pet travel to montenegro

How to travel with pets to Montenegro (Relocate with your pets)

How to take your pets with you to montenegro.

Author –

Jonathan Howe

From living on our sailboat with our two cats, we then  rented an apartment in Montenegro . Wherever we go, we always have our children with us – Ahab and Zissou. From Sailor Cats, they became mountain cats as we purchased a house and lot in Herceg Novi. If you want to  travel with pets to  Montenegro , here’s a guide that’s helpful to you.

Table of Contents

Learn more about  living in Montenegro and temporary residency in Montenegro ! Are you looking for the  best destinations for digital nomads in Montenegro ?  Then read this article –  Discover the Best Places for Digital Nomads in Montenegro

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Montenegro is a pet-friendly country; they have pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and beaches. Taking your pets here is relatively easy, especially if you have the right documents. Read this article to prepare for your trip to Montenegro with your fur babies.

Import of Pets to Montenegro

According to the Customs Administration of Montenegro, the transfer of animals is forbidden except for pets. The shipment of up to 5 pets is allowed for non-commercial trade purposes and without veterinary inspection or control as long as they have an appropriate veterinary certificate from the country you are sending them from.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets younger than 3 months are not allowed to be imported to Montenegro. It would help if you waited for them to grow bigger and healthier.

Documents Needed to Travel with Pets to Montenegro

• Veterinary Certificate  – this is issued by an accredited vet that the pet on the documents have been inspected and satisfy regulations for their movement
• Pet Passport  – if humans have passports, pets have one, too! This simplifies the transfer of the animal (passport holder) to other countries without undergoing quarantine. It includes the details of the animals and their updated shots. Both Ahab and Zissou have one as we were traveling from the US and Caribbean.
• 12 weeks older  – they must be at least 3 months old as you can’t import younger ones unless you have a permit from the correct agency
• Rabies Vaccination  – your pet must be vaccinated between 1 – 12 months before entering Montenegro
• Titer Test  – or antibody titration test, performed 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months from movement. It’s a simple blood test for pets that measures their antibodies to vaccine viruses.
• Tapeworm treatment  – pets must be treated against  Echinococcus multilocularis  before they enter Montenegro

Entering with Pets to Montenegro

• You can enter via Podgorica Airport where the pets can enter via checked baggage, air cargo, or cabin
• Check the airlines for their additional requirements
• You may travel with your pets via land
• One of the most common borders is from Croatia to Montenegro
• You can also travel to Dubrovnik via air and travel by car to Herceg Novi, but be careful as Croatia is an EU Member and may be more strict in importing animals
• Many have experienced this, and basically, the borders aren’t that strict and they usually smile at you and your pet

Traveling with pets to  Montenegro  is very easy; you’ll need a few requirements and tests, and you are ready to move. You can also find good vets in the area for your baby’s check-up. Currently, we have 6 cats in total, 4 which we adopted here in Montenegro; Blackie, Bonnie, and Clyde, and Little Jana. In case you want to adopt pets, check out our article on Where to Adopt Dogs or Cats in Montenegro. Good luck!

Learn more about  living in Montenegro and temporary residency in Montenegro !

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Transporting Dogs and Cats Between the USA and Montenegro: A Comprehensive Guide

Preparing for a journey with your beloved furry companions across international borders can be both exciting and challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps and considerations involved in transporting your dogs and cats between the United States and Montenegro. Whether you're moving or taking a vacation, ensuring a safe and stress-free trip for your pets is essential. Let's explore the essential aspects of this adventure together.

Initial Preparation

• Check Import Requirements : Start by researching the most up-to-date import requirements for pets in Montenegro.
• Pet Identification : Ensure your pets have proper identification, such as microchips, meeting international standards.

Vaccination and Parasite Control

• Vaccinations : Make sure your pets are up-to-date on all required vaccinations, including rabies.
• Parasite Control : Treat your pets for internal and external parasites and maintain a vet-recommended parasite control program.

Documentation

• Pet Passport : Obtain a pet passport that includes a record of vaccinations and parasite treatments.
• Health Certificate : Schedule a visit to your veterinarian for a health certificate issued within 10 days before your travel.
• Compliance Certificate : Obtain a compliance certificate for meeting Montenegro's import requirements.

Travel and Preparing for the Journey

• Choose an Airline : Select an airline with a pet-friendly policy that can transport pets to Montenegro.
• Travel Crates : Purchase airline-approved travel crates that are appropriately sized for your pets' comfort.
• Labelling : Label the crate with contact information and important documents.

Pre-Travel Preparation

• Feeding and Hydration : Feed and hydrate your pets before the journey but avoid heavy meals shortly before departure.
• Exercise : Allow your pets to exercise to reduce stress and anxiety.

During the Journey

• Stay Calm : During the journey, remain calm and soothing to reassure your pets.
• Carry Essential Documents : Keep all necessary documents, certificates, and pet passports with you.

Upon Arrival in Montenegro

• Adaptation : Help your pets adapt gradually to their new environment.
• Local Vet Visit : Schedule a visit to a local veterinarian in Montenegro to ensure your pets meet local requirements and stay healthy.

Get a Pet Travel Quote Our professional team's priority is the safety and well-being of your pet. From our Pet Transport specialist handling all travel logistics to our Pet Handlers handling caring for your pets during travel - the safety and well-being of your pets is our priority.

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Moving with Pets to Montenegro

1. what are the requirements for bringing pets into montenegro.

1. Montenegro has specific requirements for bringing pets into the country. To bring a pet to Montenegro, you will need to ensure that your pet is microchipped for identification purposes. The microchip must be compliant with ISO standard 11784/11785. Additionally, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, with the vaccination being administered at least 21 days before the travel date but not more than one year before. Make sure to have a pet passport or a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian certifying that your pet is in good health and up to date on all necessary vaccinations. 2. When entering Montenegro with your pet, you will also need to provide proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within 10 days of travel. It’s important to note that certain breeds of dogs, such as Pit Bull Terriers and their crosses, are banned from entering Montenegro. It is advisable to check with the Montenegro Embassy or a relevant authority for the most up-to-date information on pet importation requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with your furry companion.

2. Do pets need to be quarantined upon arrival in Montenegro?

No, pets do not need to be quarantined upon arrival in Montenegro. As long as they meet the country’s specific import requirements, including having a microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, they should be able to enter Montenegro without undergoing a quarantine period. It is important to prepare all necessary documentation before the trip to ensure a smooth entry process for your pet. Additionally, it is recommended to check with Montenegro’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or a local veterinarian for the most up-to-date information on pet import regulations to avoid any potential issues.

3. Are there specific vaccinations that pets need before moving to Montenegro?

Yes, there are specific vaccinations that pets need before moving to Montenegro. These are typically required to ensure the health and safety of your pet as well as the local animal population. Some of the common vaccinations that pets may need before relocating to Montenegro include: 1. Rabies vaccination: Montenegro requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies before entry. The vaccination should be administered at least 21 days before travel. 2. Distemper vaccination: It’s also recommended to ensure that your pet’s distemper vaccination is up to date before moving to Montenegro. 3. Other vaccinations: Depending on the specific requirements of Montenegro or your pet’s health status, additional vaccinations such as for parvovirus, canine hepatitis, or feline calicivirus may be recommended. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian well in advance of your move to ensure that your pet is up to date on all necessary vaccinations and meets Montenegro’s entry requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in delays or even refusal of entry for your pet.

4. Can I bring my pet on a plane to Montenegro?

1. Yes, you can bring your pet on a plane to Montenegro. However, there are specific regulations and requirements that need to be followed in order to ensure a smooth travel experience for both you and your pet. 2. Firstly, you will need to check with the airline you are flying with to confirm their pet policies and regulations. Most airlines require pets to be in an airline-approved pet carrier and have updated health and vaccination records. 3. Secondly, Montenegro has its own set of rules regarding the entry of pets into the country. Generally, you will need to have a certified health certificate from a veterinarian issued within a specified time frame before your departure. 4. Additionally, it is recommended to contact the Montenegrin Embassy or Consulate in your home country to inquire about any specific requirements or restrictions for bringing pets into Montenegro. By ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation and following the guidelines set by both the airline and the country, you can successfully bring your pet on a plane to Montenegro.

5. Are there any restrictions on certain breeds of pets in Montenegro?

Yes, there are restrictions on certain breeds of pets in Montenegro. The country has regulations regarding the ownership of potentially dangerous dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. These breeds may require special permits or restrictions on where they can be kept. It is important to check with local authorities or a vet in Montenegro to understand the specific requirements for owning certain breeds in the country. Additionally, it is recommended to research and ensure compliance with all regulations regarding pet ownership before moving with any specific breed to Montenegro.

6. Is there a limit to the number of pets I can bring into Montenegro?

Yes, there is a limit to the number of pets you can bring into Montenegro. According to Montenegro’s regulations, you are allowed to bring a maximum of two pets per person into the country. This limit applies to both dogs and cats. If you plan to bring more than two pets with you to Montenegro, you may need to obtain special permission or a permit from the relevant authorities. It’s essential to check with the Montenegrin Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information on pet import regulations and restrictions before you make your travel arrangements. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in your pets being quarantined or denied entry into the country.

7. What are the regulations for traveling with pets on public transportation in Montenegro?

When traveling with pets on public transportation in Montenegro, there are several regulations to be aware of: 1. Pets are generally allowed on public transportation in Montenegro, such as buses and trains. However, it is important to check with the specific transportation provider beforehand as some may have their own rules and restrictions regarding pets. 2. Most transportation companies in Montenegro require pets to be kept in appropriate carriers or crates during the journey. It is important to ensure that the carrier is well-ventilated and comfortable for your pet. 3. In some cases, larger dogs may be required to wear a muzzle while on public transportation. It is best to check with the transportation provider for any specific requirements. 4. It is important to have all necessary documentation for your pet when traveling in Montenegro, including proof of vaccinations and health certificates. This may be required by the transportation provider or authorities upon request. 5. Always ensure that your pet is well-behaved and does not disturb other passengers while on public transportation. It is your responsibility to ensure that your pet is under control at all times. By following these regulations and guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey with your pet on public transportation in Montenegro.

8. Are there pet-friendly accommodations in Montenegro?

Yes, there are pet-friendly accommodations available in Montenegro for individuals looking to relocate with their furry companions. Many hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes in popular tourist areas like Kotor, Budva, and Tivat are pet-friendly and welcome pets of all sizes. Additionally, there are also pet-friendly villas and apartments that can be rented for longer stays in Montenegro. It is important to note that while some accommodations may allow pets, there may be restrictions or additional fees involved, so it is recommended to inquire about their pet policies in advance. Overall, Montenegro is a great destination for pet owners looking to bring their pets along during their move.

9. What is the process for obtaining a pet passport for my pet to move to Montenegro?

Obtaining a pet passport for your pet to move to Montenegro involves a few essential steps: 1. Microchipping: The first step is to ensure your pet is microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784 compliant microchip. This is a vital requirement for the pet passport. 2. Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be up to date on their rabies vaccination. The vaccine should be administered at least 21 days before travel. 3. Health certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This document certifies that your pet is in good health and fit for travel. 4. Pet passport application: Complete the required paperwork for the pet passport, including providing details such as your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and health certificate. 5. Visit to the official veterinarian: Schedule an appointment with an official veterinarian to issue the pet passport. The veterinarian will verify the information provided and may conduct additional checks. 6. Travel arrangements: Once you have obtained the pet passport, you can make the necessary travel arrangements to move your pet to Montenegro. It’s crucial to follow all the specific requirements and guidelines set forth by Montenegro’s authorities to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation for your furry companion.

