Traveling with a dog: rules, documents and vaccinations

When going on vacation with a dog to another city or country, the owner needs to prepare a whole set of documents for the tailed passenger. Such rules for transporting animals are common in all countries of the world and are controlled by competent authorities concerned about the risks of local animals becoming infected with various infections that can be transmitted from sick visiting dogs.

In the article we will look at what needs to be provided for traveling with a dog, what veterinary, customs documents and vaccinations will be required when traveling with a dog around the country, Europe and the world.

What documents are needed to transport a dog?

The set of necessary documents for traveling with a dog is determined taking into account the requirements of the country chosen for travel.

Across Russia

Russians can travel with a dog to different cities of the Russian Federation with a minimum set of documentation.

What you need to take on the road:

• veterinary passport with notes on vaccination;
• a document confirming the right to own an animal (may not be required, but it’s better to take it with you just in case).

If the dog will take part in competitions or exhibitions in another city, a veterinary certificate in Form No. 1 will also be required. This document must indicate all vaccinations given to the pet on schedule.

According to the Customs Union

When planning a trip to the countries of the Customs Union with a dog, you need to prepare a veterinary passport, a Customs Union certificate in form F1 and a document confirming the right to own the dog.

To Europe

Different European countries may have certain requirements for transporting animals, which is important to study in advance. You can find out this information at the consulate of the country you have chosen for travel.

Required documents for traveling in Europe with a dog:

• international veterinary passport;
• certificate in form No. 5A;
• veterinary certificate in EU format;
• customs declaration;
• certificate of absence or presence of breeding value;
• document confirming the right to the animal.

5 days before shipment, the dog must be examined by a veterinarian from the State Veterinary Service and confirm the pet’s healthy condition.

Abroad of Russia and the CU

To travel with a dog outside of Russia and the countries of the Customs Union, you need to issue a veterinary certificate of form No. 5A, fill out a customs declaration and take the animal’s veterinary passport with you.

Some countries also request rabies antibody test results. You can find out exactly what requirements for transporting animals apply in a particular country at the consulate.

How to understand the rules for traveling with a dog

The list of documents for traveling with a dog depends on where you decide to go. All veterinary certificates have a validity period and are most often issued anew for each trip. The rabies antibody test is generally sufficient to be done once in the dog's life, but some countries have special conditions (for example, Japan, Israel and Ukraine). We talk clearly and in detail about complex issues, with links to regulations and official sources. If you still have questions, ask them in the comments at the bottom of the page, we will try to find the answer. When planning your trip, make sure your pet will be comfortable—some pets cannot travel due to illness, injury, age, or temperament.

Across Russia

To travel with a dog in Russia you will need a veterinary passport; a document confirming the right to a dog (just in case). If you plan to take part in an exhibition during your trip, you must issue a Veterinary Certificate Form No. 1. Additionally, study the Rules for the import and movement of dogs within the Customs Union.

Customs Union

To travel with a dog within the Customs Union (Russia, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic) you need: a veterinary passport; certificate of the Customs Union (form F1); a document confirming the right to a dog (just in case). Additionally, study the Rules for the import and movement of dogs within the Customs Union.

Europe (European Union)

To travel with a dog to the territory of EU member states you need: a veterinary passport; veterinary certificate form N 5a and its annex - EU veterinary certificate; If you have a veterinary passport in the form filled out in accordance with the procedure, and provided that the state veterinary service conducted a clinical examination within 5 days before shipment, which is noted in the passport, form No. 1 is not needed, and form No. 5a is issued upon request; Statement on the non-commercial nature of the import of animals into the EU; customs declaration of the Customs Union; EU customs declaration (or temporary importation application); in some cases, the results of an antibody test; a document confirming the right to a dog (just in case). Additionally, learn the basic requirements for traveling with a dog to Europe

Other countries of the world

To travel with a dog you will need: a veterinary passport; certificate form N 5a, document confirming the right to a dog (just in case), customs declaration; in some cases, the results of an antibody test; certificate in the form of the country of import, etc. Study the current requirements on the website of the agency that carries out veterinary control in this country. Take a look at Questions and Answers; the information you need may already be there.

