Austria – Importing a Pet

Does Austria allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Austria is a nation with a deep affection for animals, where pets occupy a prominent place in daily life. Notably, the country is home to more cats than children. The most frequently kept companion animals — dogs, cats, and ferrets — may all be brought into Austria, provided their owners comply with the requirements established under EU Regulation 576/2013 and applicable Austrian national legislation.

The range of animals that are outright prohibited in Austria is narrow, but includes certain dangerous reptiles and spiders, along with primates and large wild cats. These species are also barred from being imported into the country. Anyone intending to bring an exotic species into Austria should consult the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) framework, which governs the international movement of protected wildlife, well before making any plans.

Austria does not maintain a nationally enforced list of banned dog breeds. Responsibility for a dog’s conduct rests with its owner. That said, individual Austrian states (Bundesländer) may enforce their own breed-specific rules, sometimes referring to affected breeds as “Listenhunde” (listed dogs). If you own a breed that commonly appears in dangerous-dog legislation — such as a Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, or Dogo Argentino — you should research the regulations of the specific state you intend to settle in before making travel arrangements.

Wolf hybrids and certain hybrid cat breeds such as Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under standard pet travel rules unless they are at least five generations removed from wild ancestors in their pedigree. Birds, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and rabbits are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements, but these animals still require a health certificate to enter Austria. Owners of such species are advised to contact the Austrian Federal Office of Consumer Health (BAVG) for species-specific guidance.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Austria?

The EU does not recognise any country as free from rabies for the purposes of pet entry. Accordingly, dogs, cats, and ferrets arriving from every country are subject to current rabies vaccination requirements. This is an important consideration for owners relocating from countries that are regarded as low-risk domestically: EU standards on this point are more stringent than those applied within some individual nations that consider themselves free of endemic rabies.

Before your pet may travel, an authorised veterinarian must administer a rabies vaccination. Crucially, the microchip implantation must take place before the vaccination is given — not after. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving its first or primary vaccination. Following that initial vaccination, a waiting period of at least 21 days must elapse before travel can take place, allowing sufficient immunity to develop. (As of 2025 — always confirm the current waiting period with your veterinarian, as some vaccine manufacturers recommend 30 days.)

Under EU rules, the first rabies vaccination administered after microchip implantation — or after any break in vaccination coverage — is classified as a “primary” vaccination. A primary vaccination is considered valid for one year only, regardless of whether the animal is an adult and regardless of whether a three-year vaccine was used. A booster must be given within 12 months of the primary vaccination. If even a single day’s lapse occurs, the vaccination history is considered void and the entire process must begin again.

Pets travelling from “unlisted” countries — those not featured on the EU’s list of nations whose animal health standards are considered equivalent — face an additional requirement: a rabies antibody titre test. The sequence for this involves microchipping the pet first, then administering a rabies vaccination, waiting at least 30 days before the blood draw, having the test carried out by an accredited veterinarian and submitted to an EU-approved laboratory, and then observing a 90-day waiting period after the blood draw before completing export paperwork — assuming the test result is satisfactory. (As of 2025 — verify current requirements and the list of approved laboratories with the BAVG or your country’s veterinary authority.)

Within Austria, one laboratory is approved for serological rabies testing in dogs, cats, and ferrets: the Institute for Veterinary Investigations of the AGES in Mödling. The European Commission also maintains a directory of approved laboratories in third countries where this testing can be performed.

No tapeworm treatment is required for pets entering Austria from any country. This sets Austria apart from certain other EU destinations — dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway, for example, must undergo treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis within 24–120 hours before departure. No such obligation exists for entry into Austria itself.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Austria, and what paperwork is required?

Every step required to meet the regulations for importing a dog, cat, or ferret into Austria must be completed in the country of origin. The steps below must be followed in the sequence presented. Beginning the process as early as possible — ideally at least six months before your intended departure date if a titre test will be necessary — is strongly advisable.

