If you plan to take a pet to Belgium, it's important to check the latest regulations. Make sure that you have the correct papers, not only for Belgium, but for all the countries you will pass through to reach Belgium. Be aware that regulations differ depending on the country you are travelling from. Here is the general information you will need when you decide to move to Belgium with your pet.

Pet immigration rules for Belgium
Your pet must have an ISO pet microchip inserted, and then be vaccinated for rabies and various other diseases at least 21 days prior to travel and not more than 12 months prior to travel. If your animal was vaccinated before it was fitted with a microchip, it will have to be vaccinated again after the microchip is inserted. If your pet's microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

If traveling from the United States or Canada, a USDA (or CFIA) accredited veterinarian must complete the bilingual Belgium EU998 Veterinary Certificate for certification by the USDA or CFIA. If you are traveling from another country, the Governmental Authority from your country should certify the forms.

Pets entering Belgium from a country with a high incidence of rabies, must also have a Blood Titer Test in order to avoid quarantine.

RESTRICTIONS: Unvaccinated pets (dogs and cats only) under 3 months old may enter an EU country, but there are additional regulations that must be met. Certain aggressive breeds of dogs are prohibited from entry.

Pets entering an EU Country for commercial purposes require additional forms and different rules apply.

All other pets (birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals such as rodents and rabbits) are not subject to the regulations on the anti-rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements as to a limit on the number of animals and a certificate to accompany them with respect to other diseases. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the destination country.

There is a Pet Passport form for Belgium and you can get one here before your departure.

• Does the policy cover all chronic, congenital and hereditary conditions?
• Is there a time limit on treatment per condition?
• Is there a dollar limit on treatment per condition?
• Are there flexible coverage options to fit your budget and needs exactly?
• How well established is the company? How is it rated?

Airline Pet Container Requirements
The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in the cabin and as cargo were created by IATA, and for the most part have been accepted by the world's airlines.

Pets in the cabin
On flights of less than ten hours, many airlines will allow small cats or dogs to be taken with the passenger in the cabin (except travel to the UK and Hong Kong). Generally, the airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin. 

The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. The Sherpa, Bergan and SturdiBag pet carriers are all airline compliant as long as the carrier is the proper size for your pet.

IATA Pet Crates Requirements
Your pet must be in an IATA compliant pet crate and meet certain other requirements. It is considered best to have only one animal per container, but the IATA rules state that two animals can share the same container if the animals are less than 14kg (30lbs) and are of the same species.

If you are purchasing a container, make sure that it meets these minimum requirements:

• The container must be large enough for the animal(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down.
• The kennel must be made of a sturdy plastic.
• The container must have a secure, spring loaded, all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.
• Although this is not an IATA requirement, many airlines are now requiring steel crate hardware instead of plastic fasteners. We would recommend that you use this hardware on your pet's crate to be sure there will be no problems.
• Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the container without opening the door.
• The container must have ventilation on all sides for international travel and three sides minimum for domestic travel.
• The Container must have LIVE ANIMAL stickers on the top and sides in letters at least one inch tall.
• NO WHEELS. If the container has wheels, they should be removed or taped securely so that the kennel cannot roll.
• The container must be identified with your pet's name and owner's contact information. The best way to do this is to attach your pet's information to the outside of the crate.
• Make sure to attach an extra copy of your pet's health certificate to the container.

Teodora Todorova / Expatica

Source: www.pettravel.com