Pets traveling with Ukrainian owners are authorized to enter Finland without prior application or permit. Pets accompanying Ukrainian refugees will be allowed to enter Finland even where the entry requirements for the pet are not met. Pets should be presented to Finnish Customs for inspection upon arrival in Finland. If import requirements are not met at the time of entry, the animal will, based on the decision of the Customs or the Finnish Food Authority, be placed in isolation for 90 days. Isolation can take place either in the home or in an animal shelter.

Please check the isolation instructions for pets issued by the Finnish Food Authority and FAQ: Pets arriving from Ukraine .

The reception centre will contact a veterinarian, who can provide the necessary vaccinations for your pet. According to the instructions of the Finnish Food Authority , pets must be microchipped and/or given a rabies vaccination if these are lacking when the animal enters the country. The veterinarian must also take a blood sample from dogs, cats and ferrets arriving from Ukraine to test for rabies antibodies.

The visit to a veterinarian is free of charge to a Ukrainian owner. Instructions have been provided to veterinarians on how to receive compensation from, for example, the Finnish Food Authority. When booking an appointment, any questions regarding payment should still be confirmed. If necessary, SEY Animal Welfare Finland can be asked to assist in the care costs of the animal.

You can buy pet food in such stores as Lidl, Prisma, K-Citymarket, Tokmanni, Musti & Mirri, Ihmeotus.

Please note that in Finland animals can only be imported via Helsinki airport and animals arriving by air can only arrive as freight. Check with your travel company for any extra rules you must follow.

All animals which do not have a valid certificate for an approved rabies vaccination and which have not been microchipped before vaccination must be vaccinated.