10. Are there specific health certificates required for pets entering Montenegro?

Yes, specific health certificates are required for pets entering Montenegro. This typically includes a valid rabies vaccination certificate, which should be administered at least 21 days before travel. Additionally, a pet passport endorsed by an accredited veterinarian is necessary, stating that the pet is in good health and up to date on all necessary vaccinations. It is recommended to check with the Montenegrin authorities or the embassy/consulate for the most current requirements to ensure a smooth entry for your pet. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in quarantine or refusal of entry for your pet.

11. How can I find a reliable pet shipping company for my move to Montenegro?

When looking for a reliable pet shipping company for your move to Montenegro, there are several key factors to consider: 1. Research and Reviews: Start by researching different pet shipping companies that specialize in international relocations to Montenegro. Look for reviews and testimonials from past customers to gauge the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction. 2. Experience and Expertise: Choose a company that has experience in transporting pets internationally and has a good understanding of the regulations and requirements for bringing pets into Montenegro. 3. Licensing and Certification: Ensure that the pet shipping company is licensed and certified to transport animals internationally. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is in good hands. 4. Customized Services: Look for a company that offers personalized services tailored to your pet’s specific needs. This may include assistance with paperwork, veterinary requirements, and custom travel arrangements. 5. Transparent Pricing: Get detailed quotes from different shipping companies and compare their pricing structures. Make sure to ask about any hidden fees or extra charges to avoid any surprises. 6. Communication: Choose a company that maintains open and clear communication throughout the entire process. You should be able to easily reach them with any questions or concerns you may have. 7. Insurance: Confirm that the pet shipping company offers insurance coverage for your pet during transit. This will provide an added layer of protection in case of any unforeseen incidents. By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can find a reliable pet shipping company to assist with your move to Montenegro and ensure a smooth and safe relocation for your furry friend.

12. Are there pet-friendly parks and recreational areas in Montenegro?

Yes, Montenegro is a pet-friendly country with many parks and recreational areas that welcome pets. Some popular pet-friendly parks and green spaces in Montenegro include: 1. Milocer Park: Located near the town of Budva, Milocer Park is a beautiful coastal park where pets are welcomed. With its picturesque scenery and walking trails, it’s a great place to explore with your furry friend. 2. Lovcen National Park: This stunning national park in Montenegro is known for its diverse landscapes and hiking trails. Pets are usually allowed on the trails, but it’s always a good idea to check the park’s specific rules before visiting. 3. Biogradska Gora National Park: Situated in the central part of Montenegro, Biogradska Gora is one of the country’s oldest national parks. It’s a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts with pets, offering pristine lakes, dense forests, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. 4. Velika Plaza Beach: Along the coastline of Montenegro, there are pet-friendly beaches where your furry companion can enjoy some fun in the sun. Velika Plaza Beach is one such example, allowing pets to roam and play on the sandy shores. While these are just a few examples, Montenegro has many pet-friendly parks and recreational areas where you can enjoy the outdoors with your pets. Remember to always clean up after your pet and respect any rules or guidelines in place to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

13. What is the cost associated with moving a pet to Montenegro?

1. The cost associated with moving a pet to Montenegro can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the key expenses to consider include: 2. Pet transportation: This typically involves fees for booking a spot for your pet on a flight or using a pet transport service. Costs can vary based on the size and weight of your pet, as well as the airline or service provider you choose. 3. Health checks and vaccinations: Prior to traveling to Montenegro, your pet may need to undergo a health check-up by a licensed veterinarian to ensure they are fit for travel. Additionally, certain vaccinations may be required for entry into Montenegro, such as rabies vaccinations. 4. Documentation and permits: You may need to obtain specific documents and permits for your pet to enter Montenegro, such as a pet passport or an import permit. These documents often incur processing fees. 5. Quarantine fees: Depending on the country of origin and the specific requirements of Montenegro, your pet may be subject to a quarantine period upon arrival. It’s essential to inquire about any potential quarantine costs in advance. 6. Professional pet relocation services: If you prefer to enlist the help of a professional pet relocation service, there will be additional costs associated with their services, such as handling paperwork, transportation arrangements, and ensuring compliance with all regulations. 7. It’s recommended to research and plan for these expenses well in advance of your move to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your furry companion to Montenegro.

14. Are there any language barriers when it comes to communicating with veterinarians in Montenegro?

When moving with pets to Montenegro, there may be some language barriers when communicating with veterinarians, as the primary language spoken in the country is Montenegrin. However, many veterinarians in Montenegro, especially those in more touristy areas or larger cities, may have some proficiency in English, as it is widely taught as a second language. It is recommended to do some research and locate a veterinarian who can communicate effectively in English if that is your primary language. Additionally, you can consider learning some basic pet-related phrases in Montenegrin to help navigate any potential language barriers during vet visits. Overall, while there may be language challenges, with a bit of preparation and research, it is possible to find a veterinarian in Montenegro who can effectively communicate with you regarding your pet’s care needs.

15. Are there pet import taxes or fees in Montenegro?

Yes, there are pet import taxes and fees in Montenegro that you may need to be aware of when moving with your pets to the country. The specific regulations and costs can vary depending on the type of animal, its country of origin, and the length of stay. Here are some key points to consider: 1. EU countries: If you are traveling from an EU country, there are no specific import taxes for bringing your pets into Montenegro as long as you have the necessary EU Pet Passport and comply with all relevant EU regulations. 2. Non-EU countries: If you are bringing pets from a non-EU country, you may be required to pay certain import taxes and fees. These can include customs duties, VAT, and other charges, depending on the value of the animal and the duration of its stay in Montenegro. 3. Health checks and documentation: Regardless of where you are traveling from, it is important to ensure that your pets have all the required health checks, vaccinations, and documentation before entering Montenegro. This includes a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. 4. Quarantine requirements: Montenegro does not generally have a mandatory quarantine period for pets entering the country, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your move. It is important to check the latest regulations with the Montenegrin authorities or consult with a local pet relocation service to ensure compliance. Overall, while there may be some import taxes and fees associated with bringing pets to Montenegro, proper preparation and adherence to regulations can help ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation process for you and your furry friends.

16. How can I ensure my pet’s safety and comfort during the move to Montenegro?

To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the move to Montenegro, consider the following tips: 1. Familiarize your pet with their travel carrier or crate well in advance of the move. This will help them feel more comfortable during the journey. 2. Schedule a visit to the vet before the move to ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Obtain any necessary paperwork for traveling with a pet. 3. Research pet-friendly accommodations in Montenegro and book in advance to ensure a smooth transition. 4. Plan regular breaks during the journey to allow your pet to stretch, use the bathroom, and stay hydrated. 5. Pack familiar items such as their favorite toys, bedding, and food to help them feel at ease in their new surroundings. 6. Consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays or supplements recommended by your vet to reduce stress during travel. 7. Monitor your pet closely during the journey and upon arrival in Montenegro to ensure they are adjusting well to the new environment. 8. Set up a designated area in your new home for your pet with their familiar items to help them acclimate more easily. 9. Keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible during the move to minimize disruptions to their daily life. By following these tips, you can help ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the move to Montenegro.

17. Are there any pet relocation services available in Montenegro?

Yes, there are pet relocation services available in Montenegro to assist expats and locals in moving with their furry friends. These services typically offer a range of support, including arranging travel logistics such as flights and transportation, handling import requirements and customs procedures, providing pet-friendly accommodation options, and offering guidance on pet health and vaccinations. It is essential to research and select a reputable pet relocation service provider in Montenegro to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for your beloved pet. 1. Some well-known pet relocation services in Montenegro include: 2. Montenegro Movers 3. Pet Relocation Montenegro 4. Happy Paws Montenegro

18. Are there any pet-related laws or regulations in Montenegro that I should be aware of?

Yes, there are specific pet-related laws and regulations in Montenegro that you should be aware of if you are moving there with your pets. Some key points to consider include: 1. In Montenegro, all dogs must be microchipped and registered. Make sure your pets are properly identified with a microchip before moving. 2. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, with the vaccination being valid at least 21 days before entering Montenegro. 3. There may be a restriction on certain breeds of dogs in Montenegro, so check if your pet falls under any restricted categories. 4. It is advisable to carry your pet’s health certificate and vaccination records when traveling to Montenegro. 5. Leash laws and regulations may vary in different municipalities in Montenegro, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local pet laws in the area where you will be residing. 6. Make sure to comply with any waste disposal regulations for pets in public areas in Montenegro to avoid any fines. By being aware of and adhering to these pet-related laws and regulations, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free relocation with your furry companion to Montenegro.

19. What are the options for pet care services in Montenegro?

In Montenegro, there are several options for pet care services to ensure the well-being of your furry companions when moving to the country. These options include: 1. Veterinarians: Montenegro has a number of qualified veterinarians who can provide essential healthcare services for pets, including vaccinations, check-ups, and treatments for various health issues. 2. Pet Groomers: There are also pet grooming services available in Montenegro for those who want to keep their pets clean and well-groomed. 3. Pet Boarding Facilities: If you need to travel or leave the country temporarily, there are pet boarding facilities in Montenegro where your pets can stay and be taken care of by professionals. 4. Pet Sitting Services: Additionally, there are pet sitting services that can come to your home to take care of your pets while you are away, providing them with food, water, exercise, and attention. 5. Pet Supplies Stores: Montenegro also has pet supplies stores where you can purchase food, toys, accessories, and other essential items for your pets. Overall, Montenegro offers a range of pet care services to cater to the needs of pet owners, ensuring that their furry friends are well-cared for and happy in their new environment.

20. How can I help my pet adjust to the new environment in Montenegro?

Helping your pet adjust to a new environment in Montenegro requires patience and careful planning. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother: 1. Gradual Transition: Introduce your pet to the new environment slowly. Start by confining them to a smaller area like a single room and gradually allow them to explore the rest of the house. 2. Maintain Routine: Keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible, including feeding times, walks, and playtime. This can help them feel more secure in their new surroundings. 3. Familiar Items: Bring along familiar items like your pet’s bed, toys, and blankets. Having these familiar scents can provide a sense of comfort in the new space. 4. Create a Safe Space: Set up a designated area where your pet can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a quiet corner with their bed or crate. 5. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to reward your pet for exploring and adapting to their new surroundings. Treats, praise, and playtime can help them associate the new environment with positive experiences. 6. Seek Veterinary Advice: If your pet is experiencing significant stress or behavioral changes, consider consulting a veterinarian for additional support and guidance. By following these tips and providing your pet with love and patience, you can help them adjust to their new environment in Montenegro smoothly.

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Relocating Pets to Montenegro

Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. Montenegro possesses some of the most incredible natural attributes of any state in Europe, with verdant countryside that blends with divine towns to create something truly breath-taking and unique. Not only does it offer breath-taking nature, but it also boasts lovely historic cities, good food, decent services, and a friendly population.

Montenegro is also a pet-friendly destination to travel to. While relocating with pets, it is important to keep the following things in mind-

• The first step is to microchip your pet with a 15 digit ISO compliant pet microchip.
• All pets must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the country.
• A rabies titer test is required no sooner than 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination and more than 3 months prior to enter Montenegro.
• A licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Montenegro within 10 days of travel.
• An import permit is not required when entering Montenegro with a personal pet unless arriving unaccompanied.
• Pets must enter Montenegro via Podgorica Airport.
• Pets can enter in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo.
• All pets must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry.
• Montenegro does not publish a list of banned breeds.