Veterinary passport

The form was approved by the Decision of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission dated December 25, 2012 No. 307. A passport is issued by a veterinarian of a state institution at the initiative of the owner for dogs and cats. Information about vaccinations is entered by the veterinarian; the owner is only required to timely note the routine treatment with helminthics and medications for fleas and ticks. A number of states require upon entry to be treated for helminths - then the state veterinarian makes notes about this. If you are planning a trip outside the country, duplicate the entries on the first page of your veterinary passport in English.

According to the Procedure for filling out a passport, it can only be issued for an identified animal; all entries are made exclusively after identification (microchip and (or) brand (tattoo)).

Antibody test for rabies

What is the test for? A number of countries (EU countries, Taiwan, UAE and some others) have established a requirement that if an animal enters from a territory with an unfavorable situation for rabies (for example, Ukraine, Turkey), then it must have an antibody test confirming that the body has developed antibodies in an amount of 0.5 IU/ml or more. This also applies to transit through such a territory (except for air transit, if you did not leave the airport area). To enter Japan, an antibody test is required for all dogs, except residents of a number of island states, and is valid for 2 years from the date of sampling. Since May 1, 2010, Israel (in Animal Disease Ordinance (Animal Imports), 5734 – 1974) has established a mandatory test for all incoming dogs, done no earlier than 30 days after vaccination. Basically, it is enough to donate blood for a test once in a lifetime, provided that the revaccination deadlines are met. In order for the test results to be recognized, it is carried out in an internationally accredited laboratory.

In Russia, as of January 1, 2022, there are five laboratories with EU accreditation: LLC Institute of Biotechnology of Veterinary Medicine (Vladimir Region www.ibvm.ru) - accreditation expired on December 15, 2020! LLC "NOVISTEM" (Moscow https://ns-rabies.ru/) Federal State Budgetary Institution "VGNKI" (Moscow Zvenigorodskoye Highway 5 www.pcr-lab.narod.ru) Research Institute for the Diagnostics and Prevention of Animal and Human Diseases (Moscow, Gamaleyi St., 16, building 2) Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Center for Animal Health" (Vladimir, Yuryevets microdistrict https://www.arriah.ru) - accreditation expired 12/15/2020 !

The test is usually done no earlier than 30 days after the first vaccination; some countries set their own requirements. The study is carried out over 3 weeks. Consider timing when planning your trips.

Dog ownership document

This is an indication in the veterinary passport of you as the owner, a copy of the pedigree or another document - a purchase and sale agreement, joint ownership. If you are not the owner of the dog, but are transporting it on his behalf - a power of attorney or a contract for transportation.

We have compiled a sample power of attorney from the owner for the non-commercial movement of a dog in English.

Veterinary certificates

Veterinary certificate Form No. 1. For what - for transportation across the territory of Russia to an exhibition or for the purpose of sale (or other transfer involving a change of owner) or for transportation outside the Russian Federation. Who issues - state veterinary clinics. Validity period: within 5 days from the date of registration until the end of transportation and/or change of owner. Regulatory act - Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia dated December 27, 2016 No. 589. From January 10, 2017, when moving pets across Russia without a change of owner and not for exhibitions, the F1 form was canceled. Clause 16 of the Rules: “Registration of the VSD is not required when moving across the territory of Russia... domestic, service, or ornamental animals without a change of owner and not related to business activities, excluding their movement to exhibition events.” In clinics, from January 8, 2015, veterinary documents are issued free of charge (Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 27, 2014 No. 1577). It is possible to obtain a certificate in electronic form in the Mercury system.