1. Implant an ISO-compliant microchip. Your pet must be identified with a 15-digit microchip meeting ISO standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. The microchip number must appear on all related documentation. The chip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination is administered.
2. Administer the rabies vaccination. The microchip must be scanned by the veterinarian immediately before the rabies vaccination is given. The vaccination must be administered by an authorised veterinarian. A waiting period of at least 21 days (as of 2025) must be observed before travel, to allow immunity to develop.
3. Arrange a rabies titre test if required. If your pet is coming from an unlisted country, a rabies antibody titre test will be necessary. At least 30 days must pass after the rabies vaccination before the blood draw takes place. The test must be carried out by an accredited veterinarian and submitted to an EU-approved laboratory. A further 90-day waiting period follows the blood draw before travel may proceed. (As of 2025.)
4. Obtain a health certificate. The health certificate must be issued by an official veterinarian of the country of origin, in English or German. Alternatively, it may be issued by an authorised veterinarian and then endorsed by the competent authority of the country of dispatch. It must be issued no more than 10 days before the pet enters the EU. (As of 2025.) Austria additionally requires the certificate to be produced in both German and the language of the country of origin.
5. Obtain an EU or recognised pet passport (where applicable). The European pet passport is a standardised identification document that is mandatory for travel between EU member states. It is issued only to pet owners who are resident within the EU. If you are relocating to Austria from another EU country, your existing EU pet passport — covering dogs, cats, or ferrets — will serve as your principal travel document, provided its rabies vaccination records are current.
6. Notify the border veterinarian in advance. The intended border crossing must be declared to the border veterinarian at the relevant border inspection post one working day ahead of arrival — at Austrian crossings, this means at least 18 hours in advance — using the GGED-A (Common Health Entry Document).
7. Declare your pet at the border. All pets must be proactively declared to customs officials upon arrival — at the airports of Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, or Klagenfurt — with the animal health certificate or pet passport and any other required documents presented for inspection. Travellers arriving with pets must always use the “red channel” — the designated exit for goods requiring declaration — and must not use the “green channel.”
8. Comply with the EU 5-day rule. For non-commercial transport, dogs and cats must travel within five days of their owner. If this requirement cannot be satisfied, the movement is reclassified as a commercial import, which brings higher costs and more stringent EU import conditions. Pet owners planning a staggered arrival should factor this into their logistics from the outset.

Pet owners travelling with their animal do not require a separate import permit when entering Austria with a dog, cat, or ferret. Unaccompanied pets, however, may require such a permit. Always check the most current documentation requirements directly with the BAVG before travel, as regulations are subject to periodic revision.

Does Austria require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Provided all import requirements have been properly fulfilled, no quarantine will be imposed on your pet upon entering Austria. This represents a considerable advantage for relocating pet owners compared with destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, where mandatory quarantine periods of ten days or more apply to all arriving animals regardless of vaccination status.

If a pet fails to meet the import regulations, the consequences are significant: the animal may be placed in quarantine if suitable facilities are available, returned to its country of origin, or euthanised. All associated costs fall to the importer. These outcomes underscore why thorough preparation in advance of travel is essential — arriving at the border without the correct documentation is a situation that cannot be easily resolved on the spot.

Different rules govern certain other species, particularly birds. After receiving clearance from the border veterinarian, imported birds must be conveyed directly to an approved quarantine facility or quarantine station, arriving within a maximum of nine hours. The competent official veterinarian must be notified in writing of the birds’ arrival at their destination within one working day. Owing to concerns about avian influenza, more stringent entry conditions currently apply to birds travelling from third countries. All such birds are subject to border veterinary controls, with the exception of those originating from countries covered by specific provisions.

Is Austria part of any international pet travel scheme?

As a full EU member state, Austria participates in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which is governed by EU Regulation 576/2013. The European pet passport is a standardised identification document that is mandatory for moving pets between EU member states. It is issued exclusively to pet owners who are resident within the EU and contains the animal’s description, microchip or tattoo identification code, health records including rabies vaccination history, and the contact details of both the owner and the issuing veterinarian.

A pet passport remains valid for the lifetime of the animal, provided all health entries — such as anti-rabies vaccinations — are kept up to date. Once you are established as a resident in Austria, your veterinarian can issue an EU pet passport for your dog, cat, or ferret, which can then be used for travel throughout the EU and EEA.

A number of non-EU countries are also authorised to issue pet passports that are accepted at Austrian border crossings. These include Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Northern Ireland, Norway, San Marino, and Vatican City. Animals from these territories may enter the EU using either an animal health certificate with declaration or a pet passport.

For pets arriving from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), the position changed following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Pet passports issued in Great Britain ceased to be valid for travel to the EU from 1 January 2021. Pets travelling from Great Britain now require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a vet, which is valid for four months and must be obtained no more than ten days before departure. It covers a single journey to Austria, onward travel within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, and return to Great Britain.

Pets originating from countries outside these groups — frequently described as “unlisted” or “third” countries — are subject to the additional rabies titre test requirement outlined in the vaccination section above. The EU categorises all third countries into separate tiers, and the precise documentation required depends on the country of origin. Consult the BAVG website for the current classification of countries.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Austria?

