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Moving to Belgium with a Dog: Your Stress-Free Guide!
Moving to Belgium with your dog can be exciting, but it requires careful planning. The EU pet regulation forms the basis, but Belgian communities may have additional requirements. Learn about the necessary steps now to make your move stress-free. Need support with planning your move? [Contact us](/contact) for personalized advice!
The topic short and concise
Moving to Belgium with your dog can be exciting, but it requires careful planning. The EU pet regulation forms the basis, but Belgian communities may have additional requirements. Learn about the necessary steps now to make your move stress-free. Need support with planning your move? [Contact us](/contact) for personalized advice!
Moving to Belgium with your dog can be exciting, but it requires careful planning. The EU pet regulation forms the basis, but Belgian communities may have additional requirements. Learn about the necessary steps now to make your move stress-free. Need support with planning your move? [Contact us](/contact) for personalized advice!
Moving to Belgium with your dog can be exciting, but it requires careful planning. The EU pet regulation forms the basis, but Belgian communities may have additional requirements. Learn about the necessary steps now to make your move stress-free. Need support with planning your move? [Contact us](/contact) for personalized advice!
Planning a move to Belgium with your dog? Learn everything about the necessary steps, from EU pet regulations to local requirements. Avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth transition for you and your best friend!
Planning a move to Belgium with a dog? At GoMovin, we understand that an international relocation can be an exciting yet challenging time—especially when your four-legged friend is involved. To ensure the move with your dog goes smoothly, careful planning is essential. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the necessary steps, from entry requirements to local regulations. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a stress-free transition for you and your best friend. We offer an all-in-one solution for international moves, including personal advice and support with all necessary steps. Learn more about our moving assistance here.
We help you make the move to Belgium with a dog as pleasant as possible. From initial planning to arriving at your new home, we are at your side with advice and support. With GoMovin, your international relocation will be a success!
EU Pet Passport: Ensure Proper Documentation!
The EU-wide regulations form the basis for travelling with your dog to Belgium. The EU Pet Passport is the most important document. It serves as proof of compliance with the necessary vaccinations and identifications. You can obtain the EU Pet Passport from your vet. Ensure that all information is correct and complete. Here you can find more information about the EU Pet Passport.
EU Pet Passport: Your most important document
The EU Pet Passport records all vital information about your dog, including:
Vaccinations: Especially the valid rabies vaccination.
Microchip number: The unique identification of your dog.
Vet details: Name and contact details of the issuing vet.
Make sure the passport is always up-to-date and contains all required entries. This is crucial for a seamless entry into Belgium. Read more about relocating with a dog here.
Microchip requirement: Unique identification of your dog
Before entering Belgium, your dog must be identified with a microchip. This microchip must comply with the ISO standard. The microchip requirement ensures the unique identification of your dog and is a prerequisite for obtaining the EU Pet Passport. The microchip should ideally be inserted before the rabies vaccination. Learn more about relocating in Europe here.
Leash requirement and registration: Observe the special Belgian rules!
Besides the EU-wide regulations, there are some specific rules in Belgium that dog owners should be aware of. These include the leash requirement and the possible muzzle requirement. Familiarise yourself with the applicable regulations in your future community beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here you will find information from the Foreign Office on the regulations in Belgium.
General Leash Requirement in Belgium
In Belgium, there is a general leash requirement for dogs. This means you must have your dog on a lead in public places. However, the exact regulations can vary from community to community. Therefore, ensure you find out about local rules in good time. Read more about emigrating here.
Muzzle Requirement Possible for Certain Breeds
The local authorities in Belgium may impose a muzzle requirement for certain dog breeds. You can find out if your dog is affected by contacting the responsible community. It is advisable to get informed in advance to avoid fines. Here you will find a leaflet with first steps in Belgium.
Registration Required for Longer Stays
If you stay longer than 6 months in Belgium, you have to register your dog within 8 days of arrival with DogID/CatID. This registration is mandatory and serves to record all dogs and cats living in Belgium. Learn more about emigrating to Portugal here.
Rabies Antibody Test: What applies to EU and Non-EU countries?
The entry requirements for dogs into Belgium vary depending on whether you are travelling from an EU or a non-EU country. For entry from EU countries, the general EU-wide regulations apply. When entering from non-EU countries, additional requirements must be met, such as the rabies antibody test. Here you can find detailed information about the entry requirements.
Entry from EU countries: EU pet passport is sufficient
For entry from EU countries, your dog will need an EU pet passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days before entry. Read more here about planning your move.
Entry from non-EU countries: Additional requirements
When entering from non-EU countries, in addition to the microchip and rabies vaccination, a health certificate and possibly a rabies antibody test will be required. Whether a rabies antibody test is necessary depends on the country of origin. Find out more about our services here.
Rabies antibody test: Validity and conditions
The rabies antibody test must be conducted in an approved laboratory. The blood sample must be taken at the earliest 30 days after vaccination. If the blood sample was taken outside the EU, your dog can enter Belgium at the earliest 3 months after the sample was taken. The test result must be above 0.5 IU/ml. With regular booster vaccinations, the test remains valid for life. Find more information on entry requirements here.
