Liechtenstein Pet Import Requirements

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What is a Pet Passport?

We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that conform to Liechtenstein pet import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering this country from non-EU countries. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Liechtenstein will include proof of microchip, current rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (some countries), and one of the following:

An official EU or NI Pet Passport (resident EU or Northern Ireland pets)
An EU Health Certificate (non-EU-resident pets)
A government-issued Pet Passport from a part 1 listed third country (see EU COUNTRY CLASSIFICATIONS)
An Animal Health Certificate when entering Liechtenstein from the United Kingdom (EU-resident pets)

Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements

These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs, cats and ferrets including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO LIECHTENSTEIN below.

Pets in Liechtenstein

Pets in Liechtenstein are well-cared for and valued members of society. The country provides excellent veterinary services, pet care facilities, and supportive regulations to ensure the well-being of pets.

Liechtenstein has a good network of veterinary clinics offering comprehensive services for all sorts of pets, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, emergency care, and specialized treatments. Emergency veterinary services are available for urgent medical needs, ensuring pets receive prompt care in case of an emergency.

Liechtenstein is a pet-friendly country with a supportive infrastructure for pet owners. There are numerous parks, hiking trails, and green spaces where pets, especially dogs, can enjoy the outdoors. Many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in Liechtenstein welcome pets. It’s common for accommodations to provide specific amenities for pets, such as pet beds and bowls.

Pet-Friendly Airlines Flying to Liechtenstein

As Liechtenstein does not have an international airport and thus, no border inspection post, pets from non-EU member states must enter the country by ground from Germany or Switzerland. EU Health Certificates from either of these countries will be accepted for pets originating in part 2 listed third or unlisted countries (see step 1 for country classifications).

Flights to Germany or Switzerland should be direct or transit through a listed third country (step 1) or another EU Member State if possible*. If your pet transits through an unlisted country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. The declaration must state that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

Find a Licensed Veterinarian

Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals.

Quarantine for Pets Entering Liechtenstein

There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Liechtenstein if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.

NEWS: The EU has modified its regulations as of April 2026 with important changes to non-commercial transport (step 2). The EU has granted a transition period until March 2027; however, some countries like Germany have already enforced these new regulations. All new regulations have been indicated as such on this page.

All steps required to conform to regulations to import a dog, cat or ferret to Liechtenstein must be completed in the origination country. Steps 1-8 should be followed in the order given.

Step 1: EU Country Classifications

The European Union (EU) does not recognize any countries as rabies-free. Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all countries are subject to current rabies vaccinations according to their regulations. The EU classifies countries as either

The requirements to import a dog, cat, or ferret to Liechtenstein will depend on the classification of your country of origin and whether your pet has entered an unlisted country within the past 4 months. Click on the links above to find your origination country’s classification.

Pet owners should identify the classification of their country of origin before reviewing import regulations for Liechtenstein.

Step 2: Type of Transport

The European Union classifies the movement of pets as non-commercial or commercial. These pet import requirements apply to both non-commercial and commercial transports. Review the conditions below to determine whether your pet’s transport will be classified as non-commercial or commercial, as the requirements for each type of transport are different.

Conditions for Non-Commercial Transport

• All pets must enter Liechtenstein with their owner*. Proof of travel will be required AND
• The transport applies to no more than five pets** unless proof of participation in a competition or show is available, and pets are over six months of age AND
• The owner must attest that the purpose of the transport must not be for adoption, sale, or exchange of ownership via a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport.

*Some EU Member States will allow a representative assigned by the owner to travel with the pet under non-commercial regulations; however, the owner must still travel to the same destination within 5 days of their pet’s travels. (New regulation)

**If entering the EU by ground, a maximum of 5 pets per vehicle can travel under non-commercial regulations. (New regulation)

Unless all of the above conditions are satisfied, your pet must travel under commercial regulations.

Conditions for Commercial Transport

The owner or a designated representative is not traveling with the pet OR
The transport is greater than five pets under one owner’s passport/vehicle OR
The purpose of the transport involves any change of ownership, adoption, or commercial sale.

If any of the above conditions are met, then your pet must travel under commercial regulations. The importer must be registered in the origin country and have proof of the organization they represent. They also must have proof of this business or organization. Import taxes will be imposed, which will vary by country.

Step 3: Pet Microchip

Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. First, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Second, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database.

