As pet travel grows in popularity, 2025 brings a wave of important updates and policy changes designed to make traveling with pets easier and safer.
New EU Pet Travel Regulations
Starting in 2025, traveling with pets within Europe requires attention to updated documentation. The EU continues to enforce the need for valid pet passports or Animal Health Certificates (AHC), microchipping, and vaccinations. The European Commission has also outlined specific new rules to streamline cross-border pet travel, ensuring pets meet health standards before entering countries.commission.europa
The UK-EU Pet Passport Revival
After Brexit complexities, the UK and EU are working on reinstating a pet passport similar to the pre-Brexit model. This will eventually allow pets to travel more freely without repeated health certificates, but details are still pending. Meanwhile, a new online Pet Travel Document helps ease travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.berkshire-vet
Airlines Updating Pet Travel Policies
Airlines are adapting too. For example, Air Canada announced from June 2025, all pets must travel in soft-sided carriers in the cabin to enhance safety and comfort. In Italy, new regulations allow medium and large dogs to travel in the cabin, lifting prior restrictions and improving comfort for all breeds.dixystore+2
Industry Efforts for Safer Pet Travel
IATA is developing a comprehensive “Journey of a Pet in Cabin” guidance to standardize procedures and improve passenger and pet experiences during air travel. This includes clear step-by-step information from booking to arrival, aiming to reduce stress and confusion.iata
Growing Trend of Pet-Friendly Travel Packages
There is a rising demand for fully integrated dog-friendly travel experiences, from pet-friendly hotels and restaurants to real-time health monitoring during trips, reflecting how pets are increasingly seen as family members on vacations.getexperience+1
What This Means for Pet Travelers
2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for easier, safer, and more comfortable pet travel. By staying informed of policies and airline changes and using resources like Woofly, pet owners can ensure smooth journeys for themselves and their furry companions.