required |
Planning Your Pet Shipping Timeline to the EU
Early preparation is the most effective way to avoid delays or denied entry when shipping pets to the European Union. All documentation must strictly follow EU regulations, especially vaccination timing and certificate validity.
If you are planning to ship your pet from Vietnam to Europe, you can learn more about our full service and destination-specific requirements on our page :
Pet Shipping from Vietnam to the European Union