The third step to importing a dog, cat, or ferret to Liechtenstein is to have your pet identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit pet microchip that is compliant with ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO-compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

Note: By 1 January 2028, all pet microchips must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. As there is no guarantee that border inspection officials will have a universal scanner available, it is advised to consider updating your pet’s microchip if you are a frequent traveler. (New regulation)

A licensed veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse must implant the microchip. (New regulation) You should be issued a microchip certificate at the time of implantation on the veterinarian’s letterhead with specifics on your pet, microchip number, and implantation date.

You should also receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer’s or government’s database in your country.

A tattoo is an acceptable form of identification under the following conditions:

It was applied prior to July 3, 2011 and
The tattoo is clearly visible and
Your pet was vaccinated for rabies after the tattoo was applied and
All rabies vaccinations after the tattoo was applied were kept up-to-date. (No rabies vaccinations were allowed to expire before boosters were administered.)

Step 4: Vaccinations

All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Liechtenstein must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered at the same time or after a microchip was implanted.

If entering Liechtenstein from another EU Member State, part 1 or part 2 listed third country, pets must wait 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination to travel. Note that every manufacturer of rabies vaccines has specifications on when immunity is reached, and your veterinarian should inform you of the wait time for your pet’s specific vaccine.

If entering Liechtenstein from an unlisted third country, pets must wait for 30 days to have a licensed veterinarian administer a rabies titer test (next step).

In either case, do not count the day of the veterinary visit in the wait time.

Other Vaccinations

Pet owners should always consider healthy vaccinations against diseases such as the following:

canine distemper (also for ferrets)
canine hepatitis
canine leptospirosis
canine parvovirus
feline viral rhinotracheitis
feline panleukopenia
feline leukemia
feline calicivirus

Exception: Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper when being transported commercially.

Step 5: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test

A rabies titer test, also known as a serology test, must be administered to pets entering Liechtenstein from unlisted countries only. The test should be administered no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination is administered. Do not count the day of the veterinary visit.

This test measures the rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. There are several kinds of rabies titer tests, although the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test is preferred.

The test is administered by a licensed veterinarian, and the blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory for processing.

The titer test must be administered more than 90 days prior to the date on the EU Health Certificate (step 8). (New regulation)

A rabies titer test must be administered to pets entering Liechtenstein from unlisted third countries no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination is administered. Do not count the day of the veterinary visit.

Samples must be processed at approved laboratories. Assuming test results are within acceptable limits, your pet can enter Liechtenstein three calendar months after the date the blood was drawn for the test and avoid quarantine.

Rabies titer test results will not be accepted as a substitute for proof of current rabies vaccination.

It is worth noting that some EU Member States require that serology levels be confirmed prior to leaving their country. It is always wise to have this test done prior to travel, if possible. The test is valid to enter any EU Member State for the life of your pet if rabies vaccinations never expire.

Step 6: Import Permit

Pet owners do not need an import permit when entering Liechtenstein with a dog, cat, or ferret. Unaccompanied pets may need an import permit.

Step 7: Parasite Treatments

Pet owners should always protect their pets from internal and external parasites to keep them healthy. This is very important when traveling internationally. However, proof of these treatments is not required for pets imported to Liechtenstein.

Step 8: Health Certificate

Every country worldwide requires a health certificate in their pet import regulations, and Liechtenstein is no exception. The EU Health Certificate must include pet owner information (New regulation) clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number. Your veterinarian must state that your pet is fit to travel and is not originating from an area that is under restrictions for rabies. Additionally, your veterinarian should attest that your pet displays no symptoms of any contagious diseases.

The type of health certificate required will depend on the type of transport the pet is traveling under – non-commercial or commercial. Both certificates must be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in your country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.

Your pet must enter the EU Member State within 10 days of endorsement (non-commercial) and depart the country of origin within 48 hours of endorsement (commercial). (New regulation)

Non-Commercial Transport to Liechtenstein from an EU Member State or Part 1 Listed Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply unless your pet has entered an unlisted country within four months of travel.

Resident Pets: Have your veterinarian issue and update an EU Pet Passport or a government-issued Pet Passport (part 1 listed third countries) for your pet. A health check prior to travel is recommended and may be required by your air carrier.

Note: There will be additional requirements to return to a part 1 listed third country in addition to the EU Pet Passport.

Non-Resident Pets (visitors): If your pet has not lived in an EU Member State or part 1 listed country for six months or you do not have a permanent address in an EU Member State, then your pet will need a non-commercial EU Health Certificate. (New regulation)

Non-Commercial Transport to Liechtenstein from a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 applies under the following conditions:

Your pet is originating from an unlisted country or
Your pet has entered an unlisted country within four months of travel.