As you start planning your trip overseas, you should consider hiring professional assistance to make your pet’s relocation safe, smooth and hassle-free. AirPets relocates hundreds of pets every year to and from India and is very thorough with its process. You can get in touch with us at +91-9257-123-123 or write to  [email protected]  for a professional consultation.

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Pet-friendly beaches

Are you planning a trip to Montenegro with your pet? We have some exciting news for you! Pet-friendly beaches have a lot to offer! Swimming, picnicking, lounging, and stand-up paddling are just a few of the possibilities. So, let us take you on a tour of these charming locations!

Quick overview:

Top activities.

• Stand-up Paddleboarding

They are located in the following municipalities:

Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Budva, Bar, Ulcinj

Interesting pet-friendly offer in Montenegro!

Did you know there is a pet hotel in Montenegro? It is a facility where your pet will be pampered and cared for. If you need some alone time and want your pet to enjoy vacation as well, you know what to do!

Are you looking for pet-friendly beaches in Montenegro?

There are seven pet-friendly beaches on the Montenegrin coast. Starting in Herceg Novi, you'll come across a swimming area where you can relax with your pet. It is marked with the number 13C in the Atlas of Montenegrin beaches and swimming areas and is located on the promenade "Pet Danica," below the Military Hospital.

There are two pet-friendly beaches in Tivat and Kotor: Benovo in Kotor (number 11B) and Kukoljina in Tivat (number 8A1).

Are you in Budva?

There are two pet-friendly beaches here, one in the central part of Slovenska beach - the beach marked number 8F in the Atlas - and the other in the easternmost part of the beach Buljarica - the beach marked number 27L in the Atlas.

Bar offers a swimming area in Topolica

If you decide to walk to Bar, you can have fun with your pet at the swimming area in Topolica, specifically near the Željeznica Bridge - the swimming area marked with number 8A in the Atlas.

Long Beach saves you a spot!

The Ulcinj Riviera has a lot to offer. You already knew that, right? Did you know that your pet is welcome on only one of the beautiful Ulcinj beaches? It is the Mojito beach, which is located in the center of the Long Beach. In the Atlas, it's listed as 10J.

A small suggestion for you is to take photos of your pet, post it on social media, and tag our favorite pet-friendly places!

Most interesting activities:

Seaside kitesurfing.

Where should you go on your next kitesurfing vacation? Not to worry, we have an unbeatable offer for you! The Montenegrin coast has large sandy beaches and perfect conditions for kitesurfing.

Seaside Stand-up Paddleboarding

Want a water experience that is easier than surfing but still provides the same freedom and pleasure? Then, in a unique way, explore the hidden parts of the Montenegrin coast by standup paddleboarding on a calm surface of the water or on the waves.

Seaside Boat Tours

Indulge in a ride along the sea shore, enjoying the charming view of fishing villages, or head to Skadar Lake to see bird like the rare Dalmatian pelican.

Wellness Digital detox

Do you ever feel like your mobile phone's calendar has complete control over your life? If so, pack your bags and head to Montenegro to clear your mind, eat organic food, bathe in clean seawater, breathe mountain air - and re-discover yourself.

Special offers

Discover the wild beauty of north montenegro, from 1880 €, horse riding - durmitor (lake plateau), rafting the tara river canyon in 1 day.

Adventure Tale @LipaCave

Cave experience, from 13.9 €, be more rewarded with bonus journeys, an extra night of sun @mamula island, five-day expedition in the tara canyon, rest & reset spa treat @lazure, looking for ideas for your trip.

See how others experienced their time in Montenegro. We would love hearing from you - share your Montenegro moments with following hashtag: #MontenegroWildBeauty #GoMontenegro

Discover unique Montenegro

So small you could drive across it in an afternoon. Don’t just skim through it but try to truly absorb it’s essence.

Explore destination year-round

Although small country it is incredibly diverse. See how much it can offer you:

Travel responsibly

Did you know? In 1991, the Montenegrin authorities adopted a declaration by which the country became the first ecological state in the world .

Keys for Understanding Montenegro

Eat like a local, meet cultural heritage (unesco), try organic adventure, privacy settings.

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Pet Passport Montenegro

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• Description

This package contains information and detailed step by step instructions on transporting your dog or cat to Montenegro from any country. If your pet is not traveling to Montenegro, then you can select the country your pet is traveling to by clicking here . 

Carefully following these instructions will make clearing customs easier and quicker. The instructions will also help to avoid having your pet denied entry, put into quarantine or returned to your country of origin.

The Pet Passport Store has been a trusted and reliable source of information and products for traveling pet owners for over 14 years. The information we provide in our passports is always the most current and accurate available. We have done the research for you.

What you get with your Montenegro Pet Passport

• Detailed step-by-step instructions for importing your dog or cat to Montenegro from any country
• Veterinary Health Certificate Instructions
• Microchip Information
• Required Vaccinations
• Rabies Titer Test Instructions
• Inoculation Record Instructions
• Carrier and Crate Requirements
• Tips on Flying a Pet Internationally
• Unlimited Email Support

Also included at no charge are forms for importing your cat or dog to Montenegro:

• Montenegro Veterinary Certificate (EU version)
• Microchip Certificate
• Inoculation Record - keep your pet's vaccinations in one place for easy customs clearance
• Airline Health Certificate
• Layover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet Travel
• Pet Passport Folder - (Free with First Class Mail Delivery Options above) Click Here to View

Your Montenegro pet passport is verified at the time of order.

If you will transport more than one pet traveling to Montenegro, additional forms can be self printed from the Email Attachment option . 

Additional Information

It is our objective to prepare the traveling pet owner for all entry requirements that may arise as a result of traveling by air, sea or land. Enforcement may not be consistent in every country or on every airline and having proper documentation will better insure that no problems will arise during your travels. 

If you purchase our instructions and forms prior to 45 days before you travel, please check back with us to make sure there have been no changes in the rules or forms required to take your pet into Montenegro. All updated instructions and forms are provided by email free of charge.

There are no refunds on pet immigration forms unless there is a problem with the information or forms provided.

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Have a crate for your pet already? Click here to update your pet crate to IATA standards .

Have a carrier for your pet already? Click here for pet pads and accessories .

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Montenegro - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Montenegro.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Montenegro.

If you decide to travel to Montenegro:  

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Montenegro.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

No vaccines are required to enter Montenegro. For the most updated and detailed information please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page.

Currency in excess of 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Podgorica

Dzona Dzeksona 2 81000 Podgorica Montenegro Telephone: +382 20 410 500 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.  

U.S. citizen visitors (traveling with U.S. passports) do not need a visa to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days. The Montenegrin law considers “stays of 90 days” as 90 days in total in a 180-day period, counted from the first entry date.

• Visitors are required to register their stay in local municipalities in Montenegro.     o   Hotels or tourist facilities automatically register your stay in Montenegro.     o   If you do not stay at a hotel, you must go to the local tourism office to register and pay local tourist taxes.     o   If you are staying in different locations in Montenegro, you must  register in each municipality in which you are staying for more than 24 hours.
• If you do not register, you may be subject to a fine, incarceration, deportation, and/or difficulties departing Montenegro.
• For more information please visit Montenegrin Ministry of Interior page .

Stays of longer than 90 days:

• U.S. citizens wishing to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit at least one month before the 90-day period ends.
• Due to lengthy administrative procedures, we advise you to apply as soon as possible. In July 2021, the Montenegrin Ministry of Interior announced that persons applying for residence permits must have an Apostille affixed to all U.S. state/federal documents required for the application process. These documents include U.S. Birth and Marriage Certificates, state and local level police clearances, as well as the FBI criminal background clearance.
• Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro does not have the authority to affix an Apostille to these documents.  For information on how an apostille can be attached to these documents, please see the State Department’s Apostille page .

You can contact the Embassy of Montenegro in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information. Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website contains additional contact information for its diplomatic posts in the United States.

Currency and Customs Restrictions:

• Travelers are required to declare currency exceeding 10,000 euros (or equivalent) upon entry or exit.
• To avoid customs charges, travelers must also declare luxury goods, jewelry, paintings, and computer equipment.
• Travelers can obtain currency declaration forms at ports of entry.
• Failure to comply with customs policies or currency declaration requirements may result in confiscation of funds/goods and criminal proceedings.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Montenegro.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Montenegrin nightclubs are popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control or fire safety.

Crime:  Police have limited English ability. Violent crime is rare. Robberies at ATMs increases during the May to September tourist season. Visitors should protect their PINs when using ATMs and monitor their card activity.

Demonstrations  occur frequently and some of them can be anti-American. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable and have the potential to escalate. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security alerts pertaining to demonstrations can be found on the Embassy’s website.

Montenegrins are generally open and hospitable to visitors; however, visitors might encounter anti-foreign sentiment.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Visitors needing emergency assistance may dial 112 to report a crime or request assistance. 112 is the common emergency telephone number for Europe and may be dialed from mobile telephones even with a foreign SIM card. Victims of crime may also contact the U.S. Embassy at +382 20 410 500. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. U.S. insurance providers may require a local police report to claim losses from theft or property damage.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Embassy may be able to assist crime victims with:

• Help finding appropriate medical care
• Assist in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help find accommodation or arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crimes.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the government or by licensed authorities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment may only be available in/near cities. Outside of cities there may be no first responders to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws in Montenegro. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Carrying weapons in Montenegro is illegal. Your U.S. passport will not shield you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted.  

Crimes committed abroad can also be prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or the investigating judge to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Business Practices: Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are sold in Montenegro, they are considered illegal according to local laws. You may have to pay fines or have to give them up if requested by customs officials. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Dual U.S.-Montenegrin citizens:

• If you became a U.S. citizen prior to June 3, 2006, Montenegro may recognize your dual citizenship. However, after June 3, 2006 Montenegro only recognizes dual citizenship with countries it has signed a bilateral agreement with. This agreement has not yet been signed between Montenegro and United States.
• Montenegro still abides by the bilateral consular agreement between Yugoslavia and the United States for other consular services, but not for dual citizenship.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Montenegro. The law prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, LGBTQI+ individuals are subject to widespread societal discrimination, ostracism, and harassment.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Athletic Contract Disputes: U.S.-citizen athletes who are considering playing for professional teams in Montenegro should be aware of reports of disputes regarding contracts not being honored and treatment and living conditions not matching expectations. We recommend that U.S.-citizen athletes carefully review proposed contracts and research the team, living arrangements, and the city/town where they will be playing prior to accepting offers or commencing travel.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Montenegro prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is generally enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Expect communications and information to be limited. While, accessibility is common in some public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure, older public facilities often lacked access. Discrimination against persons with disabilities is more visible in smaller towns in the country.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for women travelers .

For emergency services in Montenegro dial 123 for the fire department, and 124 for an ambulance. Dial 112 to report a crime or request police assistance.

Ambulance services are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and are of limited availability. Emergency services are generally responsive in only the most severe cases. Otherwise, people must have their own transportation to hospitals and clinics.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Many care providers overseas only accept cash payments, though some now accept credit cards. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  for travelers to Montenegro by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Detailed daily information on air quality is not available for Montenegro. Podgorica is estimated to have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities.

Health Facilities

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

• Adequate health facilities are available in Podgorica and other cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Travelers may need to go to privately-owned pharmacies to obtain medicines and basic medical supplies.
• Hospitals and private clinics may require payment in cash for all services, although credit cards are now accepted.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Montenegro.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Montenegro.

