A derogation from the maximum number of pets (5) that may accompany the owner or an authorised person during a single movement is allowed if:

• the purpose of the movement with the pet animals is to participate in competitions, exhibitions or sporting events or in preparation for such events;
• the owner or authorised person provides written proof that the pet animals are registered for participation in such an event or with the association organising such events;
• the pet animals are more than 6 months old.

The animal must be identified in such a way as to establish an unambiguous link between the animal, its identification document and its owner. For dogs, cats and ferrets, it is compulsory to be marked with:

• a transponder (microchip); or
• a clearly legible mark tattooed before 3 July 2011.

The date of insertion of the transponder or tattoo must be indicated in the animal's identification document. The date of insertion of the microchip must be prior to or equal to the date of the rabies vaccination.

The requirements for the validity of rabies vaccination are:

• the animal has been vaccinated against rabies with an appropriate vaccine authorised for placing on the market,
• the vaccination is carried out by an authorised veterinarian,
• the animal is at least 12 weeks old on the date of vaccination,
• the date of vaccination is entered in the appropriate part of the identification document by the authorised veterinarian or official veterinarian,
• the animal must have been validly identified prior to vaccination, as evidenced by the animal identification document.

The period of validity of the vaccination shall begin at the end of a period of at least 21 days after the completion of the primary rabies vaccination and shall be valid until the date indicated in the relevant part of the identification document by the authorised veterinarian or official veterinarian in accordance with the legislation. If the revaccination is not carried out within the period of validity of the previous vaccination, it shall be considered as the primary vaccination.

It is used as an identification document when the owner travels between EU countries with the dog, cat or ferret, or when returning from third countries or territories outside the EU, and all other conditions for non-commercial movement are met.

For non-commercial movements between Member States, it is advisable to check with the competent authority of that country for any additional conditions.