Austria imposes clear, legally enforceable obligations on pet owners once their animal has entered the country. These requirements are distinct from the import process and apply on a continuing basis after arrival.

Dogs: Every dog kept in Austria must be microchipped and registered in the Heimtierdatenbank (pet database) within one month of arriving in the country, pursuant to §24a of the Animal Protection Act (TSchG). All dog owners are required to arrange for their animal to be microchipped and entered into the Pet Database for Dogs (Heimtierdatenbank für Hunde), which is administered by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. The chip is inserted by a veterinarian at the owner’s expense — though dogs brought in from abroad will already have been chipped as part of the import process.

The cost of microchipping varies between veterinary practices; combined chip insertion and registration at the vet typically costs around €84. Registration through ID Austria alone costs €20.84, the same as the re-registration fee. (As of 2025 — fees may vary.) Dog owners who fail to comply with microchipping and registration obligations face fines of up to €7,500.

Dog tax: All dog owners in Austria are legally required to pay a dog tax. From the age of three months, dogs must be registered with the relevant authority for this purpose. Upon payment of the tax, owners typically receive an official dog tag. The amount varies by municipality. For reference, the dog tax in Innsbruck for 2025 is €130.80 (standard rate) or €45.00 (reduced rate). Contact your local Gemeinde (municipal office) to confirm the applicable rate in your area.

Dogs must also be registered with the relevant tax authority within one week of acquisition. Depending on the laws of the relevant federal state, owners of certain breeds may be required to complete an accredited expert course or provide proof of competence (“Sachkundenachweis” — Certificate of Expertise) to their local official veterinary office.

Cats: All breeding cats must be microchipped and registered in the Heimtierdatenbank. Cats that are permitted to roam freely outdoors must be neutered. There is no nationally applicable cat tax, although local by-laws should be consulted.

Exotic and wild animals: The keeping of wild animals — including exotic bird species such as most parrots, and reptiles such as tortoises, lizards, and snakes — must be declared to the local veterinary office within two weeks of acquisition.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Austria?

Approved entry points: Customs controls for incoming pets are conducted at the airports of Vienna-Schwechat, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz-Thalerhof, and Klagenfurt, and at customs offices on the borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Pets may not be brought into Austria through any other crossing point, so your travel routing must be planned accordingly.

In-cabin versus cargo: Pets entering Austria by air from non-EU countries must arrive through the Border Inspection Posts at the international airports of Linz or Vienna. Animals may travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo. In every case, pets must be housed in a crate or carrier that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Carrier policies regarding in-cabin pet travel differ significantly between airlines and routes — always confirm the arrangements with your airline before booking.

Pet numbers: No more than five pets per person may be transported under non-commercial rules. This limit may be exceeded where written evidence is provided that the animals are entering the EU to take part in competitions, exhibitions, or sporting events — or to train for such occasions — and are over six months of age. If more than five pets are transported outside these exceptions, the movement is treated as a commercial import and is subject to more rigorous requirements.

The EU 5-day rule and commercial imports: For non-commercial transport of dogs or cats, the animals must travel within five days of their owner. If this cannot be achieved, the movement is reclassified as commercial, which brings increased costs and more demanding EU import conditions. Owners intending to arrive in Austria before their pet — or vice versa — need to account for this rule carefully when planning their move.

Transit through unlisted countries: Where possible, flights to Austria should be direct or routed through a listed third country or another EU member state. If your pet transits through an unlisted country, a Transit Declaration will be required.

Minimum age from unlisted countries: Pets entering Austria from an unlisted country must be at least seven months old. This age threshold reflects the cumulative timeline of microchipping, vaccination, the mandatory 30-day pre-titre-test waiting period, and the subsequent 90-day post-titre-test waiting period.

Advance notice at the border: The intended border crossing must be notified in writing to the border veterinarian at the competent border inspection post one working day before arrival — at Austrian crossings, at least 18 hours in advance. Failing to provide this notice in time can result in significant delays on the day of arrival.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Austria?

All requirements should be verified directly with official Austrian government sources before travel is arranged. EU regulations are revised periodically, and only the relevant competent authorities can confirm what is currently in force.