Pharmaceuticals

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Montenegro and its  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  to ensure the medication is legal in Montenegro. Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy : Surrogacy is illegal in Montenegro.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in Montenegro are not up to U.S. standards, especially in rural areas. Roads leading to Montenegro’s coast are in better condition but are overcrowded during the summer. Drivers can be reckless and aggressive, and accidents are frequent.

Dangerous areas for road travel include a road through the Moraca Canyon, north of Podgorica. This twisting, two-lane road is especially overcrowded in the summer and is the site of frequent rockslides. In the winter, the Moraca Canyon and northern parts of Montenegro are covered with snow, which may slow traffic and make the road hazardous.

It’s common for drivers to pass on winding roads and hills.

Traffic Laws:

• The use of seat belts is mandatory.
• Cell phone usage while driving is prohibited.
• Vehicle lights must be on at all times.
• Right turns on red lights are prohibited, unless a distinct green arrow is seen.
• At unmarked intersections, the right of way is always given to the vehicle entering from the right.
• Each vehicle must have a reflective fluorescent vest and an emergency kit to be used in the event of an emergency road stop, as well as a European car accident report form. This form can be purchased in local automobile shops. Please note that the accident report form is in Montenegrin. If a car is rented from a Montenegrin rental car agency these items should be provided.
• Children 5 years-old and under must use a safety seat attached to a vehicle safety belt.
• Vehicles must have snow tires and carry snow chains between November 15 and March 30.  
• Pedestrians crossing in designated crosswalks have the right of way.  Drivers must stop.
• The blood alcohol limit in Montenegro is .03 percent, less than half the legal limit in the United States.

Taxis:  Metered taxis are safe, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. Taxis generally do not pick up passengers on the street and must be ordered by phone or SMS.

Public Transportation:  Trains, buses, and ferries often use aging and poorly maintained equipment.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 19807, +382 20 234 467 or +382 0 20 234 999. Other local emergency numbers are police: 122; fire department: 123; and ambulance: 124. 

For emergencies dial 112.

See our road safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Montenegro’s National Tourism Organization and the Auto-moto Association of Montenegro , the national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Montenegro, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Montenegro’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Montenegro should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
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With a dog to Montenegro

In Montenegro there are no special regulations for keeping pets. Here you can find numerous cats and dogs in the streets. For example, cats in general are quite popular, and there is even a whole area of cats in Old Kotor, and they feel quite comfortable there. People in Montenegro are mostly friendly to dogs. They themselves keep watchdogs, service and hunting dogs like Montenegrin Mountain Hound. It’s quite unusual for this country to have small lapdogs.

The most important issue to be agreed in advance is the question of residence. Owners of individual villas and apartments are usually less demanding. They themselves often live with cats or dogs. But the possibility of accommodation with your pet in hotels needs agreement in advance.

To take your favorite cat or dog on holiday to Montenegro you will have to do additional work on registration of some papers. Taking animals across the border, as well as traveling with them will require you to follow a number of formalities. It will also be important for your pet to be able to cope with long journeys and the stress of environmental change.

Veterinary preparation First, it is necessary to go through the procedure of chipping. This is the name of the operation to introduce a special chip under the skin of the animal, which contains all the information about the animal (name, age, data of the owner, etc.). This is a requirement of EU standards, without such a chip the animal will not be allowed to Montenegro. Information about the chip must be specified in the veterinary passport.

Getting an international veterinary passport is the second necessary step. It contains data on all vaccinations performed, information on treatment against fleas and other parasites. All vaccinations should be made in the period from 1 to 11 months before the date of departure abroad. Rabies vaccination is mandatory, and some countries have requirements for additional vaccination. A veterinary passport must be with you when you travel.

Once you have received the veterinary passport, you can proceed to the third step - drawing up a veterinary certificate (certificate of health of the animal). This document is valid only 3 (three) days, so you should get it right before the date of departure.

When registering tickets before boarding a plane or train, this veterinary certificate will be exchanged for Health Certificate. The exchange takes place at a special border veterinary control point. The Health Certificate will have to be presented at the customs office already in Montenegro. Getting out of Montenegro with a Dog

Here’s where it may become complicated. All mentioned above are EU standard. But there is one more if you are travelling back to EU countries - A rabies titre test done by an EU-approved lab.  This requirement differs from other parts of Europe, because Montenegro is considered a high-risk for rabies country. So, to leave, your dog will need to have been confirmed rabies-free. The titre test is a special blood test and can be administered by EU vet. Make sure they use an approved lab. You can ask for a list of approved labs from the department of agriculture in the country you plan to fly or drive into.

The cost of a dog or cat ticket is usually calculated on the basis of extra luggage rates. If the dog has not passed the transport regulations in the cabin itself, the kennel is placed in the insulated luggage compartment. In the train the dog may be allowed in a compartment with the owner, provided that other companions do not object.

It is advisable not to feed the dogs before the journey to avoid any trouble when they are bored. If your pet has a restless temper, a sedative can be used but only with the advice of your vet. Travelling in Montenegro by Car

You may also decide to travel to Montenegro by car. This will require to stick to necessary safety rules. The most important is to keep your pets from free moving inside the car. Free movement distracts attention of the driver from the road which may lead to a car accident. And if this happens, an unrestrained pet will be badly injured and may injure humans. For secure travelling you may choose to put your dog in a car crate, or to put one of the best dog car harness and restrain a pet.

If you are planning to go to Montenegro in high season, remember about extreme temperatures. Your dog may get overheated inside the car. So keep water with you and allow your dog to drink and walk every two hours.  Do not leave your dog alone in a closed car, especially in the sun. Pet-friendly beaches in Montenegro  This summer the first beaches and bathing places for pets will be organized in different cities of Montenegro. According to the new strategy of the country, for the first time in Montenegro, five bathing places will be organized in several major resort cities, where pets will be allowed to stay and rest. Three such bathing places will be opened in Budva municipality, one in Bar. Each beach for pets should have clear rules of conduct for owners and their dogs, as well as cleaning equipment, showers, containers for food and water, and toys for pets.

Is Montenegro dog-friendly?

This summer, Luna the traveling pooch turns 10 years old. And for seven of those 10 years, she’s been traveling the world full-time with me.

This year, the first brand new country on her list was Montenegro , a country I’ve been wanting to visit for awhile but was nervous about because it’s considered high-rabies-risk, which means it’s more complicated to go back into the low-rabies part of Europe after a visit.

So, now that we’ve spent a month in Montenegro and crossed back over into western Europe afterward, what’s the skinny? How dog-friendly is it? And was the paperwork crazy?

Overall, the answer is that it feels similar to Croatia, except with a little more paperwork hassle.

Here are the details.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

As usual, Airbnb hosts were overwhelmingly open to having a with-dog traveler in their homes. I’d say 90% of the hosts we contacted said yes to our small, non-shedding pooch and her good reviews. 

Hotels were trickier. We had to spend a night in Podgorica (pronounced Pod-gor-eet-za) and researching hotels got a little irritating. I’d say maybe 20% or less were listed as dog-friendly.

Are Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops Dog-Friendly?

Like Croatia, the rule here seems to be no dogs allowed indoors. Patios welcomed dogs wherever we went and some restaurant or cafe owners might make an exception for your dog, but the law is apparently that dogs can’t be in eateries. 

No one stopped or bothered us when we brought Luna into shops, though I did have a sense that it wasn’t a usual thing here, so I often picked her up and carried her in.

Hiking Trails and Beaches

We didn’t run into any no-dog signs on trails or beaches. Do be aware that wildlife in Montenegro includes wolves, bears, and plenty of snakes. So be appropriately aware when hiking and keep your dog close.

Dog-Friendly Transportation

Like Croatia, the rule in Montenegro seems to be that whether dogs are allowed on buses or not is up to the individual driver. We were never turned away, though we did have one bus driver who was visibly unhappy about it. If you need to be somewhere on a certain timeline or are nervous about the uncertainty, taxis or car rentals may be a better option. 

Taxis were mostly fine with Luna, though we did have one taxi driver who went on a long rant *after* packing all our bags into his cab, even though he easily could have said no to us (Luna was out and visible) before packing everything in. So just give yourself some extra time if you’re traveling by cab just in case the cabbie takes issue.

How Do People Here Feel About Dogs?

Overall, people were very friendly with Luna, and they seemed especially charmed when I rode around town with her in my bike basket (we stayed a little outside town, so almost every time we came in it involved the bikes).

That said, my sense is that dogs in general here are seen more as guard animals. We didn’t run into very many small dogs and more than once an extremely large dog scared the bejeezes out of us by running full speed at us barking (they all turned out to be chained, but it’s still rather startling). Only once did we have a dog that was not leashed and seemed to be trying to bite Luna. Luckily, I was able to pick her up before the dog got to her and Chad scared the dog off. 

Getting to Montenegro with a Dog

Getting into Montenegro was easy. We drove down from Croatia and no one even asked to see her passport at the border. 

Getting out of Montenegro with a Dog

Here’s where things get more complicated: To take your dog from Montenegro into another European country, you need additional paperwork and requirements. So make sure you plan way in advance . 

Here’s what you need (the first few requirements will look very familiar for anyone who’s crossed borders with a dog before; the last couple are more unusual):

1. A valid rabies shot. If it was done in the EU, documentation in your pet passport is fine. If it was done elsewhere, you’ll need the certificate from that country.

2. An international microchip. As with all EU countries, the requirement is that the microchip was implanted after the rabies shot.

3. A rabies titre test done by an EU-approved lab. This is where the requirements differ from other parts of Europe. Because Montenegro is considered high-risk for rabies, to leave, your dog will need to have been confirmed rabies-free.

The titre test is just a blood test and can be administered by your EU vet. Just make sure they use an approved lab. You can ask for a list of approved labs from the department of agriculture in the country you plan to fly into/ferry into.

Two things to keep in mind:

:: For travel in the EU, the titre test only needs to be done once in the lifetime of your dog as long as you keep the rabies vaccinations up to date. (This isn’t necessarily true of other places, so always check the requirements of whatever place you’re traveling to. Hawaii, for instance, has strict expiration guidelines for the titre tests it’ll accept.)

:: There is a waiting period after the titre test and before your dog can come into the EU. Currently, I believe the wait time is 3 months from when the blood was drawn. So make sure to plan ahead.

4. A pet passport or health form. If you have an EU pet passport and it includes documentation of all your most recent vaccinations, that’s the paperwork you’ll need to re-enter the EU (along with any additional titre test certificate if the titre test is not documented in the passport). If, however, you are residing in Montenegro and have vaccinations performed here, you’ll need a health form approved by the local authorities. 

We have a pet passport, so I can’t speak to the ins and outs of the health form. If that’s something you need, I recommend consulting with a good vet.

In most cases, that should be enough. But there is an exception: For flights landing in Switzerland (where we were flying into), you need advance permission from the Swiss authorities.

Here’s the site with all the details .

You need to request permission far in advance of entry (I believe three weeks is the cutoff) and in addition to rabies certificate/pet passport, titre test results, and microchip number, they will ask you for an import application and a declaration that the dog is your pet and not intended for sale. There is also an application fee you’ll pay when you arrive at the airport and have your papers checked (40 CHF). 

Now, to you! Anyone else traveled in Montenegro with a pet? Tell us your stories! Share your dog-friendly cafe recommendations! Let me know if I’ve missed anything important.

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17 comments

Little Super Hero…

Driving into Montenegro no questions asked and not sure if they even spotted the dog in the car. We have a pet EU passport so it will be interesting to see how we go leaving mid July? Not looking forward to the queues at the border crossing!

Which border will you be crossing in July? I’ll be curious to hear your experience then too.

