Pet Move Planner
Everything you need to bring your pets safely to Bulgaria.
Pet Document Checklist
Microchip registered and number recorded
Rabies vaccination up to date — record date given and expiry
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet — issued no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU
Rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel (after microchipping)
Note: pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU — if you move to Bulgaria, ask a Bulgarian vet about an EU pet passport
Tapeworm treatment for dogs — required for return to Great Britain, record date
Travel Method Comparison
Cabin flight
- Suitable for:
- Small dogs and cats under airline weight limit
- Est. cost:
- £50–£200
- Stress level:
- Moderate
- Best for:
- Small pets with calm temperament
Hold flight
- Suitable for:
- Medium and large dogs
- Est. cost:
- £200–£600
- Stress level:
- Higher
- Best for:
- Larger pets when road transport is not practical
Road transport
- Suitable for:
- All sizes
- Est. cost:
- £100–£400 (fuel + accommodation)
- Stress level:
- Lower for most pets
- Best for:
- Pets who travel well in cars, multiple pets, large dogs
Specialist pet courier
- Suitable for:
- All sizes
- Est. cost:
- £500–£1,500+
- Stress level:
- Variable
- Best for:
- Owners who cannot travel with pets or want professional handling
| Method | Suitable For | Est. Cost | Stress Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin flight | Small dogs and cats under airline weight limit | £50–£200 | Moderate | Small pets with calm temperament |
| Hold flight | Medium and large dogs | £200–£600 | Higher | Larger pets when road transport is not practical |
| Road transport | All sizes | £100–£400 (fuel + accommodation) | Lower for most pets | Pets who travel well in cars, multiple pets, large dogs |
| Specialist pet courier | All sizes | £500–£1,500+ | Variable | Owners who cannot travel with pets or want professional handling |
Countdown Task List
- • Research travel options and book early if using specialist courier or airline hold
- • Check all vaccination records are current
- • Book vet appointments for health certificate and any required vaccinations
- • Order approved crate or carrier if needed
- • Begin crate training if pet is not familiar with it
- • Confirm travel booking
- • Check all document requirements for Bulgaria entry and for return to Great Britain
- • Book the official vet appointment for the Animal Health Certificate — it must be issued within 10 days of arriving in the EU
- • Confirm all documents are complete
- • Final vet check
- • Confirm all travel arrangements
- • Pack pet essentials bag — food, water bowl, familiar toy, medication if needed
- • Do not feed heavily before travel
- • Prepare carrier with familiar bedding
- • Confirm all documents are in a separate accessible folder
- • Arrive at airport or departure point early
- • Keep pet calm and comfortable
- • Carry water
- • Do not sedate pets without specific veterinary advice
If you bring pets back to Great Britain from Bulgaria, the requirements include a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment for dogs administered by a vet within a specific window before arrival. Requirements can change. Always verify current return rules with your vet and APHA before travel.
Pet travel rules and document requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your vet and the relevant authorities well in advance of travel.