Pets at the border: what documents can be used to return to Ukraine?

Many Ukrainians left the country with their pets after 24 February 2022. Since then, the rules for crossing the border with animals have been significantly improved. Find out what documents you need to enter Ukraine with an animal in 2025

Consultation on border crossing rules on the Visit Ukraine portal

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According to Eurostat, more than 4 million Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection in European countries since 24 February 2022. A significant number of citizens left with their pets, and they are now returning or planning to return to Ukraine. Currently, to cross the border with an animal, you only need to complete a specific set of documents. All the details can be found on the Visit Ukraine portal.

What can be imported and exported from Ukraine in 2025, we discussed in our previous article.

What documents do pet owners need?

– a European veterinary passport or animal health certificate;

– proof of valid rabies vaccination;

– proof of microchipping.

Earlier, we discussed the requirements for importing dogs, cats and ferrets into Ukraine. For more details, follow the link.

The veterinary certificate contains the following information:

– country of issue;

– name, address, country and telephone number of the sender;

– name, address, country, telephone number of the recipient;

– country of origin, ISO code, region of origin, region code;

– country of destination, ISO code, region of destination, region code;

– place of origin, name, address;

– place of destination, name, address;

– place of loading;

– date of dispatch;

– means of transport;

– border crossing point through which the animals are entering;

– number of animals;

– information on certification;

– animal details: species, sex, colour, identification system, date of microchipping, identification number, date of birth, number;

– proof of rabies vaccination.

Detailed instructions on transporting animals by train can be found at the link.

Please note! The rabies antibody test must be carried out no earlier than 12 months and no later than 3 months before crossing the border!

– for dogs: notification of additional vaccinations (if given) – against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus.

– for cats: notification of additional vaccination against panleukopenia (if given).

Please note! Additional vaccinations are carried out on the recommendation of the vaccine manufacturer at least 14 days before export.

Reminder! On 7 July 2025, amendments were made to Resolution No. 176 and new rules for the transport of animals by bus were approved.

Where can I obtain these documents?

You can obtain a veterinary passport/health certificate at any veterinary clinic in any European Union country. There you can also have your animal microchipped and vaccinated, after which you will be issued with the necessary confirmation.

Please note! Vaccination and microchipping must be done in advance — rabies antibodies can only be detected 30 days after vaccination, so you will receive the supporting documents for entry into Ukraine no earlier than one month after the procedure.

Please note! Rabies vaccinations are only allowed for animals aged 12 weeks or older.

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When can an animal be sent to quarantine?

Before crossing the border, a blood sample is taken to detect rabies antibodies. If the test results are positive, the quarantine will last 3 months. If the test results are negative, the animal is sent to quarantine and a new sample is taken after 30 days.

If the new tests are also negative, the animal will be revaccinated 2 months after the first vaccination.

The maximum quarantine period is 6 months.

If you have additional questions about returning to Ukraine, preparing the necessary documents or transporting your pets, please contact the migration law specialists at Visit Ukraine for advice.

Detailed instructions on crossing the border with an animal when travelling to the EU can be found on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Rules for transporting pets

1. For short trips or travel on public transport, you can use a carrying bag. For travel between countries, you must purchase a container that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.

2. Choose a carrier based on the weight and size of your pet.

3. Consult your veterinarian before travelling.

4. It is best not to feed your pet before the trip, but only give it water.

5. For motorists: pets can be transported in a container, on the back seat covered with a car blanket, or in the boot using a car mat.

6. If the animal is in the car without a container, you need to provide a special net to prevent contact between the driver and the animal while the car is in motion.

7. The method of transport also depends on the size of the animal (for example, animals weighing less than 8 kg together with their container are allowed in the cabin of an aircraft).

The current rules for travelling with pets in 2025 are described in our previous article.

Reminder! Currently, Ukraine can only be reached by land. You can buy bus or train tickets quickly and easily on the Visit Ukraine portal. You can also use transfer services to make your trip with your pet as comfortable as possible. Before you set off on your journey, we recommend checking the queues at the Ukrainian border using popular services available at the link.

Photo: Freepik

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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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