Austria Pet Import Requirements

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What is a Pet Passport?
Animals Eligible for These Regulations
General Information
Licensed Veterinarian
Quarantine for Pets Entering Austria
Austria Pet Import Requirements
Other Information
CITES
More Information & Forms

What is a Pet Passport?

We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that conform to Austria 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 Austria 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 Austria from the United Kingdom

Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Regulations

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 (amphibians, reptiles, birds, rabbits, and rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO AUSTRIA below.

General Information

Pets in Austria

Austria is a pet-friendly nation with robust infrastructure, comprehensive regulations, and a supportive community for pet owners. The most common pets in Austria are dogs and cats, followed by small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs, birds, and fish. There is a high standard of veterinary care, with many clinics and hospitals available.

Dogs must be registered with local authorities and the Central Pet Register (Heimtierdatenbank). Owners must also pay a dog tax, which varies by municipality.

Austria has a high standard of veterinary care, with many clinics and hospitals available. The country is known for its stringent animal protection laws, being one of the first EU Member States to ban the docking of dogs’ tails. Abandonment and mistreatment of animals are punishable by law.

Flying a Pet to Austria

Commercial airlines which serve pets flying to Linz and Vienna include Aegean, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Baltic, Air Austria, British Airways, Egypt Air, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, Eva, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines, to name a few.

Flights to Austria should be direct or transit through a listed third country (see 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 Austria

There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Austria 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 for 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 Austria 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 vaccination according to their regulations. The EU classifies countries as either

The requirements to import a dog, cat, or ferret to Austria 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 Austria.

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.

Non-Commercial versus Commercial Transport

Non-Commercial Transport

• All pets must enter Austria 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 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 their pet under non-commercial regulations; however, the owner must still travel to the same destination no more than 5 days before their pet travels. (New regulation)

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

All pet owners transporting their pets under non-commercial regulations must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport stating that their pet’s transport does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership of their pet.

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

Commercial Transport

• The owner or 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 that this business or organization will be responsible for the import of the pet. The exporter must provide proof that they are registered in the exporting 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 first step to import your pet to Austria is to have it identified by a 15-digit pet microchip, which is compliant with International Standards Organization standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. All documentation must reflect the microchip number. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, importers can provide a microchip scanner that will read their pet’s microchip.

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 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 current. (No rabies vaccinations were allowed to expire before boosters were administered.)

It is anticipated that after 2026 every dog or cat kept for sale, adoption, or cross-border movement within or into the EU will need to be registered in an approved database, with the microchip number acting as the primary identifier. EU Member States without current databases will be setting those up for this purpose. It is important to ensure that your pet’s identity and contact details are correctly recorded before departure.

Step 4: Vaccinations

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

If entering Austria from another EU Member State, part 1 or part 2 listed country, your pet must wait at least 21 days after primary rabies vaccination* to travel. Note that every manufacturer of rabies vaccines has different specifications on when immunity is reached, and your veterinarian should inform you of the wait time.

*The primary vaccination is one of the following:

The first vaccination your pet received after a microchip was implanted.
Your pet was microchipped at the time of its previous rabies vaccination; however, the previous rabies vaccination had expired when the current vaccination was administered.

If entering Austria from an unlisted 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:

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 must be administered to pets entering Austria 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.

A rabies titer test, also known as a serology 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) is preferred.

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

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

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 Austria 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 to protect them from foreign parasites. This is very important when traveling internationally. However, proof of these treatments is not required for pets imported to Austria.

Step 8: Health Certificate

Every country worldwide requires an original health certificate in their pet import regulations, and Austria 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 Health Certificates

Non-Commercial Transport to Austria 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.

An EU Health Certificate is not required for pets traveling to Austria with a current 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 Austria from a Part 2 isted or Unlisted Country

ps 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 an EU Health Certificate.

The EU pet health certificate for Austria is valid for transports of five or less 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: Pets entering the European Union from the United Kingdom must secure an Animal Health Certificate instead of an EU Health Certificate. The certificate is valid for 6 months from issuance. (New regulation)

Commercial Health Certificates

Commercial Transport to Austria 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 Pet 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 European Union.

Commercial Transport to Austria from a Part 1 or Part 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, transiting or leaving the European Union. The transport must also be recorded in IPAFF if originating in Great Britain.

Commercial Transport to Austria from an Unlisted Country

Steps 3, 4, and 5 apply.

Note: Pets can only enter Austria 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. This system tracks the import, export and intra trade of all live animals entering, transiting or leaving the European Union. This system tracks the import, export and intra trade of all live animals entering, transiting or leaving the European Union.

Other Information

Importing Pets to Austria from Malaysia and Australia

If your pet is entering Austria 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 10 days of export.

Cats may only enter Austria 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, Kittens and Kits to Austria

Although your pet can be microchipped at eight 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 Austria from an unlisted country is 7 months of age.

Related: More information on transporting a puppy

Breeds Banned by Austria

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

Entering Austria with a Pet

Pets entering Austria by air from non-EU countries must do so at border inspection posts at the international airports at Linz or Vienna. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo. In all cases, pets must travel in a crate or carrier in accordance with the International Air Transport Association.

All live animals should enter Austria 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 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 Austria. If your dog or cat is not in good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the importer’s expense.

Exporting Resident Pets from Austria

All dogs, cats, and ferrets leaving Austria 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 after primary vaccination before leaving Austria.

If your pet will visit or enter an unlisted country, a veterinarian in Austria should administer a rabies titer test before leaving Austria if your pet will be returning. Even if your pet is not entering an unlisted 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 Austria 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 Austria

Pet rodents, rabbits, amphibians, and reptiles entering Austria 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. The veterinarian must issue a health certificate in the language of the destination country. They must be accompanied by their owner, and the transport must be fewer than five in number.

Birds will be subject to 30 days of quarantine in both the origination and destination countries. They must be accompanied by their owner, identified by a non-removable, legible individual marking displaying an alphanumeric code (clip, ring, microchip, transponder, ear tag).

Birds must have, within the last six months and not later than 60 days prior to dispatch from the third country,

been vaccinated, and at least on one occasion revaccinated, against avian influenza using an H5 vaccine approved for the species concerned in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
OR
have been in isolation for at least ten days prior to export and have undergone a test to detect the avian influenza H5N1 antigen or genome as laid down in the chapter on avian influenza of the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, as regularly updated by the World Organization of Animal Health, carried out on a sample taken not earlier than the third day of isolation.

All birds entering Austria must be accompanied by a health certificate indicating these conditions.

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 in and enforce CITES regulations.

Related: Read more about CITES

Questions About Importing a Pet to Austria?

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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, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet.

Please note that the accuracy of comments made below by users other than Pet Travel has not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

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 Austria’s pet import requirements.