Belgium
Belgium is a Western European country bordering the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, with its capital in Brussels. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, though requirements differ depending on whether the pet is coming from a high-risk rabies country.
At a Glance
Belgium, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
High-risk origins only
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Import Permit
Not required
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Min. Age
15 weeks (7 months if high-risk origin)
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Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter (12 weeks minimum for rabies vaccination, plus the 21-day wait). Pets from high-risk rabies countries need significantly more time due to the additional titer test and waiting period.
Microchip Before Vaccination
The ISO-compliant microchip (or a clearly readable tattoo applied before July 3, 2011) must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given. A vaccination given before the microchip does not count under EU rules and must be repeated.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, given after 12 weeks of age, with a 21-day wait (not counting the vaccination day) before travel. The vaccine must comply with EU Regulation 576/2013, and a certified copy of the vaccination details must accompany the animal health certificate.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. The test must be carried out by an authorised veterinarian, no sooner than 30 days after the primary vaccination and no later than 3 months before the certificate is issued, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside. Must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days before the pet’s arrival, plus a written declaration of the move’s non-commercial nature. Different documentation applies for unaccompanied arrivals or shipments of more than five animals.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in Belgium, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport, which then replaces the Health Certificate for any further travel within EU member states.
Customs Broker
Only required for commercial imports. A destination agent is highly recommended for all imports, and required for commercial shipments.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate instead.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step and a longer overall timeline — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before travel
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
30 days after vaccination; entry only 3 months after sample
4
EU Health Certificate Issued
Within 10 days before arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to Belgium?
Not for the initial trip. Pets entering the EU from outside need an EU Health Certificate. The EU Pet Passport is only issued once your pet is already in the EU, and is used for travel between EU countries afterward.
Is there quarantine in Belgium?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Belgium?
Only if travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. In that case, a rabies titer test is mandatory, with entry only possible at least 3 months after the blood sample is drawn. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU countries or countries the EU considers low-risk for rabies only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, plus entry only possible 3 months after the sample is drawn.
How old does my pet need to be to travel to Belgium?
At least 15 weeks old, accounting for the rabies vaccination timing. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need substantially more time because of the additional titer test and waiting period.
Do I need a customs broker to bring my pet to Belgium?
Only for commercial imports. For a personal pet move, a customs broker isn’t required, though a destination agent is recommended to help with the arrival process.
Which major airports have direct flights to Brussels?
Direct flight availability depends on your departure country. Most major international airports have connections to Brussels, though routes vary. If your origin has no direct option, stopovers affect how your pet can travel — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Belgium?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.