Tips for Traveling to Europe from the USA with Your Dog
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine in Spain or roaming cobblestone streets in Italy with your pup by your side — good news: it’s more possible (and dog-friendly) than ever. From airline policies to health certificates and European pet passports, here’s your complete guide to traveling to Europe from the USA with your dog.
Pet-Friendly Airlines That Allow Dogs In-Cabin
When traveling to Europe from the USA with your dog, you’ll need to book a flight on a pet-friendly airline that allows small dogs to travel in the cabin with you. Here’s a list of American and European airlines that welcome dogs in-cabin (weight and carrier restrictions apply — typically under 20 lbs including carrier):
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American Airlines
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Delta Air Lines (My choice in the USA)
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United Airlines
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Air France
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Lufthansa
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
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TAP Air Portugal
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Iberia (My choice in Spain)
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SWISS Air
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Vueling (Spain)
Always confirm current rules and weight limits when booking, as policies can change.
Health Certificate Requirements Before Leaving the USA
Before you can jet off, your dog will need a USDA-endorsed International Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of your departure. This form confirms your dog is ISO microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and healthy enough for travel.
Once your vet signs it, you’ll submit the form to your local USDA APHIS office for official endorsement — plan ahead, as appointment times vary and some offices are still operating by mail.
Pro Tip: Ask your veterinary if they can send the health certificate to the USDA electronically. Some vets offer this, which speeds up the process for you.
Why You Should Get a European Pet Passport
Once you arrive in Europe, it’s worth getting your dog a European Union Pet Passport — and speaking from personal experience, it’s a game-changer. I got Mia her EU Pet Passport in Barcelona for about 150 euros total, and the entire process was done same day at a local vet.
With the pet passport:
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You can travel freely between EU countries with your dog.
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You no longer need to get a USDA health certificate every time you travel between the US and Europe.
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The passport records your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccine, and other health info.
Most European vets are very familiar with the process — just bring your dog, their health certificate, and proof of vaccinations.
Pro Tip: Your dog will likely need to get a rabies vaccine in Europe in order to add that to the EU Pet Passport. Vets cannot add in anything from outside the EU into the pet passport. Also to note- your US vet CANNOT add in any new vaccines onto the EU Pet Passport as this voids the document. Once you have your pet passport and the EU vaccine expires, you either get that vaccine renewed & added to the passport within Europe OR get the rabies vaccine renewed within the USA and just carry that vaccine certificate, in addition to the pet passport.
Italy: Europe’s New Most Dog-Friendly Country
Italy is quickly becoming one of the most dog-welcoming destinations in the world. Not only are dogs of all sizes now allowed to fly in-cabin on several Italian airlines (instead of being relegated to cargo holds for larger breeds), but Italy has also relaxed public access rules.
In Italy:
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You’ll see dogs in restaurants, boutiques, and even grocery stores.
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Many beaches have dedicated dog areas.
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Train travel is easy, with affordable pet fares and no size restrictions on some routes.
It’s a fantastic option if you’re considering traveling to Europe from the USA with your dog and want to explore somewhere especially accommodating.
Spain: Dog-Friendly Travel and New Laws
Spain has always been fairly dog-friendly, but recent laws now allow dogs in any restaurant, café, and most businesses — grocery stores are still off-limits. Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are especially pup-loving cities, with off-leash parks and pet-friendly beaches.
Train travel in Spain:
Dogs can ride on RENFE trains for just 10 euros each way. Technically, dogs must be in a carrier, but in practice — especially in business or premium class — staff are relaxed about letting well-behaved pups ride on your lap or by your side, and the pet fee is usually already included in higher ticket classes.
Train Travel with Dogs in Europe
One of the joys of traveling through Europe with your dog is the ease of train travel. Most European rail networks allow dogs, with varying rules:
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Small dogs (under 10 kg) usually ride free in a carrier.
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Larger dogs may require a half-price ticket or flat fee and a leash/muzzle.
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Many overnight trains allow pets in private compartments.
Countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain make it relatively simple to hop between cities with your pup.
Traveling to Europe from the USA with your dog takes a little prep work, but it’s 100% worth it. Between securing airline-approved travel, completing paperwork, and taking advantage of Europe’s increasingly dog-friendly laws, you and your pup can enjoy unforgettable adventures together.
Pro Tip: The best time to travel with your dog around Europe is Spring, Fall, and Winter- all seasons where you'll want to bring a little sweater for them.