I’m curious, Gigi, about the titre test. We arrive with our dog from the US to Germany in early-August. We plan to travel to Montenegro from Croatia in early-October, returning to the EU after a week or so.

From the sound of it, we would not have enough time (90 days) to have the titre test results before going in/out of Montenegro. Am I correct on that? And, do you know if the titre test can be administered here in the US, or does it have to be in EU?

Yes, you can get the titre done in the US. Ours was done by a vet in Colorado and sent to the EU-approved lab in Kansas City, I think. You can get a list of EU-approved labs from whichever country you’re planning to come back into the EU in. So it sounds like you might be okay on time if you get it done right away (Jul, Aug, Sep should cover your 90 days if you’re crossing the border in Oct?). But best to speak with a vet who has experience with prepping dogs for travel. They should know the rules.

Awesome, thanks, Gigi! Got the titre test in process, and we should be good to go.

Thanks for the great info on your blog!

Hi, GIgi. We are traveling to Croatia for a wedding next month and bringing our German Shepherd (by car). We would like to travel to Montenegro (also by car) after the wedding. We live in Prague, he is from the Czech Republic and has his EU pet passport and everything is up to date.

I am a little confused by your post regarding exit and entry from the EU. It’s clear that he doesn’t need the titre test to cross the border into Montenegro (exit). But if we stay in Montenegro for 5 days, will we not be able to cross back over into the EU if we have not had a titre test done in the EU?

I am traveling for work and planned to take him to the vet anyway–where I can hopefully receive all of this information–but any help or clarification from you would be appreciated! Thank you in advance, I love your posts!

Yes, you’re correct. You don’t need a titre test to go into Montenegro – just to come from Montenegro (which is considered high rabies risk) back into the EU/lower-risk countries in Europe.

Some countries may be more strict about this than others (Switzerland, where we flew into, is definitely strict about it and required me to email them the titre test before approving my arrival; Croatia, on the other hand, tends to not even ask about the dog when we cross its adjacent borders).

The titre test must be done quite a bit in advance, so definitely contact your vet asap to confirm your specific requirements.

Montenegro sucks in their treatment of stray dogs. They do not care about animals in shelters nor do they provide any funding to shelters. They are horrible. I know people who go out daily to try and help stray dogs. People in the country are not dog friendly. They do nothing to help the thousand of stray animals roaming around or in shelters.

Fair. This piece is more about how a person + dog combo are treated – can they find housing? Can you take your dog on transport? – not the overall issues with cultural attitudes or lack of shelter funding. But obviously that is important to point out as well.

Hmmm… I guess it depends a bit on your perspective. I live in Montenegro and it’s not unusual to see food left out by individuals for whatever stray dog or cat might come by. You would never ever see that where I’m from.

Hi. We’ve just got to petrovac with our dog and are staying for a month. I can’t work out where I can walk him! The beach is off limits, and the roads are lethal, with no pavements. Any suggestions on woodland or parks we could drive to if necessary please?? Petrovac is close to Budva. Thanks!

Sorry – I haven’t been there! I’d try and join a Facebook Montenegro group or two. I bet there are dog-owners around there who can point you in the right direction.

Hi Gigi! Thank you so much for this. I have a question if you don’t mind. We were planning to travel with our dog from Czech Republic to Montenegro next month but are now wondering if it’s possible. Looks like the titre test will not come in time. You say: “If you have an EU pet passport and it includes documentation of all your most recent vaccinations, that’s all you’ll need to re-enter the EU.” Does this mean we don’t need a titre test if our dog has an EU passport? (We are also EU citizens, if that matters..) His vaccines are all up to date. Thank you so much for all the other info as well <3

Sorry for the confusion. You do need the titre test to re-enter the EU (not to enter Montenegro). That section was meant to be about additional paperwork beyond the titre test.

Ok, got it :) Thank you!!

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What is The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)? [2023 GUIDE]

What is better than going on holiday? Going on holiday with your beloved furry friend!

Under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), you are able to bring your dog, cat or ferret abroad with you. Regularly, it is wrongly assumed that pets must endure a painful length quarantine period when going abroad. However, with a Pet Passport, under the PETS your pet can travel through certain borders with ease. Generally, pets will require a microchip and a rabies vaccination to qualify for travel. However, different countries have additional requirements when it comes to importing and exporting pets. 

In this article we will discuss the Pet Travel Scheme in detail.

Table of contents:

What is the Pet Travel Scheme?

• What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Passport Scheme?

What countries are included in the Pet Travel Scheme?

• What are the requirements for the UK Pet Travel Scheme?

Which countries are exempt from quarantine under the Pets Travel Scheme?

When was the pet travel scheme introduced, what if my pet doesn’t pass the requirements for the pet travel scheme, what is the most common reason for failing requirements for the pets, can my puppy or kitten travel with me, are tattoos an acceptable form of identification, is there a limit to the number of animals that can travel under the care of one person.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is a system which allows animals to travel easily between member countries without undergoing quarantine . A pet passport is a document that officially records information related to a specific animal, as part of that procedure. The effect is to drastically speed up and simplify travel with and transport of animals between member countries, compared to previous procedures if the regulations are followed.

What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme?

ALL COUNTRIES

Most countries require the following to qualify for travel:

• Microchipping – all dogs, cats and ferrets must have a microchip implant. A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip, around the size of a grain of rice, is implanted subcutaneously (just under the skin) between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck. Each chip has a unique number that is detectable with a microchip scanner. 
• Rabies vaccination – all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies. This procedure is mandatory even if your pet already has a current rabies vaccination. In this case, your pet will need a rabies booster to keep them up to date. For pet travel in Europe, the rabies vaccine should be administered by a veterinarian with a minimum of 21 days before travel. Some countries may differ and always check with your local veterinarian for the procedures to follow.

SOME COUNTRIES

Some countries require the following to be permitted for entry:

• Tapeworm, tick and flea treatment – some countries require animals to be treated for ticks, fleas and tapeworms before boarding the outbound transport. There is usually a time restriction when it comes to administering these treatments. For example, a tapeworm treatment must be administered between 24 hours and 5 days before entering the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta.
• Additional vaccinations – some countries will require additional vaccinations, such as those against distemper, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella and hepatitis.
• Rabies blood test – some countries need evidence that your pet’s rabies vaccination is working by taking a rabies blood test (also known as Rabies Titer Test). Your pet’s blood sample will be taken by a vet and send to an approved laboratory for testing. Your pet’s blood must contain at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody. Normally, you will then need to wait 3 months before traveling.
• Health certificate – many countries require a veterinarian’s letter or certificate confirming that your pet is fit and healthy to travel and has no obvious signs of disease.
• Government certification – in some cases, you will need to get health certificates approved. For example, all animals leaving the US must have their health certificates endorsed by the USDA .

In some countries, the formal passport is needed. However, others will accept documentation in any form so long as it provides clear evidence of the procedure being followed.

Requirements vary widely between countries, so it is best to check those for your destination country before traveling with your pet.

In the next section we will discuss which countries are included in the Pet Travel Scheme, making it easier to travel.

With an EU Pet Passport, dogs, cats and ferrets can travel freely within the EU, and some non-EU countries without quarantine.  The countries in each category are listed below.

EUROPEAN UNION (EU) COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

* When traveling to UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta, dogs must have a tapeworm treatment within 24 hours to 120 hours (1-5 days) of entry.

** Includes St Barthelemy and St Martin (French part of the island)

LISTED NON-EU COUNTRIES

* The Russian Federation consists of 88 subjects (regions). Please note that the following Republics are not part of the Russian Federation: Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

** The UAE consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Fujairah.

*** Formally known as the Netherland Antilles. The BES Islands are Bonair, Saint Eustatius and Saba.

**** The mainland United States of America as well as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

UNLISTED COUNTRIES

An unlisted country is any country not listed above.

These countries have not applied or been accepted for listed status because of higher rabies incidence or less robust veterinary or administrative systems. The rules for taking your pets to these countries, or returning to the EU from these countries are different than they are for EU member states and listed countries.

What are the requirements for the UK Pet Travel Scheme

Traveling to the UK from an EU or listed non-EU country

When traveling to the UK from an EU or listed non-EU country, your pet will need the following:

• A microchip – this is the first procedure you should consider. A microchip has a number unique to your pet and will help authorities to properly identify them. You must get this first, as a rabies vaccination is invalidated without a microchip number attached to it. If you get your pet’s rabies vaccination before getting a microchip, it will not count.
• date of birth/age
• microchip number
• when and where the microchip was inserted
• vaccination date and product name
• date its booster vaccination is due
• batch number
• Tapeworm treatment – before entering the UK, all pet dogs (including assistance dogs) must be treated for tapeworm. The treatment must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1–5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK. (There is no mandatory requirement for tick treatment. No treatment is required for dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland or Malta).
• To travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – your pet must travel with companies and on routes that have been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (previously known as the Animal Health and Laboratories Agency). In case of pets travelling by plane, the company may assign those checks to a third party, i.e. the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow airport.
• List of authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

There may be some additional requirements if you are traveling to the UK from an unlisted non-EU country. Please refer to the section below if you are travelling from an unlisted. non-EU country.

Traveling to the UK from an unlisted non-EU country

When traveling to the UK from an unlisted non-EU country your pet will need the following:

• A microchip – this is the first procedure which you need to consider. The microchip will help authorities to properly identify your pet. You must get this first, as a rabies vaccination is invalid without a microchip number attached to it. If you get your pet’s rabies vaccination before getting a microchip, it will not count.
• date its immunisation vaccination is due
• Rabies blood test / rabies titer test certificate – all dogs, cats and ferrets must have passed a rabies blood test to show that their rabies vaccination was successful. Your veterinarian must take your pets blood and send it off to an EU Approved Laboratory . Your pet’s blood sample must show at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody. You must then wait 3 months from the date the successful blood sample was taken before you are permitted to travel.
• Tapeworm treatment – before entering the UK, all dogs must be treated against tapeworm. This even applies to dogs who reside in the UK and are returning from being abroad. The treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 hours and 120 hours (1–5 days) before your scheduled arrival time in the UK. (No treatment is required for dogs entering the UK from Finland, Ireland or Malta).
• 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
• onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
• re-entry to the UK for 4 months after the date of issue
• To travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route – your pet must travel with companies and on routes that have been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (previously known as the Animal Health and Laboratories Agency). List of authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

Make sure your vet gives you copies of all of your pet’s veterinary treatments and vaccinations certificates. They must all contain the date of treatment.

Can I fly with a dog to the UK?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances.

British law bans all animals entering the UK either in the airplane cabin or as ‘checked or ‘excess’ baggage. Therefore, your pet (except guide dogs*) will need to travel in the aircraft hold as manifest cargo. Unfortunately many airlines do not offer cargo services, so quite often specialist pet travel agents must be used.

Furthermore, there are very strict rules when it comes to the carrier or crate that your pet travels in. You must ensure that the container is International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved. There are strict rules regarding the material, size and construction of the crate. You can find full details here .

UK law does not prohibit the transport of pets in the cabin or as hold baggage when departing from the UK. However, restrictions may be imposed by individual airlines or destination countries.

Pets traveling between EU and listed non-EU countries

Pets traveling between EU and listed non-EU countries can travel freely without enduring a length quarantine. This is as long as they comply with the Pet Travel Scheme requirements (microchip and rabies vaccination). For more details on the requirements, check the ‘What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme?’ section above.

This is as long as pets are transported by an authorised travel carrier on an authorised route. More information on authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

For information on how to get an EU Pet Passport, check  How to get an EU Pet Passport .