Veterinary certificate of the Customs Union (Form No. 1) For what - for the transportation of pets within the Eurasian Economic Union (which includes Russia, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic) Who issues - state veterinary clinics. Regulatory act - Decision of the Customs Union Commission dated June 18, 2010 No. 317 (as amended). In clinics, from January 8, 2015, veterinary documents are issued free of charge (Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 27, 2014 No. 1577).

Veterinary certificate Form No. 5a. For what - to export a pet outside of Russia Who issues - Territorial bodies of Rosselkhoznadzor on the basis of Form 1. You can obtain it either from the territorial body of the Russian Agricultural Sciences, in whose area of ​​​​responsibility the subject of the Russian Federation is located, from where you are exporting pets, or at the border crossing point of the Russian Federation (letter from Rosselkhoznadzor from 03.12.2015 No. FS-EN-7/21871). You can enter information into the certificate electronically and sign up to receive it in the eCert component. Validity period - within 5 days before the date of transportation and until the end of transportation and/or sale (change of owner). Regulatory act - order of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia dated December 27, 2016 No. 589. The column “along the route” indicates the main points of travel: point of departure - point of destination - point of return (in case of return). When exporting cats and dogs transported abroad for personal use, permission from Rosselkhoznadzor is not required (clause 4.3 of the Administrative Regulations of Rosselkhoznadzor, approved by Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia dated November 7, 2011 No. 404, as amended by Order No. 496 dated October 31, 2016).

EU veterinary certificate (so-called “European certificate”). Why - to register the movement of pets across the territory of EU member states. Who issues - Territorial bodies of Rosselkhoznadzor on the basis of Form 1 or a veterinary passport, if it corresponds to the form and is filled out correctly, and also if the state veterinary service conducted a clinical examination within five days before sending, which is noted in the passport. If you have such a passport, form No. 1 is not needed; form No. 5a is issued upon request (information about this is posted on the Rosselkhoznador website). You can enter information into the certificate electronically and sign up to receive it on the Rosselkhoznadzor website. Validity period is within 10 days from the date of issue until the date of registration at the point of entry into the European Union, and for further movement within the EU - within 4 months from the date of issue or until the date of expiration of the rabies vaccination (whichever comes first). Normative act - Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12.06.2013 (EU) No. 576/2013 and Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 577/2013, as amended by IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/1293. The current form of the EU veterinary certificate is used from 01.11.2019 .

Customs declaration for a dog

1.Customs declaration of the Customs Union

The declaration form and the procedure for filling out were approved by the Decision of the EEC Board of July 23, 2019 No. 124. The declaration is filled out in 2 types - for exit and entry, both in 2 copies (put x or v in the required cells). Please note that the declaration is on 4 sheets, printed on the back. We present the one for travel outside the Customs Union (Russia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia) so that they can mark it and enter information into the database. When you return home, show your copy along with the entry declaration (without marks) to the customs officers. The Republic of Belarus has a portal for Preliminary Electronic Submission of Information, where it is possible to generate and print a declaration with a UINP number and a barcode, which can significantly reduce the time at the border. You can find out the situation online at road checkpoints across the border of the Republic of Belarus.

Why is a declaration needed? According to paragraphs. 2 clause 1 art. 260 of the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union, goods for personal use subject to prohibitions and restrictions (for example, the need to undergo veterinary control) must be declared in writing. An individual with a pet must follow the “red” corridor and fill out the passenger customs declaration in 2 copies, one of which remains with the customs authority, and the second is given to the individual. Without paying duties and taxes, goods for personal use are imported within the limits of cost, weight and (or) quantitative standards determined by the Commission (Article 266 of the EEC Labor Code).

2.EU customs declaration

Some EU members, such as Lithuania, decided at the end of 2022 to dust off the old customs regulations and put them into practice. When bringing pets into the EU non-commercially by road, you are asked to fill out a Customs Declaration for Temporary Import/Transit (transit - if you are transporting them by road from one non-EU country to another non-EU country via Lithuania (e.g. Belarus to the Kaliningrad region) Exception: cases when persons traveling by rail through Lithuania do not enter the territory of Lithuania). If the pet costs more than 1 thousand euros, you need a full EU customs declaration, if less, you can issue a short accompanying document for temporary import (Supporting document for an oral customs declaration) on paper - the original for EU customs and a copy for yourself to show leaving the EU. It is not yet clear whether this norm will take root and which other EU members will decide to use it. The declaration form is approved in Annex 71-01 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 of 28 July 2015.

