Traveling with a pet requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to crossing a state border. Each country sets its own rules for importing animals, and failure to comply with the requirements can lead to entry denial or quarantine for your pet. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know.
General Requirements for Transporting Animals
For the international transportation of pets (cats, dogs), a standard set of documents is required, which is requested in almost all countries in our region:
- An international veterinary passport with vaccination records
- Rabies vaccination given no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months before the trip
- A microchip (electronic identifier) of the ISO 11784/11785 standard
- Veterinary certificate form No. 1, obtained at a state veterinary clinic no earlier than 5 days before departure
- Treatment against internal and external parasites (recorded in the passport)
EU Requirements (Romania, Bulgaria)
When entering European Union countries, uniform rules apply. The animal must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (vaccination carried out after microchipping), and the owner must have an EU veterinary certificate. For dogs, additional treatment for echinococcosis may be required 24-120 hours before entry.
Important: a maximum of 5 pets per owner can be brought into EU countries. Animals under 15 weeks of age are not allowed to be imported, as they cannot yet be vaccinated against rabies in compliance with the necessary waiting period.
Transportation on the Bus
When transporting an animal on a bus, a special carrier of the appropriate size must be used. The animal must remain in the carrier throughout the entire trip. We recommend notifying the carrier in advance that you plan to travel with a pet, as the number of seats for passengers with animals may be limited.
Preparing Your Pet for the Trip
A few days before the trip, feed your pet easily digestible food. On the day of travel, do not feed the animal for 4-6 hours before departure to prevent motion sickness. Bring water, a bowl, cleanup bags, as well as your pet's usual food and favorite toy. If your pet is nervous on the road, consult your veterinarian about the possibility of using sedatives.
Remember that the rules for transporting animals can change. We recommend checking the current requirements at the consulate of the destination country or with our support team before planning your trip.