Vaccinations, documents and applications: rules for entering Poland with animals

During the war, Poland continues to accept pets from Ukraine under simplified rules. Owners are allowed to cross the border even without a full set of documents or vaccinations, and all necessary procedures can be completed on site. Find out what conditions apply in 2025 and how to properly arrange entry with your pet

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The simplified procedure for transporting pets from Ukraine to Poland, introduced during the war, remains in force today. Thanks to this, Ukrainians can still cross the border with their pets even if they do not have all the required documents or vaccinations. This has been confirmed by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate of Poland and the organisation UAnimals.

What rules are currently in force?

Dogs, cats and ferrets still do not require serological testing for rabies antibodies. This means that an animal can enter Poland without a prior blood test if other conditions are met or will be met on arrival.

If a person crosses the border with an animal and has not met all the requirements, they must fill out a special application and obtain an entry permit. At the border crossing point, the animal is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. All data on the procedures performed are entered into the issued permit.

In cases where an animal has crossed the border without obtaining such a permit, the owner is obliged to notify the nearest point designated by the territorially competent district veterinary doctor. There, the animal will be registered, microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

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How many animals can be brought into Poland from Ukraine?

According to the current rules, one person has the right to transport no more than five animals. This restriction remains in place even with the simplified procedure. At the same time, animals under eight weeks of age can cross the border without mandatory marking and vaccination, as they are still too young for these procedures.

Thus, it is possible to cross the Polish border with an animal even if some of the necessary documents are missing, provided that the owner is prepared to comply with all requirements after entering the country. It is important to remember that simplified measures were introduced to ensure the safety of pets during the war and remain an important tool for treating them humanely.

The standard procedure, as stipulated by European Union regulations, requires a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, an identification document (veterinary passport or health certificate) and an analysis of rabies antibody titres. However, an exception remains in place for Ukrainians, simplifying the process.

Animal rights activists urge people not to leave their pets behind and, if possible, to take them with them when evacuating or moving. Animals suffer from war no less than humans, and the simplified rules for entering Poland allow them to find safety together with their owners.

Reminder! 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.

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