Crossing an EU border with a young puppy

Hello,

Has anyone here ever taken a young puppy across an EU border before the official waiting period for the rabies vaccine was completed? (12 weeks + 21 days required)

I’m trying to understand what the realistic risks and outcomes have been for people who did it (or who witnessed it).

I know what the regulations say, but I’m curious about actual experiences:
– Are there any checks at the border?
– Did anyone face fines or administrative issues later (vet visit, registration, travel)?
– Has anyone had their puppy stopped or questioned by authorities?
– Are the risks mostly “theoretical,” or do checks actually happen in practice?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have gone through this, or from vets/people familiar with how strictly this is enforced.

Thanks!