A trip with a dog to Europe (EU countries). Primary requirements

1. Having an electronic microchip installed BEFORE the last rabies vaccination (or on the same day). A tattoo is accepted as identification only if it is “easily legible and applied before 07/03/2011.” 2. At least 21 days must have elapsed from the completion of the initial rabies vaccination, carried out in accordance with the requirements of Annex Ib 3 of EU Regulation No. 998/2003 (they limit the list of vaccines used), and all subsequent vaccinations must be carried out before the expiration of the previous one. 3. If animals are coming from/in transit through an area affected by rabies, a positive blood test result for rabies antibodies is required. A test is not required for import from Russia and the Republic of Belarus. The list of countries with a favorable environment was approved by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2016.

Don't forget that not all European countries are members of the European Union. And in some of them the rabies situation is not considered favorable. 4. When you leave the EU, the European certificate obtained in Russia loses its validity, and to enter back into the territory of an EU member state, an antibody test may also be required. For example, the following are considered unfavorable: Türkiye, Serbia, Montenegro. Not a member of the EU, but North Macedonia is rabies-free. The UK is no longer part of the EU; due to Brexit , from 1 January 2022 the rules for bringing pets into the UK and moving between the EU and GB countries have changed.

5. If you are traveling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or the UK, the dogs must additionally undergo treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis (anthelmintic (an anti-worming drug) containing at least 50 mg of Praziquantel or another substance with a similar effect, for example - trianthelm, canikquantel, drontal, milbemax, endogard), no later than 24 hours before entering the country and no earlier than 120 hours. You need to take the drug in the presence of a veterinarian in a state veterinary clinic; a record of this (indicating the time of administration) is made in the veterinary passport (certified by the signature and seal of the veterinarian), in Form No. 1 and in the EU veterinary certificate (with the signature and seal of the representative of Rosselkhoznadzor issuing it).

EU veterinary certificate (European certificate)

For animals from Russia, the document is an EU certificate issued in at least one of the official languages ​​of the importing member countries and in English. It will be filled out in block letters in the official language of the importing member country, or in English (when entering through Poland, we fill out in English on a form drawn up in Polish, English and Russian (Russian for you to navigate the document, and for Rosselkhoznadzor employees certifying it ).

The current form of the European certificate is used from November 1, 2022 (amended by IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/1293). In the Table, column I.5 “Consignee” indicates the country of entry of the EU member state (this is indicated in the Certificate Form itself in the Notes). Rosselkhoznadzor often indicates the entire route, as in form 5a - this is not prohibited, but not necessary. At the first EU border crossing, the document checker must sign the certificate.

The European certificate is accompanied by a written Application completed by the owner or an authorized person (carrier, trusted accompanying person) regarding the non-commercial nature of the movement (see sample in Part 3 of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No. 577/2013). The application, like the European certificate, is filled out in English on a form drawn up in English and the language of the country of entry into the EU. It does not need to be certified anywhere.

Entry with a pet into the EU is possible only through certain border crossing points where such movement is processed.

Samples of filling out a new European certificate from November 1, 2019 for the non-commercial movement of animals by the owner (including a declaration of non-commercial import):

European certificate for entry through Poland - in English, Polish and Russian

European certificate for entry through Finland - in English, Finnish and Russian

European certificate for entry through Latvia - in English, Latvian and Russian

European certificate for entry through Lithuania - in English, Lithuanian and Russian

European certificate for entry through Spain - in English, Spanish and Russian

European certificate for entry through France - in English and French

European certificate for entry through Estonia - in English, Estonian and Russian

The forms are available in all EU languages. If you are exporting a dog for the purpose of selling/gifting, study the information on the import procedure.

