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Belgium is part of the EU, so you need an EU Pet Passport (not a health certificate). This is issued by your vet after your pet’s rabies vaccine. If you’re traveling from a non-EU country, you’ll need a USDA APHIS Form 7001 (for the US) or equivalent from your country’s agriculture department. Start this 3-4 months ahead. The passport must be issued at least 21 days before travel (rabies timing rule). For non-EU arrivals, you’ll also need a tapeworm treatment 24-48 hours before arrival (see Section 2). No quarantine if you have the passport.
• Rabies vaccine: Must be given at least 21 days before travel. The EU passport is only valid 21+ days post-vaccine. If it’s been less, you’ll be turned away at the airport or border. • Microchip: Mandatory. Must be ISO 11784 or 11785 compliant (most chips are). The passport must list the chip number. • Tapeworm treatment: Required ONLY if entering from a non-EU country. Must be administered 24-48 hours before arrival (for dogs only; cats don’t need it). Your vet must issue a certificate stating the treatment was given. For EU-to-EU travel (e.g., from France to Belgium), this is not required.
Belgium’s main carrier is Brussels Airlines (yes, they accept pets!). • Cabin: Small dogs/cats only (max 8kg total weight, including carrier). Carrier must fit under the seat. Cost: €50-€100 one-way. • Cargo: For pets over 8kg. Must be in an IATA-compliant carrier. Cost: €120-€250 one-way (varies by size/destination). • KLM and Lufthansa also fly to Brussels (BRU) with pet policies similar to Brussels Airlines. KLM charges €100-€200 for cabin, €150-€300 for cargo. Lufthansa: €80-€150 cabin, €130-€220 cargo. Never try to sneak pets into the cabin without checking—airlines enforce weight limits strictly. Book pet transport 48 hours before departure (some airlines require it 24 hours prior).
At Brussels Airport (or any Belgian border), customs will check: • Your EU Pet Passport (with rabies date >21 days old) • Microchip number (in passport) • Tapeworm certificate (if arriving from non-EU) • Proof of ownership (vet records) No quarantine if documents are in order. If missing anything (e.g., tapeworm treatment for non-EU), you’ll be denied entry. Have all papers printed and ready—no digital copies accepted. The process takes 10-15 minutes if you’re prepared.
• Restaurants/Cafes: Rarely allow dogs. Some beer gardens or outdoor terraces in cities like Brussels (e.g., Le Fauxbourgs) might, but always ask first. Never assume. • Public Transport: Trains (De Lijn, SNCB) allow dogs in designated areas (usually near doors) if leashed. No dogs in buses or trams. On the metro (Brussels), dogs must be in carriers and not allowed during peak hours. • Leash Laws: Mandatory in all public spaces, parks, and cities. No off-leash in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent. • Pet-Friendly Parks/Beaches: - Brussels: Parc de la Boverie (Liège) has dog areas, but not in central Brussels parks. - Coast: Beaches like Blankenberge allow dogs off-lead on certain sections (check local signs). - Forests: Many forests (e.g., Forest of Soignes) allow dogs on leashes. Tip: Use apps like DogFriendly to find parks. Avoid dog-free zones like most city centers.
• Find a Vet: Most cities have 24/7 clinics. Search "vétérinaire 24h" + city name (e.g., "vétérinaire 24h Bruxelles"). Top chains: Veterinaria (Brussels), Animalis (Antwerp). • Emergency Numbers: - 112 (EU emergency number for all services) - 010 25 20 00 (Vet Emergency, Brussels) - 04 340 00 00 (Vet Emergency, Antwerp) • Pet Pharmacies: Available in major cities (e.g., Pharmacie Vétérinaire in Brussels). Stock up on flea meds/antibiotics before you go—pharmacies can’t prescribe without a vet visit.
• EU to EU Travel (e.g., Belgium → Germany): No documents needed. Just carry your EU Pet Passport. • Non-EU to EU (e.g., Belgium → USA): The US requires a USDA APHIS Form 7001 issued 10 days before departure. You must also get a rabies titer test (blood test) 30 days before travel. • EU to Non-EU (e.g., Belgium → Japan): Japan requires a Japan Animal Health Certificate (issued by a
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