Traveling with a pet: rules for importing animals to Ukraine

Ukrainians and foreign citizens can return or come to Ukraine with their pets. Here are the current rules for entering Ukraine with pets

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When importing animals into Ukraine, it is necessary to take into account the current legislation not only of Ukraine, but also of neighbouring countries. Authorised specialists of the State Veterinary Service have the right to check the compliance of documents for animals with current regulations. This is necessary to prevent the introduction of animal diseases and diseases common to animals and humans from other countries and quarantine zones.

What documents are required to import an animal into Ukraine?

According to Order No. 553 of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine dated 16 November 2018, you must have the following documents to import animals into Ukraine:

– an international veterinary passport containing all necessary information about the animal;

– a microchip (transponder) that complies with ISO standards, or a tattoo, provided that it was applied before 3 July 2011;

– a health certificate issued by a veterinarian after examination.

Important! The microchip must comply with standards and be readable by the appropriate device.

If the total number of animals exceeds 5, you must comply with additional requirements:

– all animals must be older than 6 months;

– if animals are transported for participation in competitions, exhibitions or sporting events, the owner must provide written confirmation of registration.

What animals can be imported into Ukraine?

According to the order, the following animals are allowed for non-commercial transport:

– dogs;

– cats;

– ferrets;

– invertebrates (except bees, bumblebees, molluscs and crustaceans);

– ornamental aquatic animals (e.g. molluscs and fish);

– amphibians (e.g. frogs and toads);

– reptiles (e.g. lizards);

– birds (except domestic poultry);

– rodents and rabbits (except those intended for food production).

Follow the link to find out the basic requirements for transporting animals on buses.

What are the requirements for importing dogs, cats and ferrets into Ukraine?

The current legislation focuses on rabies vaccination for cats, dogs and ferrets. The first rabies vaccine is administered at 12 weeks of age. The following requirements apply to the transport of these categories of animals:

1. The animal must be vaccinated in accordance with OIE requirements.

2. At least 21 days must have elapsed since the initial rabies vaccination.

3. All subsequent vaccinations must be administered during the period of validity of the initial vaccination.

4. The owner must have confirmation of the presence of rabies antibodies in the animal's blood (the test must be performed in accordance with OIE requirements no later than three months and no earlier than 12 months before the animal is shipped).

5. If the test does not show the presence of rabies antibodies or if the vaccination was not performed on time, a repeat test is required.

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What to do when crossing the border if 21 days have not passed since the animal was vaccinated against rabies?

A dog, cat or ferret aged between 12 and 16 weeks may be imported into Ukraine if one of the following requirements is met:

1. There has been no contact with wild animals susceptible to rabies.

2. The mother animals have been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with OIE requirements.

Important! Vaccination data is contained in the international certificate.

What are the requirements for importing birds into Ukraine?

There are significantly fewer requirements for importing birds into Ukraine. According to the order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the following conditions must be met:

1. The bird must have been kept for three months in an area or zone that is free from Newcastle disease and avian influenza at the time of issue of the veterinary certificate.

2. Birds must be kept in isolation for 30 days prior to entry or for 10 days subject to testing for avian influenza antigen.

Informative! Newcastle disease virus poses the greatest threat to domestic poultry.

What are the requirements for importing rodents into Ukraine?

In order to import a rodent into Ukraine, you must provide confirmation that the rodent has tested negative for leptospirosis within the last 30 days prior to entry or has been treated twice with antibacterial drugs to combat leptospirosis.

Reminder! We previously reported on how to travel with pets by train in 2025 – rules and conditions for pet owners.

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We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

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