The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue until the date of registration at the point of entry into the EU, and for further movement within the EU - for 4 months from the date of issue or until the date of expiration of the rabies vaccination (whichever date comes first). It is issued by representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor at checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation (to speed up the process and avoid technical errors, it is better to fill out everything yourself in a calm atmosphere and come to them with a printed form in 2 copies (or it is better to additionally have an electronic version with you) ). The document can be issued either at the territorial department of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in the area of ​​​​responsibility of which is the subject of the Russian Federation from where you are exporting animals, or at the border crossing point of the Russian Federation (letter of Rosselkhoznadzor dated December 3, 2015 No. FS-EN-7/21871). You can sign up to receive the document online on the Rosselkhoznadzor website (eCert component).

European certificate for dogs and cats - where to get it in Moscow There are 6 such points in Moscow and the Moscow region: at the international airports Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky; point on the basis of the Clinical Diagnostic Center at st. 2nd Khoroshevsky proezd, 5.

The procedure for filling out a European certificate For a number of positions, the form requires several options for statements with a footnote sign (1) “exclude unnecessary”: options that are not suitable for the situation must be crossed out and certified with the seal of the person issuing the document, or completely deleted. For example, paragraph II.1 states that during movement the animal will remain under the responsibility of a) the owner; b) an individual who has permission in writing from the owner for such transportation on his behalf; c) an individual who is a carrier under a contract with the owner, for non-commercial purposes on his behalf; d) the animals intend to take part in competitions, exhibitions and sporting events... If you are the owner and are transporting the pet yourself, then all options except the first (a) should be crossed out or deleted.

Rabies vaccination

For adult pets (over 15 weeks), vaccinated and quarantined for 21 days, the procedure is as follows: vaccination is given no earlier than the installation of the chip; from the completion of the primary vaccination, performed in accordance with the requirements of Annex III to Regulation (EU) No. 576/2013 (limiting the list of drugs used), at least 21 days have passed, and all subsequent ones were carried out before the expiration of the previous one. When transiting through a country affected by rabies, an additional positive blood test result for antibodies is required (transit without a test is allowed, if you do not leave the plane or the perimeter of an international airport, if the owner provides a declaration to this effect). The regulation gave EU member states the right to independently choose whether to allow entry into their territory of puppies/kittens that have not reached 12 weeks of age and are not vaccinated, as well as those aged 12 to 16 weeks that have not yet completed 21 days from the date of the first vaccination .

Confirmation of purpose of travel

Non-commercial import is a movement the purpose of which is not their sale or transfer of ownership. To prove this, you need to fill out a declaration (attachment to the European certificate) and document that: - you are the owner (the easiest way to confirm this is with a pedigree where you are listed as the owner, or with a purchase and sale agreement); - or a person who has permission in writing from the owner to transport on his behalf (an example of a power of attorney for the non-commercial movement of a dog in English); - or a person who is a carrier of animals under a contract with the owner for non-commercial movement on his behalf; — or the number of animals transported by 1 person (for non-commercial purposes) is no more than 5; - or more than five pets, but they are over six months old and they intend to take part in competitions, exhibitions and sporting events or in preparation for them, and you can provide evidence of registration as a participant or member of associations organizing such events.

Rules for importing dogs into Russia

It is allowed to import and move through the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (which includes Russia, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic) dogs and cats transported for personal use in an amount of no more than 2 heads without quarantine, accompanied by an approved veterinary passport or an international one passport, which in this case is equivalent to a veterinary certificate provided that it contains a mark from the competent authority about conducting a clinical examination within 14 days before shipment. When importing from third countries, re-issuance of an international passport in the country of destination for a veterinary certificate is not required.