• Austrian Federal Office of Consumer Health (BAVG — Bundesamt für Verbrauchergesundheit): This is Austria’s principal veterinary and animal health authority. The BAVG website provides comprehensive guidance on pet imports from both EU and non-EU countries, model health certificates, approved laboratories for rabies titre testing, and border inspection post information. It is the definitive source for import requirements.
• Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance — Customs (BMF): The BMF is responsible for customs procedures for travellers bringing animals into Austria. Its website explains declaration obligations, approved airports, and the use of the red channel. It also addresses CITES regulations and restrictions on invasive species.
• Oesterreich.gv.at — Official Austrian Government Portal: This portal offers accessible guidance on dog registration, the Heimtierdatenbank, microchipping obligations, and the dog tax. It is a helpful starting point for understanding what is required of pet owners after arrival.
• EU “Your Europe” — Travelling with Pets: The European Commission’s public-facing portal explains the EU Pet Travel Scheme, the European pet passport, country classifications, and the rules governing the movement of pets between EU member states. It is essential reading for anyone relocating within the EU with an animal.
• Your national veterinary authority: Before departing your home country, contact your national veterinary or agriculture authority to obtain the correctly endorsed health certificate for Austria and to confirm which laboratories are approved for rabies titre testing in your country.

Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all requirements, fees, and processing timelines directly with these sources before making any travel arrangements, as regulations are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in Austria without the correct paperwork?

A pet that does not satisfy the import regulations may be placed in quarantine if suitable facilities are available, returned to its country of origin, or euthanised. All costs associated with any of these outcomes are borne by the importer. These consequences can be avoided through careful preparation, but they cannot be resolved at the border after the fact. Always have your documentation reviewed by an accredited veterinarian and your national veterinary authority before you travel.

How long does the full import process typically take from start to finish?

The total time required depends significantly on your country of origin. For pets relocating within the EU, or from listed third countries with valid vaccination records already in place, the process may be completed within a few weeks. For pets originating from unlisted countries, however, the mandatory sequence — microchipping, rabies vaccination, a 30-day wait, the titre test, and a 90-day waiting period — means the minimum total timeline from start to travel-readiness is around four to five months. Starting the process well ahead of your planned move date is essential.

Do the rules differ for cats versus dogs?

For import purposes, dogs, cats, and ferrets are all regulated under the same EU framework. The fundamental requirements — an ISO-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and where applicable a rabies titre test — apply equally to all three species. The principal differences emerge after arrival: dogs are subject to a mandatory dog tax and must be registered in the Heimtierdatenbank, while registration requirements for cats apply only to breeding cats. Free-ranging cats in Austria must be neutered under national law.

Can I bring a rescue animal into Austria?

Yes, rescue animals can be imported into Austria, but they must satisfy precisely the same health and documentation requirements as any other pet. The difficulty with rescue animals is that their vaccination history is often incomplete or impossible to verify. If a prior rabies vaccination cannot be confirmed as having been given after microchip implantation, that vaccination may be treated as a primary vaccination, resetting the waiting period. For rescue animals from unlisted countries, a full titre test sequence will likely be required. Contact the BAVG or a specialist pet relocation service for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Does Austria have breed-specific legislation restricting certain dog breeds?

There is no nationally maintained list of banned dog breeds in Austria, and owners bear personal responsibility for their pet’s behaviour. Nevertheless, individual Austrian states and some municipalities enforce their own breed-specific provisions, which may require owners of particular breeds to complete a competence assessment (“Sachkundenachweis”) or to keep their dog muzzled in public spaces. If you own a breed that commonly features in such legislation — for example, a Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Rottweiler — research the rules in your destination state before making travel arrangements.

Can my pet travel to Austria separately from me?

Yes, but for the movement to qualify as non-commercial, the pet must travel no more than five days before or after its owner. Animals may travel unaccompanied in the cargo hold of an aircraft, provided all conditions for travel are met. If the five-day window cannot be observed, the movement will be reclassified as a commercial import, attracting additional requirements and costs.

Are there any restrictions on the number of pets I can bring?

Under non-commercial travel rules, a maximum of five animals per person may be transported. Exceptions apply where written evidence is provided that the animals are entering the EU in connection with competitions, exhibitions, or sporting events — or training for such events — and are older than six months. Any movement of more than five animals outside these permitted exceptions is treated as a commercial import and is subject to correspondingly stricter health and documentation requirements.

Do I need to do anything before leaving Austria temporarily with my pet?

Austria imposes no special departure conditions such as export quarantine. However, for the re-entry of dogs, cats, and ferrets from most third countries, a rabies titre determination is required, and it is best arranged before departure — ideally at least three weeks in advance. This is because post-vaccination antibody levels are not always sufficient, and if they fall short, re-entry into Austria may not be possible. If you are planning to travel outside the EU with your pet, confirm the applicable re-entry requirements with the BAVG before you leave.