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Quick answer: the European Commission, together with the Member States, has launched a two-year assessment to study how to digitise the passport for dogs and cats and whether it can be added to the European Digital Identity Wallet. For now it is only a study: there is no date for a digital passport, and the document you need to travel is still the current one.
The news was published in September 2026, a few weeks after the new EU regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, Regulation (EU) 2026/1818, appeared in the Official Journal of the EU on 10 August. Here is what is being studied and how it may affect people who travel with their pet.
What the European Commission has announced
When the regulation was adopted, the Commission placed on record in the Council minutes that it welcomes the digitisation of the pet passport. It has committed to carrying out, within two years and in coordination with the Member States, a detailed assessment of the technical and practical implications, including the possibility of using the digital identity wallet provided for in Regulation (EU) No 910/2014. Once this is complete, it may consider adopting delegated acts under the animal health framework.
What the European Digital Identity Wallet is
It is an app that every EU country must make available to its citizens, residents and businesses before the end of 2026, so they can store official documents on their phone. At present it contains no information about pets. The idea being studied is that, in future, the details in your dog’s or cat’s passport (identification, rabies vaccination and treatments) could be checked digitally.
What it means for you if you travel with your pet
For now, nothing changes in practice. To travel within the EU, your dog, cat or ferret needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a passport issued by an authorised vet, plus any specific requirements for certain destinations. Always check with your vet well in advance.
- Check the microchip: make sure your contact details are up to date in the register.
- Keep a digital copy of the passport on your phone, even if only as a back-up.
- Get the carrier ready in good time: let your pet get used to it at home before the trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the digital pet passport already exist?
No. The European Commission has only launched a two-year assessment. Any change would then require new rules.
Will I have to replace my dog’s passport?
Not for now. Keep using the current passport and keep the rabies vaccination and your vet’s other entries up to date.
How does this relate to the new dog and cat regulation?
Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 strengthens the identification and registration of dogs and cats in the EU. Digitising the passport is seen as a complementary step.
Keep reading
- The EU strengthens the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats
- Travelling with pets in 2026: what the Commission clarifies
- Travelling around Europe with a dog or cat: documents and requirements