The conditions are set out in Chapter 15 of the Unified Veterinary Requirements (Appendix No. 4 to the Decision of the Customs Union Commission dated June 18, 2010 No. 317, as amended on July 9, 2019 No. 116). Vaccinations made after identification are traditionally considered primary (you should wait for the quarantine period). The passport must contain marks indicating that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper, hepatitis, viral enteritis, parvo and adenovirus infections, leptospirosis (unless they were treated for prophylactic purposes with dehydrostreptomycin or a substance registered in the exporting country that gives an equivalent effect ) no later than 20 days before shipment, unless they have been vaccinated within the last 12 months. Import and (or) movement are allowed upon confirmation by the veterinarian who issued the certificate that the period of maintenance of immunity by the rabies vaccine, which is more than one year, has not expired, or upon laboratory confirmation that the intensity of immunity is at least 0.5 IU/ml, as well as dogs and cats under 3 months of age who have not been vaccinated against rabies.

Within 14 days before the start of movement, a clinical examination must be carried out and a doctor’s note must be made in the passport, giving the right to travel for 120 days, provided that the rabies vaccination (re-vaccination) does not expire during this period. In addition, according to the Regulations on the Unified Veterinary Control Procedure (Appendix No. 2 to the same Decision No. 317), the import of animal feed (HS code 2309) is possible only with an import permit or a veterinary certificate (clause 6.3 of the Regulations). Finish your food by the end of your trip!

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Veterinary passport for a dog of international standard

A veterinary passport is a mandatory document for any movement with a dog outside of your hometown. A similar document, only of an international standard, is issued for a dog if you plan to travel to distant countries, outside the Russian Federation. The main difference between an international veterinary passport is that all information about the dog and its health status is duplicated in English.

What information is indicated in the international veterinary passport:

1. Dog's name, gender, breed, date of birth and coat color.
2. Information about microchipping an animal.
3. Notes on vaccination, parasitic and anthelmintic treatment with the date and stamp of the veterinary clinic.

Required vaccinations

Each country has its own rules regarding mandatory vaccination of animals crossing the border from other countries. But there are some vaccinations that are mandatory for all dogs.

What vaccinations are required:

1. For rabies – no later than 21 days before departure.
2. Against viral hepatitis.
3. From leptospirosis.
4. Against canine distemper.
5. From parvovirus.

Deworming

Before the planned trip, it is also necessary to deworm the dog and treat the fur for ticks and fleas. These procedures must be carried out in a veterinary clinic, so that the doctor puts the appropriate mark in the animal’s passport.

Vaccination

It is important that information about vaccination be entered in specially designated lines indicating the date of vaccination, the name of the vaccine with a special sticker attached, all this data is confirmed by the signature of the doctor and sealed by the veterinary clinic.

If the complete vaccination date or name of the vaccine is filled out carelessly or is missing, grounds arise for invalidating the passport.

To plan a trip, it is important to know that after all vaccinations, an animal can be taken on a trip only after a month and no later than a year.

Vaccination requirements can be clarified at a veterinary clinic, but the main ones are vaccinations against rabies, parvovirus and two distemper vaccinations. It is advisable to vaccinate the animal against major infectious diseases, which include Lyme disease, mumps, adenovirus infection and others.

However, according to the rules of a particular country, there may be different requirements for other vaccinations. Therefore, it is recommended to clarify this information.

As for the rabies vaccine, not all drugs are recognized by veterinary control at customs. To be completely sure, it is necessary to clarify the names of drugs that are accepted unconditionally and administer exactly such vaccines in a veterinary clinic.

There are restrictions when transporting puppies. Thus, the import of animals from 4 months of age is allowed into the European Union. This is due to the vaccination schedule and the mandatory presence of an important rabies vaccination. They begin to vaccinate puppies at two months and only after a month they are vaccinated against rabies and after another month they are allowed to travel.

The requirements of each country may differ in terms of tightening or easing the conditions for importing animals. Thus, in some countries, certificates are not required for puppies under 3 months of age.

