Crossing the border with a cat, dog and other pets in 2025: rules for importing animals to Europe

Traveling with pets abroad requires advance preparation, as vaccinations and paperwork require consistency and time. Find out how to travel with pets, what you need to do, and what are the requirements for importing pets to the EU

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Traveling abroad with your pet will be easy if you prepare the necessary documents in advance and provide your furry friend with comfortable conditions. Importation rules, a list of certificates, the estimated cost of processing, and tips to help you travel comfortably with your four-legged friend are described below.

Rules for bringing animals into EU countries and necessary documents

The rules for the transportation, importation and exportation of animals (dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, exotic and other animals) between the member states of the European Union have been unified. This European regulation (Regulation 998/2003/EC) came into force on October 1, 2004. Since that date, any animal crossing the border of the European Union and other countries must meet certain requirements.

The requirements are often not only to the animal's documents, vaccinations and health certificates, but also to the conditions of transportation of the four-legged friend.

If you have any questions regarding border crossing and entry rules for the EU and other countries, please contact the immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine. Our specialists will answer all your questions and help you understand the immigration requirements of different countries.

Read also: New rules for transporting animals on buses have been approved — what passengers need to know.

What you need to take your pet abroad

To travel to Europe, an animal must have a number of vaccinations and supporting documents. However, please note that different countries may have separate requirements and rules for the importation of animals, so we advise you to familiarize yourself with the border crossing rules of the particular country you are planning to travel to before you travel.

Step 1: Microchipping

1. It is necessary to start preparing with chipping (identification of the animal with a microchip).

A microchip is a small microchip, 2×12 mm in size, which is inserted under the skin of an animal. The chip stores basic information about the animal: country of origin, breed, color, name, vaccinations, owner's name and contact number. The information can be read using a scanner or a mobile phone that supports NFC technology.

The chip parameters are defined by Resolution 576/2013 and must comply with the following standards:

– ISO 11784 using FDX-B or HDX technologies.

– ISO 11785. 

Important! The chip must be installed at the first stage of preparation. All analyzes made before this point will be invalidated.

At the same time, the chip data must match the documents provided, be in the electronic database, and the chip barcode must be pasted into the veterinary passport. Chipping must be performed before or simultaneously with rabies vaccination. 

The chipping procedure is quite simple and will not harm your pet. It is carried out in a veterinary clinic. The estimated cost is 500-700 UAH.

Step 2: Veterinary passport

2. Passport of the European standard issued by state veterinary institutions. The document is filled out in English and Ukrainian and is valid for the rest of the animal's life. The approximate cost of registration is about 400 UAH.

Step 3: Rabies vaccination

3. Rabies vaccination - vaccination should be carried out only in a veterinary clinic. The rabies vaccine must be certified and comply with the WHO standard. The veterinary passport must contain appropriate notes that must be certified by the doctor's signature and the clinic's seal.

Please note that rabies antibody testing is possible only 30 days after the last vaccination. Therefore, it is necessary to be vaccinated no earlier than 30 days before the sample collection and no later than one year before the test.

At the first vaccination, the animal is fully protected from the disease 21 days after it is vaccinated. In the case of booster doses, on the day of administration.

The cost of the service is from 150 UAH and depends on the chosen vaccine.

Step 4: Rabies antibody titer test

4. Rabies antibody titer test is a laboratory test that allows you to determine the degree of antibodies against rabies, that is, to find out if your animal is protected after vaccination. If the antibody titer is less than the established norm, then the animal must be re-vaccinated against rabies. The formation of immunity is influenced by a number of factors: breed, species, age, frequency of vaccination, etc.

Important! The test for rabies antibody titer is taken no later than three months before the animal is taken abroad. The test is carried out in laboratories recognized by the European Union.The list of such laboratories is available on the website.

The approximate cost of the test is 2500 UAH. An urgent test will cost 5000 UAH.

Step 5: Form 1 VET or veterinary certificate

5. VET-1/ VET-1 (CIS) is a special veterinary certificate containing basic information about the animal. In Ukraine, there are three main documents:

● Certificate Form No. 1 (VET-1) — issued by the state veterinary service for the movement of animals within Ukraine.

● Certificate VET-1 (CIS) — a document for CIS countries, also issued by state authorities.

● International certificate (VET-1/VET-1 (CIS)) — required for crossing the border with EU countries. Issued at a border veterinary station on the basis of a valid certificate.

That is, if you plan to travel abroad, you must first obtain a Certificate Form No. 1 (VET-1/VET-1 (CIS)) at a state veterinary clinic, and then exchange it for an international certificate at the border checkpoint. The certificate must be completed in English for all countries (except Germany, which requires a document in German).

Please note: the certificate is valid for 5 days, and the certificate is valid for 3 days. When planning your trip, allow time for processing and the need for a new certificate on your return journey.

Step 6: Treatment for fleas, ticks, and worms

6. 1-2 days before the trip, the animal must be treated for parasites (at any veterinary clinic). A corresponding note with the date must be made in the animal's passport.

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How to get an international passport for an animal?

To obtain a passport, you need to contact a state veterinary clinic, provide a certain list of documents, fill out a declaration, and pay for the service. The list of state clinics can be found here. 

Documents required to obtain a passport for animals

– a certificate or certificate from a veterinarian confirming rabies vaccination;

– a document confirming the ownership of the animal - a contract of sale or a certificate of registration of the animal (for purebred dogs)

– original passport of the animal owner or other document for identification;

– application for issuance of a passport for the animal;

– 3x4 color photo of the animal.

Read also: Border crossing rules for 2025 — how to leave Ukraine? 

How to prepare your pet for traveling? Features of transportation

After preparing the documents, you should take care of the transportation of the animal. For those traveling by train, bus, or plane, you need to purchase a special container that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. Carrier bags are best used only for short trips or when traveling by public transport.

We have described in detail how to travel with pets by train in this article. Planning to travel abroad by car? Don't forget to get a Green Card — mandatory international car insurance. You can buy Green Card insurance online on the Visit Ukraine website.

All means of transportation should be selected taking into account the size of the animal and its weight. Also, before the trip, we advise you to spend some time getting your pet used to the new container.

Those traveling by car can transport the animal

– in the container;

– in the back seat, preferably with a car hammock;

– in the trunk, using a car bed.

The main thing is that there are no objects near the animal that could injure it. You should also take care of safety while driving. To prevent the animal from jumping into the driver's seat while driving, buy a special net for the car.

Before you leave, gather all the necessary things for the trip: a collar, leash, muzzle, first aid kit, bowls, food, and water. Consult your veterinarian about treating your pet for ticks and fleas. If you know your destination, look for information about the nearest veterinary clinics.

Before traveling, it is better not to feed the animal, but only give it a drink of water. If you know that your pet may be sick, consult your veterinarian about medications. When traveling, sometimes let the animal stretch and offer water more often. A favorite toy or treat will help keep your furry friend in a good mood while traveling.

We remind you! Ukrainians and foreign citizens can return or come to Ukraine with their pets. Read about the current rules for entering Ukraine with pets in this article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

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Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

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