Like most EU countries, Austria is a member of the Pet Travel Scheme which allows pet carnivores (dogs, cats and ferrets) from any of the countries covered by the scheme to enter the country without quarantine provided they meet specified anti-rabies, blood sampling and anti-worm/anti-tick hygiene requirements. No more than five animals per person may be brought into the country.

To qualify for the scheme, the pet must:

1. Be fitted with a microchip.
2. Be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering Austria but no longer than one year in advance.
3. Be blood tested to check the effectiveness of the Rabies vaccination.
4. Be issued with an Official Pet Passport (or a Pet Travel Scheme Certificate).
5. If returning to the UK, the pet must be treated first for ticks and tapeworm.

The vaccination certificate must be in German or be accompanied by an officially certified German translation.

Most local authorities in Austria levy taxes or duties on dogs.

It is an offence to bury a dead animal yourself in Austria, and a veterinary officer or the local police must be informed of the death of any pet.

--

Got something to add to this section? Spotted something which should be changed? Please let us know!

Click here to return to the contents page for "Austria - an expatriate guide."