Pets traveling to an EU country from an unlisted country

When traveling from an unlisted country to a listed country, your pet will be able to avoid quarantine as long as you follow the EU entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination). You will then wait a further three months after the blood sample was taken. For more details on entry requirements, check the ‘What are the requirements to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme?’ section above.

This is as long as pets are transported by an authorised travel company on an authorised route. More information on authorised carriers and routes can be found here .

Pets traveling to or between unlisted countries

When traveling between non-listed countries, it gets a little more complicated as each country can have different entry requirements. We recommend that you check for your specific destination country, if it isn’t listed above.

The Pet Travel Scheme was initially set up in 2000 as a control measure to prevent rabies, ticks and other diseases from entering the UK. Prior to this, the UK was known for having very tough checks to protect against rabies. Bringing pets to the UK meant serving an obligatory 6 month quarantine period. Over time the program has rolled out to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Pet Travel Scheme has gone through many changes since 2000, making it easier for pets to travel to the UK, to EU countries and other listed non-EA countries (see more information below). Changes to the scheme introduced in January 2012 revoked the need for dogs to be treated against ticks. This change reduced the length of time after vaccination that a dog may enter the UK from six months to 21 days. Secondly, dogs are now required to have their tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 5 days before travel, administered by a certified vet. Lastly, there is no longer a requirement to blood test a dog before travel.

A new requirement was introduced in December 2014, meaning that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated against rabies for the purposes of pet travel.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

When re-entering the UK, DEFRA may perform an inspection of your pet’s pet passport. If any element of your pet's passport or electronic microchip fails, your pet risks being re-exported or placed in quarantine at the owner’s expense.

Issues with dog's tapeworm treatment account for most of the failures. Most commonly, pet owners fail to arrange treatment within the defined timeframe.

Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to travel. Firstly, they must have been vaccinated on or after 12 weeks of age. They must then wait 21 days before they can travel.

Tattoos can be accepted as a valid form of identification, in lieu of a microchip, as long as the tattoo was applied to the pet before 3 July 2011. The tattoo must be clearly readable and matched to the number in the passport/third country certificate.

One individual can travel with a maximum of five dogs, cats or ferrets, in total. Ten pets travelling with two people is acceptable as long as one of the people is an adult. The owner named in the passport must travel with the pets. Alternatively an authorised person can accompany the pets as long as they have a document from the owner named in the passport authorising them to accompany up to five owned pets.

• How to get a US Pet Passport 
• How to get an EU Pet Passport
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Acceptance for carriage of the pregnant women or other persons requiring special assistance, is subject to prior agreement with us. Passengers with some kind of disabilities who informed us about special requirements, when issuing tickets, and these requirements were accepted, will not be subsequently rejected for transport due to their disabilities or special requests.

This procedure applies to the transport of children travelling unaccompanied (UM), at the age of 5 to 12 years, and at the request of parent or guardian, it also applies for unaccompanied children over 12 years and not more than 16 years old.

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Rules to Travel With a Dog Between European Countries

One of the best things about travelling around Europe with a dog is that you don’t need to visit a vet and fill in paperwork to travel between many countries, unlike in other parts of the world. This is thanks to many of the countries in Europe belonging to the European Union (or EU for short) and its single set of rules making it easy for pets to travel around the EU and a handful of other countries.

But what preparations are required to travel with your dog in between EU countries? Which border crossings does this apply to? And what about the rules for travelling with your dog between other countries? I take you through all the rules for dog travel between European countries.

Travelling Between EU and Related Countries

When travelling between countries within the EU and a number of “related” countries, this page sets out the requirements for your dog. Essentially, your dog needs to be microchipped, have been vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days ago, and have a pet passport . For a handful of countries, there is also the requirement for the dog to have a worming treatment.

What Countries are in the European Union?

Currently, there are 27 countries in Europe that are part of the EU. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Additionally, since the United Kingdom transitioned out of the EU following Brexit, Northern Ireland is still counted as part of the EU for the purposes of pet transport.

What are the “Related” Countries?

The EU counts a small number of other countries and territories as applying rules equivalent to the EU for the transportation of pets. The same rules apply for dogs crossing from these countries into EU countries. The pet passport can be either an EU pet passport or a pet passport issued by one of these countries.

These countries are also referred to as “Part 1 listed” countries and are listed on this page  in the top table. These seven countries and three territories are: Andorra, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City State. Additionally, Norway is included.

Note however that more onerous conditions may apply for transporting pets back into some of these countries! This is the case for both the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The Faroe Islands only allows pets to be imported if you intend to stay for longer than three months, while Iceland requires a 14-day quarantine period and pets can only be imported from a short list of approved countries.

What Countries Require a Worming Treatment?

For a handful of the EU and related countries, a worming treatment is required to be administered to your dog by a vet, before arriving in the country. This is also referred to as the “treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis “. It needs to be administered between 24 hours and five days before arrival and recorded in your pet’s passport.

This is required for dogs travelling to: Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway and the United Kingdom. Note that this treatment is not required for dogs travelling in between these countries, such as between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Do Pets from Other Countries Require a Pet Passport?

If you travelled from outside of the EU with your pet , you would have required an animal health certificate or “Annex IV” to enter the EU. If you initially entered one of the related countries, you would have likely used the same or a similar form.

When you arrive in Europe, you should try and get this stamped by customs. Even if it isn’t stamped, you should hold onto it during your travels around Europe. This certificate is then valid for travel within the EU for four months after your entry and should be shown in place of an EU pet passport.

Alternatively, you may be interested in getting an EU pet passport for your pet . The pet passport makes it easier to return to Europe with your pet. (You don’t need to have an Annex IV completed, unless your pet has been vaccinated outside of the EU.)

If you need to have a worming treatment done by a vet, it’s easiest to get an EU pet passport at the same time. (This is what I did before travelling to the UK with my dog, prior to Brexit.)

Are Pet Passports Really Checked?

Just like human passports are often not checked when travelling in between the Schengen countries, pet passports are generally not checked when travelling within the EU and these related countries, at least when not flying. Although there is always the expectation that your pet does have a passport and it may be checked!

Other than when checking into flights, our pet passport was only checked when we travelled to Malta, plus when we travelled to the United Kingdom prior to Brexit. Malta is one of the countries that is quite stringent with the importation of pets, and I recommend reading my specific guidelines for how to take your dog to Malta .

I’ve also heard of someone being turned down for boarding a ferry to Corsica from mainland France, as their dog’s rabies vaccine wasn’t up-to-date.

On the other hand, despite also needing a worming treatment for dogs travelling to Finland and Norway, our dog’s passport wasn’t checked on either occasion, both at a road crossing and when boarding a ferry.

Any Additional Requirements for These Countries?

Generally, I’ve assumed that there are no additional requirements for pets travelling into any of the EU countries. However, this is not always the case.

For instance, when travelling to Malta you also need to advise the country in advance of your pet’s arrival, so that they can be checked by a vet on arrival. As Malta doesn’t have any land borders, you’ll likely be reminded of this if booking a flight or ferry trip to the country with your dog. I’ve covered the whole process in my guide to travelling to Malta with a dog .

Sweden also has the requirement to advise the country of your dog’s arrival, but only at the customs declaration point or through an online form, with no need to do it in advance. I didn’t actually find out about this until I was leaving the country, and luckily didn’t suffer any consequences. I cover this fully in my guide to travelling in Sweden with a dog .

I’m not aware of any other EU country that has any additional requirement, but I recommend double-checking the individual country websites listed here , if in doubt. When it comes to related countries, as I mentioned above both the Faroe Islands and Iceland have quite strict entry procedures.

What About Puppies?

There are some exceptions to the rabies vaccination requirements for young animals that are too young to be vaccinated. I don’t recommend travelling with animals so young for a holiday, but if they are crossing the border to go to their new home refer to the EU regulations .

Travelling into the EU from Other European Countries

If you are travelling into an EU country or one of the related countries from another European country, the rules are more complex and similar to travelling to Europe with your dog from elsewhere in the world .

Depending on what country you are travelling from, a rabies titre test may or may not be required. Additionally, an animal health certificate or “Annex IV” will be required if you don’t have a pet passport from the EU or a related country.

Which Countries Require a Rabies Titre Test?

If you are travelling into the EU from these European countries, a rabies titre test is required: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.

A rabies titre test is not required for “Part 2 listed” countries, as listed on the bottom table on  this page . These five European countries are included: Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Russia, United Kingdom (including Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey).

What are the Requirements of the Rabies Titre Test?

There are a number of rules stipulated by the EU for the administration of a rabies titre test, if your dog requires one to travel to the EU.

The sample for the test needs to be collected by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after your dog is vaccinated for rabies. The sample needs to be tested in an EU approved laboratory . Assuming a sufficient level of antibodies are detected (0.5 IU/ml or greater), you then need to wait three months after the sample collection date to enter the EU.

The rabies titre test though remains valid for the life of your pet, as long as they always receive their rabies vaccine booster shot before the previous one expires.

What About Pets from the EU?

If your pet is originally from the EU, it is advisable to get a rabies titre test done before leaving the EU. In this case, there is no waiting period applied. You can immediately travel back to the EU without waiting for three months after the rabies titre test. There is a section in the EU pet passport for recording your dog’s rabies titre test.

As noted above, the rabies titre test remains valid for the life of your pet, as long as they receive their next rabies booster shot before the previous one expires. If this doesn’t occur, your pet will require another rabies titre test (hence the room for recording multiple tests).

Is the Paperwork Really Checked?

During my travels around Europe, I didn’t actually make it to any of these countries. At first I wasn’t sure of the requirements for dogs travelling in between the countries (and didn’t realise that my rabies titre test from Australia was valid), and then I later ran out of time. So, I don’t have personal experience at travelling between these countries and the EU.

However, I have been informed by other travellers, that paperwork is not always checked when travelling from these countries into the EU. This includes travelling from Serbia into Bulgaria. However, it is advisable to always comply with the regulations and expect that paperwork may be checked.

If you go to cross the border and you haven’t had the rabies titre test done for your dog, there is a long waiting period. Especially if your dog is originally from within the EU and could have skipped the waiting period entirely!

What Entry Points are Allowed?

If you are entering an EU country or any of the related countries with your dog, you are required to enter at specific entry points, where your dog’s paperwork can be checked. These are known as “Travellers’ points of entry”, and may include airports, shipping ports and land border crossings.

To view the list of relevant entry points for each country, click here .

Travelling out of the EU to Other European Countries

When travelling from a country in the EU or one of the related countries to other countries in Europe, the list of requirements differs between different countries. You should check the requirements for the individual country.

Often it is sufficient to assume that travelling with your dog’s EU pet passport and an up-to-date rabies vaccine is sufficient, but this is not always the case.

At the moment, I have not yet travelled personally with my dog to these countries or investigated the details of the rules for most countries. As I investigate each country, I will list them here.

A handy initial place to check the rules is PetTravel.com , but always check the relevant government website to double-check your have the latest rules and the full details required.

Importing a Dog to Serbia

The rules to import a dog to Serbia are quite similar to the rules for importing a dog to EU countries.

For dogs being imported to Serbia from EU countries and the related countries, the rules are listed at the top of this page . Your dog needs to be permanently identified (such as by a microchip), vaccinated against rabies, comply with comply with any preventive health measures for other diseases, and be accompanied by either a passport or a health certificate, quite similar to the EU health certificate.

There are also rules listed for both Part 2 listed countries (as per the EU legalisation) and unlisted countries (generally higher risk countries). For unlisted countries, a rabies titre test is also required, performed by an EU approved lab, followed by a waiting period of three months.