Therefore, in advance of your trip, it is recommended to find out all the requirements of the country you plan to visit with your pet.

Rabies antibody test

In some countries, a mandatory condition for importing a dog from other countries is the presence of a document confirming a test for rabies antibodies. This procedure can be completed in veterinary laboratories approved by the European Commission.

When the test is done:

• no earlier than three months before the planned departure from the country;
• no earlier than 30 days after rabies vaccination.

The test is paid. The waiting period for results is 14 days. If necessary, you can pay extra for an urgent test and get ready results in 3 days.

Microchipping an animal

The Pet-iD microchip must comply with the international standard ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 and contain a 15-digit number. You should know that chips with 10-digit numbers are considered obsolete and are not recognized anywhere. It is better to install the chip in a veterinary clinic with a preliminary check of the certificate for it.

The structure of the code “hardwired” into the microcircuit looks like this: RUS 643 077 *********. The letters indicate the country of registration (RUS - Russia), 643 is the digital code of the country (643 - Russia). Then three digits - the region code (077 in our example - Moscow). The last 9 digits are the individual number of the animal.

In some countries, they note that microchipping must be done before vaccinations.

Customs declaration

When traveling with a dog outside the country, the owner needs to fill out a customs declaration in two copies - for export and import. This document must be kept until the end of the trip. It is presented to customs officers upon returning home, otherwise the dog will not be allowed through. You can fill out the declaration at home yourself by downloading the required form from the official website of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation.

In order to have time to collect all the necessary certificates for traveling with your dog outside your home city or country, start preparing documentation 2-3 weeks before the planned trip. Pay attention to the validity periods of documents. Be sure to carry out all the necessary procedures for preparing the animal. Before the trip, get your dog in order; it should be in a clean and well-groomed condition.

All necessary care products for dogs of different breeds and sizes can be purchased on our store website. In the catalog you will also find drugs for deworming and parasite treatment, accessories for travel, collars, leashes, toys for travel and many other useful things for pets.

Transporting a dog across the border by car

No less complex than the previous process. If you decide to travel with your pet, then consider the following points:

1. Before a long trip, the dog needs to be walked, fed and watered.
2. Nutrition. The longer the trip, the more it is required. Dry food is better, because it does not spoil at all and does not attract the attention of insects. Stock up on water and a container for your pet to drink from.
3. Provide stops for 10-15 minutes every 2 hours. The pet needs time to do its business and recover a little from the difficult move.
4. If your dog is unable to sit still, then it may be worth considering special devices for him. For example, a cage or a special belt can secure your animal for a long trip.
5. It's hot in the car. Do not open windows to allow your pet to ventilate. Any small pebble can fly off and hit her, which can lead to death. The best option is air conditioning. Remember to water your dog often and do not leave him alone in the car.
6. Cold. It will be enough to turn on the heater and keep the windows closed.
7. If your dog has problems with urination, then you should take action.

You shouldn't go on a car trip with your dog without taking care of these things.

What do you need to know when preparing for your trip?

Many holders of a residence permit in Europe or a second citizenship spend quite a lot of time in the EU and at the same time do not want to part with their pets. In fact, any dog ​​or cat may not be able to bear being separated from its owner for several weeks or even months. The only way out is to take them with you. In addition, individuals regularly participate in international animal shows.

If you comply with all the conditions of the EU directives regarding the import of animals, then no problems will arise. By the way, it is useful to study the information on the official website of the European Union and familiarize yourself with the Rules for the transportation of pets. However, it should be remembered that individual European countries have special conditions that you also need to be aware of.

In addition, if an outbreak of a virus or infection occurs in one of the countries, the rules may be tightened up to the complete suppression of the movement of animals into the EU. You will have to come to terms with these demands; they are temporary.

Important! In the EU, there are regulations of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission 576/2013 and 577/577 for the transport of pets, which came into force on December 29, 2014. There is no tax on the import of pets for temporary stay in the EU.