Minimum age and language skills: Plan your move optimally!
Good planning is essential for a stress-free move with your dog to Belgium. Consider your dog’s minimum age, improve your language skills, and learn about potential health risks. This way, you’ll be well-prepared and can approach the move with ease. Here you can find more tips for travelling with your pet.
Minimum age of the dog: 15 weeks
Due to rabies vaccination regulations, your dog can enter Belgium at the earliest at the age of 15 weeks. The rabies vaccination can only be given from the age of 12 weeks and needs 21 days to become fully effective. Read more about our relocation assistance here.
Language Skills: French and Flemish
French and Flemish are spoken in Belgium. Basic knowledge of both languages is advantageous, especially during veterinary visits or in emergencies. It’s advisable to learn some key vocabulary and phrases in advance. Learn more about our services here.
Health Risks: Local Diseases
Get informed about potential dog and cat diseases occurring in Belgium. Talk to your vet about necessary vaccinations and preventive measures. This way, you’ll protect your dog from health risks. Read more about emigrating with your dog here.
Adoption from Non-EU Countries: Time Delays
If you plan to adopt a dog from a non-EU country, consider the time delays due to the rabies vaccination and blood test. Entry might only be possible from the age of 7 months if a blood test is required. Read more about planning your move here.
Avoid illegal import: Consequences for non-compliance!
Failure to comply with the entry requirements can have serious consequences. In the worst-case scenario, your dog may be considered an illegal import. This can lead to the animal's isolation, quarantine, return, or even euthanasia. Therefore, it's crucial to adhere to all regulations. Here you can find detailed information about the entry requirements.
Illegal Import: Possible Consequences
If your dog does not meet the entry requirements, the following consequences may occur:
Isolation: Your dog will be isolated from other animals.
Quarantine: Your dog will be placed under quarantine.
Return: Your dog will be sent back to the country of origin.
Euthanasia: In the worst case, your dog will be euthanised.
Avoid these risks by informing yourself in good time and taking all necessary steps. Read more about our relocation assistance here.
Observe local regulations: Get informed beforehand!
In addition to national regulations, Belgium also has local regulations that you should be aware of. These include, for example, rules on the dog tax and specific requirements for certain dog breeds. Check with the relevant local authority for the applicable regulations. Here you will find information from the Federal Foreign Office on the regulations in Belgium.
Local regulations: Individual rules
Each municipality in Belgium can issue its own regulations for dog owners. Therefore, make sure you are informed in advance about the specific rules in the municipality you are moving to. Read more about moving abroad here.
Dog tax: May be required
Even if the dog tax is not levied in all municipalities, you should find out in advance whether a dog tax applies in your municipality. The amount of the tax may vary depending on the municipality. Here you will find a leaflet with initial steps in Belgium.
Stress-free moving with a dog: GoMovin supports you!
Moving to Belgium with a dog requires careful planning and preparation. With this guide, you are well-informed and can take all the necessary steps. We at GoMovin are happy to assist and support you with your move. Contact us for personalised advice and a non-binding quote. Learn more about our moving assistance here.
We offer you an all-in-one solution for international relocations, including personal advice, legal support, real estate services, and cultural integration. With GoMovin, your move to Belgium will be a success! Find out more about our services here.
We simplify the moving process and make international relocation stress-free, efficient, and bespoke. Rely on our expertise and benefit from our global network. Read more about planning your move here.
Are you ready for your move to Belgium with a dog? We are happy to help make this step as easy and pleasant as possible. Contact us today!
Further useful links
The German Embassy in Brussels provides information and support for German citizens in Belgium.
The FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment offers detailed information on the entry requirements for pets into Belgium.
FAQ
What documents do I need for my dog's entry into Belgium?
Your dog requires a valid EU pet passport, a microchip (ISO standard), and a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days prior to entry.
What happens if my dog does not meet the entry requirements?
If your dog does not meet the entry requirements, this may lead to isolation, quarantine, return, or even euthanasia of the animal. Therefore, ensure full compliance with all regulations.
Are there any leash laws for dogs in Belgium?
Yes, Belgium has a general leash requirement for dogs. However, the exact regulations can vary from one municipality to another, so be sure to check the local requirements in advance.
Do I need to register my dog in Belgium?
If you stay in Belgium for longer than 6 months, you must register your dog within 8 days of arrival with DogID/CatID.
From what age can my dog enter Belgium?
In line with rabies vaccination regulations, your dog can enter Belgium no earlier than 15 weeks of age.
What is the rabies antibody test and when is it required?
The rabies antibody test may be required if entering from a non-EU country. Blood sampling must be done no sooner than 30 days after vaccination, and for samples taken outside the EU, entry is only possible 3 months thereafter.
Is there a muzzle requirement for certain dog breeds in Belgium?
Local authorities in Belgium may impose a muzzle requirement for certain dog breeds. Check with the relevant municipality.
What should I consider when adopting a dog from a non-EU country?
Take into account potential delays due to the rabies vaccination and blood test. Entry may only be possible from an age of 7 months if a blood test is necessary.