Importing a Dog to Albania

The rules to import a dog to Albania are again relatively simple and similar to those for importing a dog to EU countries. The more complicated part is making sure you can re-enter the EU with your dog from Albania!

Your dog needs to have a microchip, be vaccinated against rabies (with 3 year vaccines recognised) and have a bi-lingual health certificate. For more information, see the guide put together on World Wide Walkies , along with plenty more tips about visiting Albania with a dog.

Importing a Dog to Turkey

The rules to import a dog to Turkey are not that clear, with different interpretations on different websites. At a minimum, your dog needs to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, at least 30 days in advance.

It is likely the 3-year rabies vaccine isn’t recognised, so make sure you dog has been vaccinated in the last year. Additionally, a rabies titre test may or may not be required. Read my full discussion on the rules for travelling to Turkey with a dog .

Is the 3-Year Rabies Vaccine Recognised?

Within the EU countries, the 3-year rabies vaccine is recognised. This means that if your dog receives a 3-year rabies vaccine, your dog does not need a booster shot for another three years. However, there are some countries around the world that only recognise 1-year rabies vaccines, and required your dog to have a booster shot yearly.

The following European countries require a yearly rabies vaccine (according to my investigations): Belarus, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine.

You May Also Like

• Taking Your Dog to Europe: Vaccines & Paperwork
• Is it Possible to Visit Turkey with a Dog?
• Do I Need a Rabies Titre Test to Travel with My Dog?

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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17 thoughts on “Rules to Travel With a Dog Between European Countries”

Wonderful article and you explained so much. Thank you so much!! We are traveling in Europe for 8 months (from the US) and visiting different locations. Couple quick questions and hope you may know the answer. We have the Pet Certificate and haven’t got a EU Passport, based on your article.. this pretty much takes the place of it. If we decide to get a EU Pet Passport, did this need to be applied for within so many days of our arrival in France or can we apply 3 months after arriving in France and nothing additional is required? We may go to Prague for the day when we are staying in Austria.. I noticed they need approval of your EU Pet Passport? Is this the case? I thought our Pet Certificate was good for travel in an country within the EU? Last question.. We plan on traveling for 8 months and our health certificate is good for four.. How do we get another one for the 2nd 4 months? Do we get that from a vet in the EU or will we have to go back to the US after 4 months. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

The certificate you have is good for travel for 4 months, including Prague. The best thing to do before this period is up, or before you next cross country borders after 4 months, is to get a pet passport. France is being problematic about giving pet passports to pets who aren’t registered there, since the UK left the EU and many English have tried to get French pet passports. But most other countries should be fine. Some vets won’t transfer across the rabies vaccine, and may insist on a booster shot, that they will then record. Hope this is clear!

Brilliant article. Helps with so much but I think I’m just confusing myself. We’re going to Austria next year with our dog. She’ll get a rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate before going. We’re using the tunnel and she’ll be checked in Calais. Our final destination is Austria. Does she have to get checked at their border too? Or not as it’s all the EU?

No, she only needs to get checked at the Tunnel when first entering the EU. Just keep the certificate handy in case you’re asked later when crossing borders, but it is extremely unlikely.

Great article! Can’t thank you enough! Just one thing that I couldn’t really find an answer anywhere. My pet is in the EU and has an EU passport. We will travel to Turkey and back. Do you know if she needs an EU health certificate also?

I’ve covered the requirements for Turkey here: https://www.travelnuity.com/dog-friendly-turkey/ . For returning to the EU, your dog will not need an EU pet health certificate as long as they have an up-to-date EU pet passport, including rabies vaccine and in the case of Turkey a rabies titre test result.

Great article! Thank you. Just wondering if you have travelled under one year, and have had Rabies vaccinations and titre test prior to leaving Australia, what are the quarantine requirements etc needed to return to Australia with your dog?

Meaning travelled through the EU & UK only.

We had a rabies vaccine and titre test before leaving Australia. Until recently, the titre test was valid for up to 2 years. So, when we returned to Australia after about 22 months, our dog’s titre test was still valid and he quarantined for 10 days. With the recent changes, I believe the titre test is only valid for 1 year, so we would have had to get a new titre test (or return in under a year). I also believe the records from your dog leaving Australia counts as proof of identity. We travelled throughout the UK, EU and USA.

Great article to read, thankyou. Can I ask, i live in Bulgaria, will be taking a road trip to the uk and back to Bulgaria, we will be transiting through serbia into hungry, and then on the way back through hungry, serbia, back into Bulgaria, will I need to get a titre test done ? My understanding is i don’t, because I’m not stopping in serbia. Thankyou 🤞

I recommend getting a titre test done before leaving Hungary. This is technically required for crossing the border from Serbia into Hungary or other EU countries – I haven’t heard about it not being required if you’re not stopping. I have heard that it is rarely checked, but I would get it for my own peace of mind.

The potential headache is that if you get it done in Serbia, there is then a long waiting period before it is valid to enter the EU, but there is no waiting period if you have it done before leaving the EU.

I brought my dogs from Montenegro to the UK in May 2023 and they have Montenegrin passports. We are now planning our trip to Montenegro and are wondering if their passports are valid for travel? We understand that they would still need the health certificate to leave the UK but would their rabies vaccination (given in Montenegro) and titre test (approved by a Serbian lab) be valid?

I haven’t heard whether Montenegrin passports are valid in place of EU pet passports. I know the Swiss ones are, but I don’t know whether this extends to Montenegrin ones. With the EU pet health certificate used to exit the UK, this is then valid for 4 months travel within the EU, including crossing borders.

Hello Shandos, Thanks for the article. I want to ask about crossing the border between Croatia and Hungary (I will be going by train – the dog is allowed on trains in both countries so I know that is ok although I think going actually across the border is by bus). My dog has an AHC as we are from the UK and a pet passport issued on a previous trip to Portugal but I am just wondering is it possible just to take a dog across a land border between two EU countries at any border crossing?

Hi Naomi, While I haven’t crossed the border between Croatia and Hungary with my dog, we crossed plenty of borders between other EU countries (and the EU and Switzerland), without any checks at all – either by road or on trains. I know there’s the list of Travellers Entry Points, but I think they’re mainly for entering the EU from non-EU countries, I’ve never heard of being restricted on border crossings by other travellers either. Have a great trip! Shandos

Hello! I’m travelling to Albania from Finland by car with my two chihuahuas. They have EU passports. Do they need titre test done in Finland as well? We’ll travel via Baltia-Poland-Czech-Austria-Slovenia-Bosnia-Montenegro-Albania and same way back. Is there anything else to pay attention?

I recommend having the rabies titre test done before leaving and entered in the EU pet passports. This way there’s no waiting period. Otherwise, if you have it done in Albania, you’d then have a 3 month wait before you could re-enter the EU. This also applies for Montenegro and Serbia.

I haven’t fully reviewed all the requirements for all the non-EU countries. See the links above for Serbia and Albania, but you may want to search for the government pages for Bosnia and Montenegro. Usually though its microchip + rabies vaccine + pet passport/health certificate, sometimes the rabies titre test. I’ve often heard from people road tripping through the Balkans that dog passports are often not checked, but I would always be prepared.

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If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, you must apply for this export health certificate (EHC) using the online service.

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Travelling with animals.

You can take your dog or cat with you on Austrian flights. Please read the following information carefully before booking a flight with your pet.

Please note

• You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container.
• Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. Young animals must be weaned from their mother.
• Your pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on its size, weight (including carrying container) and the relevant regulations of the country concerned. You will find all the details further down on this page.
• Special conditions apply to ​ travelling with assistance dogs (for example guide dogs or hearing dogs).

It is not possible to carry large animals in the cargo hold to certain destinations due to local conditions and restrictions.

Please note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress.

Please notify us in good time if you wish to bring your pet with you. We will check the conditions of carriage and the space available.

Did you book a holiday flight with flight numbers OS 2000-2999, 4000-4999 or 9000-9999?

Compliance with animal welfare provisions and import and export regulations for the animal

Please make sure to find out about the import and export regulations applicable to your pet in your departure, transit and destination countries in plenty of time and before booking your flight, for example from the relevant embassy.

We also reserve the right to impose stricter regulations and refuse the reservation on certain routes where necessary (for example to the United Kingdom) and exclude the animal from travel.

Please also consult your vet about the relevant animal welfare provisions. Obtain all the travel documentation required for your pet so that nothing will stand in the way of your trip.

Importing dogs into the USA

There are restrictions on importing dogs into the United States due to the risk of rabies. You can find more detailed information about these CDC restrictions and the possibility of obtaining an exemption on the United States Center for Disease Control website.

Importing dogs into Canada

Separate paperwork is required for importing a dog as a pet or trained service animal into Canada, including re-entry, to comply with Canadian entry requirements. If you cannot produce this, there is a risk of delays at the border and your pet may not be permitted to enter Canada. Please find out in good time exactly which documents you need before travelling to Canada with your animal or importing an animal into Canada.

Small pets in the cabin

The travel carrier must be:

• soft, bite-proof and leak-proof;
• insulated against odours;
• adequately ventilated even when closed; and
• large enough for the pet to stand, turn around and lie down normally.

The total weight of the animal and the travel carrier must not exceed 8 kg. The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so that it can be stowed under the seat in front. Please note: in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and South Africa, animals must be carried as freight irrespective of their size.

We require your confirmation that the animal meets the stated requirements to enable you to take your pet with you into the cabin as hand luggage. Please present two printouts of the completed and signed forms at the check-in desk. Please note that the form is not required for assistance dogs on direct flights from/to the USA.

What does carriage cost?

1 = including pet 2 = length + width + height

Please note: a ticket service fee is also charged in addition to the fare specified and will vary depending on the place of departure. Other rules and fares may apply on flights operated by partner airlines (Codeshare) and on charter flights.

Large animals in the cargo hold

Dogs and cats for which there is no space in the passenger cabin may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. Please inform us of the size and weight of the pet-friendly carrying container you are providing at the time of booking. The container must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. We will check the availability of space and the loading options in the aircraft.

Austrian Airlines reserves the right to check the condition of the carrying container and the pet’s behaviour at check-in to ensure it is carried safely and securely throughout the journey.

A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, each with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg may be accommodated in a single carrying container.

Please note: a ticket service fee is also charged in addition to the fare specified and will vary depending on the place of departure. Other rules and fares may apply on flights operated by partner airlines (Codeshare) and charter flights.

Please note that an additional fee of EUR 150 (or CHF 175 or USD 175) will be charged if you travel via Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA) or Brussels (BRU). This applies to tickets issued after 1 April 2021.

How must a box be constructed for the carriage of dogs and cats in the air-conditioned cargo hold?

• The carrying container must be suitable for the cat or dog to be carried.
• The dimensions must be such that the animal can stand, move about and lie down in a natural position.
• The inside of the container must be smooth and have no protrusions that the animal can bite or scrape off to ensure the container remains intact.
• The top must be waterproof to prevent rain, snow or hail from getting in.
• Containers consisting of an upper and lower part must be securely screwed together.
• The container must be stable, lockable and clean, and must have a waterproof bottom lined with absorbent material.
• It must be possible to fasten the door openings securely.
• Wheels on the carrying container are not permitted. If it has wheels, they must be removed or locked in place before the container can be accepted.
• There must be ventilation on all four sides of the container. The ventilation holes must be small enough or covered with a grille to prevent any part of the animal’s body from protruding or sticking out to prevent any risk of injury.
• The ventilation holes on the sides and back must be on the top two-thirds of the container.
• Spacers must be integrated into the construction (both on the back and down the length). They are used as the container’s handles and ensure the ventilation holes are not blocked by other freight or bags.
• Separate bowls for both water and food must be provided and attached securely to the carrying container. Water containers must not be filled for the flight, but must be accessible from outside the container. Food and water for the flight can be provided in leak-proof containers.

