The information on this page was collected from public resources.

Do I need passport/vaccination certificate/chip to enter the country with a pet?

Conditions of entry:

  • Before vaccination against rabies, the animal must be marked with a microchip.
  • The pet has a valid rabies vaccination that was given no earlier than 12 weeks of age.
  • A blood sample was taken from the pet for rabies antibody testing in an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination.
  • The rabies antibody test result is at least 0.5 IU/ml or more.
  • After the test date, the pet was in the country of origin for at least 3 months before arriving in the EU.
  • 1-5 days before crossing the border with Finland, the dog (Attention! applies only to dogs) received medication against echinococcosis under the supervision of a veterinarian.
  • When pets arrive in Finland, they must have original vaccination documents and antibody test results, as well as a health certificate issued by the authority of the country of origin for transport into EU territory (non-commercial movement).
  • One owner can have a maximum of 5 pets.

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 mceclip0.png for pets issued by the Finnish Food Authority and FAQ: Pets arriving from Ukraine mceclip0.png.

How can I get vaccination for my pet on the go?

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 mceclip0.png, 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.

How can I get medication for my pet?

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.

How can I get food for my pet?

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

How can I travel with my pet on a plane?

Please note mceclip0.png 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.

What's required to keep the pet in a given country?

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.