Certificate or certificate in form 1-vet

A certificate in form 1-vet is issued by the state veterinary station. The basis for issuing a certificate is the data entered in the passport about the vaccination and necessary procedures for the pet. A visit to the veterinary station should only be with the animal.

A certificate in form 1-vet is needed to cross the border. It is important that the validity period of the document is limited and is valid for 5 days. To avoid unforeseen situations, it is useful to clarify in advance the procedure for issuing certificates in form 1-vet by the veterinary station.

When crossing the border, the 1-vet certificate is exchanged for an international veterinary passport. For different countries, the certificate may have a different appearance. Often the certificate is pink, and in some EU countries it is white.

How to prepare your pet for a flight

For an animal, flying is a huge stress, so it needs to be prepared. By following the instructions for safe transportation, you can avoid injury to your four-legged friend:

• Do not administer large amounts of sleeping pills or tranquilizers to your pet;
• the bottom of the transportation container must be adsorbent;
• air must enter the cell;
• a free, stable container will ensure the most comfortable flight;
• It is necessary to prepare a first aid kit for the animal.

The dog must be clean, healthy, and not aggressive.

Cost of keeping an animal in Europe

It should be taken into account that keeping your pet in Europe will be somewhat more expensive, because in the EU countries there is a so-called animal tax.

Pet tax in Europe ranges from 15 to 700 euros per year depending on the country and the animal itself. Potentially dangerous breeds and large animals are the most expensive. We are talking about taxes on dogs; cats can currently live in the EU for free.

Spaniards pay the least for keeping dogs - 15-35 euros per year, Swedes - about 50 euros. For the Dutch, one dog costs about 60 euros, but getting a second one will cost 85 euros. Swiss taxes can be considered average in size - dog breeders pay approximately 100 euros per year. The most expensive place to keep dogs is in Germany. Large and dangerous breeds can cost more than 600 euros.

However, it should be borne in mind that this tax must be paid if the dog resides permanently in the country. There is no taxation for temporary importation.

Crossing the border by plane

Not everyone has the opportunity to travel long distances with dogs abroad by car. For such people there is another way out - an airplane. But those who choose air transport need to prepare for the harsh requirements of airlines.

At the booking stage, you must contact the airline in advance and warn about the presence of a dog.

Many air carriers set a limit on the number of dogs on board, so if you do not discuss this point in advance with airline representatives, you may be left behind. Some German airlines have a flat fee for transporting dogs. But usually the dog's flight is paid as excess baggage.

Some airlines allow small breed dogs to fly in the cabin. To do this, you need to check in advance the transportation rules of the selected airline about the maximum permissible weight. In this case, the dog’s weight is measured along with the carrier.

If the weight of the dog is not suitable for flying in the cabin, then it is placed in the luggage compartment of the aircraft. For such animals, you can buy or rent a special box at the airport.

If your dog is flying in the luggage compartment, then you need to choose airplanes with a heated compartment. These aircraft include the latest models of Boeing and Il-86. Despite the presence of heating in the luggage compartment, it is better to put a warm blanket in the box. It is also important to take care of the availability of water and food in the box.

Different airlines may have different transportation rules. Therefore, you always need to clarify all the nuances in advance. For example, Aeroflot does not accept dogs belonging to brachycephalic breeds either into the cabin or into the luggage compartment.

How to bring poultry to Europe?

Yes, you can also travel with your feathered pets around Europe.

• The bird is vaccinated against avian influenza AI within 10 days and kept in quarantine during this period. Another option is to document the keeping of the bird in isolation for 30 days on the territory of the Russian Federation
• No earlier than 3 days in advance, a blood test is done for the presence of antigens or the H5N1 genome
• It is necessary to issue a veterinary certificate, which is valid for 10 days (generally)
• The bird must have a European Veterinary Passport

Important!

European directives do not regulate the import of other types of pets (ferrets, rabbits, etc.), so this point needs to be clarified directly with representatives of the country where you are going to enter