Special conditions apply to dogs classified as fighting dogs and snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds.

Illustration of a carrying container for dogs and cats

Containers made of wire or wire mesh are not permitted for carriage by air.

• Door hinges and latches must protrude above and below the door openings on the horizontal projections by at least 1.60 centimetres.
• Ventilation holes
• Attached food and water containers

Which countries do not permit the carriage of large animals?

Please note that in some countries animals must be carried as freight irrespective of their size.

Can I transport an animal if I am not travelling myself?

You will find ​ more information about the carriage of unaccompanied animals on the Lufthansa Cargo website.

My pet is bigger or heavier than permitted. Is it still possible to carry it?

You will find ​ more information about the carriage of animals that are too big or too heavy on the Lufthansa Cargo website.

Dogs classified as fighting dogs and snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds

Special conditions apply to the carriage of dogs classified as fighting dogs and snub-nosed/brachycephalic dog breeds.

Snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds

Dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed breeds have constricted airways due to their anatomy and may suffer from shortness of breath. The stress caused by carriage or high temperatures at the departure, transfer or destination airport may lead to circulatory problems and increased shortness of breath as a result. Your pet may therefore suffer serious injury to its health or even die during the journey. These breeds are therefore not permitted to be carried in the cargo hold.

Which breeds of dogs are covered by these regulations?

• Affenpinschers
• American Bully (see dogs classified as fighting dogs)
• Bulldogs (all breeds except American bulldogs)
• Pugs (all breeds)
• American pit bull terriers
• American Staffordshire terriers
• Boston terriers
• Brussels griffons
• Bull mastiffs
• Bull terriers
• English toy spaniels
• Japanese chins
• Japanese spaniels
• Staffordshire bull terriers

The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified.

Which breeds of cats are covered by these regulations?

• British short-haired cats
• Exotic shorthairs
• Himalayan cats
• Persian cats
• Scottish fold cats

Dogs classified as fighting dogs

Animals classified as fighting dogs may only be carried in special crates and exclusively in the cargo hold. An exception is made for dogs classified as fighting dogs between the ages of three and six months. These dogs can be carried in standard transport crates. Whether the dog may be carried in the cabin or cargo hold depends on the basic criteria that apply to the carriage of dogs.

Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the cargo hold for the carriage of fighting dog breeds. Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the cabin for dogs classified as fighting dogs aged from three to six months.

Which breeds are classified as fighting dogs?

• American Bully (prohibited in principle due to potential snub-nosed characteristics)
• American bulldogs
• Dogo Argentino
• Karabash (Kangal) (Anatolian Shepherd dog)
• Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd dog)
• Rottweilers

Carrying containers for dogs classified as fighting dogs

Special carrying containers are required for carriage that must meet the IATA requirements.

• The carrying container must be constructed of wood, metal, synthetic materials, welded wire mesh or wire mesh.
• Additional requirements regarding the frame, sides, floor, top and opening flaps of the carrying container must also be met.
• No part of the carrying container must be made of plastic.
• The opening flap must be made of heavy-duty wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and must have a secure lock that cannot be opened accidentally.
• The container openings must be small enough to ensure that no part of the animal’s body fits through, and the container must ensure protection against bites or scratches from the animal.

• Sliding panel with two ventilation holes each with a diameter of 10 cm
• Entry/exit door
• Meshed ventilation holes
• Spacers with handles
• Obligatory declarations: “This way up: IATA Live Animals”
• Forklift bars
• Food and water containers with access from outside
• Drainage tray
• Welded grille

Assistance dogs

General requirements for taking assistance dogs into the cabin.

To ensure the safe and undisturbed operation of the flight, your dog must be trained to be obedient to your commands and must behave appropriately in a public space (in other words no barking, growling or jumping up at people).

If your dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, Austrian Airlines may transfer the dog to the cargo hold at an additional cost or refuse to carry the animal. You are liable for any damage and additional costs arising from the carriage of your dog.

Certain requirements must be met for you to take your dog into the cabin. We have summarised the most important information for you:

Registering recognised assistance dogs on flights outside the USA

We will carry one (1) assistance dog free of charge.

Definition of an assistance dog

• It is a dog, regardless of breed or type.
• which includes people with a visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.

Entry regulations

It is your responsibility to comply with all the relevant import and export regulations, as well as the animal welfare provisions for your animal for the entire journey.

Forms required

Please send us the training certificate for your assistance dog.

a training certificate from a training institution that holds accreditation from the following organisations:

• Assistance Dogs International (ADI);
• Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu);
• International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF);
• International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

If you are unable to present this, your dog will travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets, either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold depending on its size and weight and for an additional charge. You can find further information under “Small pets in the cabin” and “Large animals in the cargo hold”.

Please also submit the breed, weight and age of the animal.

Please send us the training certificate for your assistance dog:

• Messerli Research Institute;

a certificate issued by a training institution and/or a dog trainer

• stating the name and address;
• details of the nature and duration of the training; and
• the task for which the dog has been trained and has successfully completed.

Please note that a certificate of completed obedience training or the completed DOT Form is not sufficient for travel outside the USA. Teach-yourself and online training sites are also not recognised.

If you are unable to present this, your dog will travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets, either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold depending on its size and weight and for an additional charge.

You can find further information under “Small pets in the cabin” and “Large animals in the cargo hold” .

Conditions for carriage on board

Your assistance dog

• must fit in the footwell in front of your seat and be attached to your safety belt with a lead provided by Austrian Airlines;
• must remain under your direct control for the duration of the flight;
• must not sit on a passenger seat; and
• must be at least four months old.

You must bring a muzzle for the dog with you. You will be asked to muzzle your dog if a situation arises where your dog poses a risk to other passengers. Otherwise you will be refused permission to take your dog on Austrian Airlines flights. You are not obliged to carry a muzzle on flights to and from Canada. However, we strongly recommend that you bring one with you.

Registering recognised assistance dogs on non-stop flights to/from the USA

We will carry two (2) assistance dogs free of charge.

• Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs in training do not qualify as assistance dogs.

Important note: from 1 March 2021, Austrian Airlines will only accept trained assistance dogs in the cabin .

Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs in training do not qualify as assistance dogs. These dogs travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on its size and weight and for an additional charge. You can find further information under ​ ”Small pets in the cabin” and ​ ”Large animals in the cargo hold” .

If you are travelling with an assistance dog, you must complete the following forms and submit them to our Special Cases Desk as a condition of carriage. You must do so on or after the date you purchase your ticket.

• If you are travelling with an assistance dog and have made a reservation more than 48 hours before the first scheduled departure time of your itinerary , you must submit these forms electronically or in paper format at least 48 hours before your departure.
• If you are travelling with an assistance dog and have made a reservation less than 48 hours before the first scheduled departure time of your itinerary , you must submit these forms at the departure gate on the day of your journey.

With this form you are confirming the health, training and behaviour of the animal.

This form is required for flights of eight hours or more.

Here you state that your animal does not need to relieve itself or does so in a way that is not a health hazard or a hygiene problem.

Keep this form ready to hand also during your flight.

If you have booked a connecting flight for yourself and your assistance dog, please note that you must provide proof of training for the dog.

It is a federal crime to make materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and wilfully on the Service Animal Air Transportation Form or Service Animal Relief Attestation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

We strongly recommend that you also bring a muzzle for added safety and out of consideration for other passengers. You will be asked to muzzle your dog if a situation arises where your dog poses a risk to the safety of other passengers. Otherwise you will be refused permission to take your dog on Austrian Airlines flights.

Acceptance before departure

Austrian Airlines may verify that an animal is approved as an assistance dog in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. To determine if an animal is an assistance dog, our staff may (1) observe the animal to determine if it exhibits any disturbed or aggressive behaviour that suggests it has not been successfully trained to behave appropriately in a public environment or (2) check certain physical indicators.

Assistance dog size

All assistance dogs must fit in the footwell at the passenger’s seat unless this would conflict with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety requirements or German/European law, or would restrict the space of another passenger.

Using a lead

Austrian Airlines requires that all assistance dogs on board and in airport areas owned, leased or controlled by Austrian Airlines must be kept on a lead by the assistance dog’s owner or handler (if applicable) at all times.

Refusal of carriage to assistance dogs

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Austrian Airlines may refuse to carry an assistance dog in the following circumstances:

• The assistance dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other persons.
• The assistance dog is causing a significant disturbance in the cabin or gate area of the airport, or its behaviour in the aircraft or gate area of the airport indicates that it has not been adequately trained to behave appropriately in public areas.
• Carriage of the assistance dog would violate applicable safety or health requirements of a US federal agency or territory, or a foreign government.
• The passenger with a disability who wishes to travel with an assistance dog in the cabin does not submit the completed, up-to-date forms required by Austrian Airlines.

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Austrian Airlines reserves the right to hold the passenger travelling with an assistance dog liable for any damage caused by the assistance dog.

Emotional support animals

From 1 March 2021, Austrian Airlines will only accept trained assistance dogs in the cabin.

Emotional support dogs will no longer be classified as assistance dogs and new bookings will no longer be accepted after this date. These dogs travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold depending on their size and weight and for an additional charge. More information can be found below:

This is how you can take your pet with you when you travel

Registering a pet.

Please state that you wish to bring your pet with you at the time of booking. We will check the conditions of carriage and the availability of space and contact you.

Preparing for the flight

Be well prepared for your flight by checking the conditions for carrying boxes before departure. Consult your vet about your pet’s general condition and obtain the necessary documents depending on entry requirements at your destination.

Guests with pets can use online and mobile check-in 23 hours before departure. You must collect your boarding pass from the check-in desk at the airport. Bring your pet to the check-in desk in a suitable carrying container no later than two hours, but no earlier than three hours before departure.

Tips for the wellbeing of your four-legged friend

Flying is not only stressful for us humans. We have put together a few tips for you to prepare your pet for the journey and make it as comfortable as possible:

• Get your pet used to the carrying container at home as much as possible by placing the pet in the closed container for a few hours several times and then rewarding it afterwards.
• Many pets are very nervous before and during the flight. Please consult your vet if you are considering whether you want to calm your pet with medication. The pet’s reactions are often not predictable and may lead to circulatory problems.
• Place a blanket with a familiar smell and your pet’s favourite toy in the carrying container to calm the animal.

Ask your vet how to adjust your pet’s food during the flight.

What rules apply after Brexit?

Please refer to the ​ official Brexit information .

What must I note if part of the route is operated by another airline?

All the regulations given here apply solely to flights operated by Austrian. Please make sure that you check the regulations of the airline operating the flight for codeshare flights. Check that your pet will also be accepted by all the airlines involved if you are travelling with more than one airline.

Taking pets into Austrian Lounges

You are also welcome to take your four-legged friends with you into our lounges. However, please understand that your dogs or cats should not be allowed to wander freely around Austrian Airlines lounges out of consideration for our other guests and should await their onward journey in their carrying container or pet carrier. Assistance dogs are exempt from this rule.

1 We will deal with your concern as quickly as possible. The data you provide will only be used to process your enquiry. Your data will not be shared with third parties unless Austrian is obliged to do so for legal reasons Email communication with Lufthansa Group airlines is not encrypted. Please note this in particular when sending personal data, such as your name, contact details or travel information, and most importantly do not refer to them in the subject line.

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