A licensed veterinarian must issue a non-commercial health certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in your country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals. The certificate is valid for 10 days from endorsement to the day your pet arrives at the border inspection post. (New regulation)

The EU Health Certificate for Liechtenstein is good for the transport of five or fewer dogs, cats, or ferrets. The form is good for six months of travel within the EU if the rabies vaccination documented on the certificate does not expire during that time. (New regulation)

Note: Resident UK pet owners traveling from the UK to any EU Member State under non-commercial regulations (see step 2) should not use an EU Pet Passport and instead obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) according to the Animal and Plant Agency. The validity of the AHC has been extended to six months. (New regulation)

Commercial Transport to Liechtenstein from an EU Member State

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply.

Your pet must travel from a licensed premise which is registered with the governing authority in your EU Member State
responsible for the import and export of animals.

Your veterinarian must obtain and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet.

Your pet must be inspected, and an Intra-trade Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of entry.

The transport must be recorded in the TRACES system by an agent ahead of travel. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Commercial Transport to Liechtenstein from a Part 1 and 2 Listed Third Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply.

Your pet must be inspected, and a commercial EU Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian within 48 hours of travel.

The transport must be recorded in advance in TRACES by an agent. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Commercial Transport to Liechtenstein from an Unlisted Country

Steps 2, 3, and 4 apply.

Note: Pets can only enter Liechtenstein from unlisted countries under commercial regulations from these countries.

Your pet must be inspected by a licensed veterinarian, who will issue a Commercial EU Health Certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian within 48 hours of travel.

The transport must be recorded in advance in TRACES by an agent in Liechtenstein. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Other information

Importing Dogs and Cats to Liechtenstein from Malaysia and Australia

If your pet is entering Liechtenstein from peninsular Malaysia, the following additional conditions must be met:

Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export.
Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.
Your pet has been tested with a negative result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within ten days of export.

Cats may only enter Liechtenstein from Australia under the condition that they have not lived in areas where cases of Hendra disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.

Importing Puppies and Kittens to Liechtenstein

Although your pet can be microchipped at 8 weeks of age, rabies vaccinations must not be administered prior to 12 weeks of age. There is a 21-day wait for puppies and kittens over 12 weeks of age arriving from EU Member States or part 1 or 2 listed third countries. The minimum age for entering Liechtenstein from an unlisted third country is 7 months of age.

Related: More information on transporting a puppy

Banned Breeds

Liechtenstein does not publish a list of banned breeds. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.

Entering Liechtenstein with a Pet

As Liechtenstein does not have an international airport, pets can enter Liechtenstein from Germany or Switzerland. The EU health certificate will be valid in all countries.

All live animals should enter Liechtenstein directly or transit through an EU Member State, or part 1 or 2 listed third country if possible*. If your pet transits through an unlisted third country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. This statement must attest that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

All commercial transports, whether by air or land, must be preregistered in the TRACES database, and the responsible transporter must be registered.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Liechtenstein. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the importer’s expense.

Exporting Resident Pets from Liechtenstein

All dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Liechtenstein for another EU Member State or part 1 or 2 listed third country must be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies (in that order), and wait for 21 days before leaving Liechtenstein after primary vaccination.

If your pet will visit or enter an unlisted country, a veterinarian in Liechtenstein should administer a rabies titer test before leaving Liechtenstein if your pet will be returning. Even if your pet is not entering an unlisted third country, traveling internationally with the results of this test will ensure a smoother customs clearance in your pet’s destination country.

Non-accompanied transports may require export permits.

All animals leaving Liechtenstein for non-EU countries that do not have specific health certificates must obtain a health certificate in accordance with the requirements of their destination country prior to the issuance of an export permit. The origin province responsible for the issuance of export permits will issue the necessary documentation.

Importing Other Pet Animals to Liechtenstein

Rodents, rabbits, and reptiles entering Liechtenstein from an EU Member State or part 1 or 2 listed third country must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within five days of transport and show no signs of disease or external parasites. They must be accompanied by their owner and be fewer than five in number.

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination. However, other animals may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Liechtenstein from other EU Member States. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat and very important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.

Related: Learn more about CITES

Have questions?

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Current Information

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to:

Make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense or
Return your pet to the country of origin at your expense or
Euthanize your pet.

We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Liechtenstein’s pet import requirements.