Poland – Importing a Pet

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

Poland accepts the import of domestic animals and functions within the EU’s harmonised pet travel framework. The principal regulations concern the movement of domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets, including recognised assistance and service animals. Owners of other animals — such as birds, reptiles, rodents, amphibians, or rabbits — should consult the separate rules that govern bringing these species into Poland.

Poland does not impose an outright ban on any specific dog breed at the point of importation, but Polish domestic law does identify 11 breeds as aggressive. Bringing these breeds into Poland is permitted, but owners are obliged to comply with specific regulations, which include obtaining a permit from the head of the local commune responsible for the district where the dog will reside.

Since 2003, the 11 breeds considered aggressive under Polish law — requiring owners to observe additional precautionary measures — are the Perro de Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Moscow Watchdog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Dogo Argentino, as well as the Ca de Bou (Perro de Presa Mallorquin), American Bulldog, Tosa Inu, Akbash Dog, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, and Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The Polish Ministry of the Interior has designated these breeds as dangerous, and prospective owners must secure a special permit through the environmental department of their local council (urząd gminy). Always verify the current status of any breed restrictions with the Polish veterinary or border authority prior to travel.

There is also a notable restriction concerning certain hybrid cat breeds: wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be brought into Poland under standard pet import rules unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestor. Animals protected under international wildlife treaties (CITES) are governed by entirely separate rules and are generally prohibited from being kept as pets.

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

As an EU member state, Poland applies the EU’s unified health requirements for incoming pets. The EU does not recognise any country as free of rabies, which means dogs, cats, and ferrets arriving from every country worldwide are subject to current rabies vaccination rules. Every pet entering Poland must therefore carry proof of a valid and current rabies vaccination, regardless of the country they are travelling from.

The sequence in which procedures are carried out is critical. Prior to travel, an authorised veterinarian must vaccinate your pet against rabies — but only after a microchip has been implanted. Following the first, or primary, rabies vaccination, owners must allow a minimum waiting period of 21 days before the pet may travel. This interval allows the animal’s immune system to develop adequate protection. As of 2025, this 21-day minimum requirement applies to all primary vaccinations for entry into the EU, including Poland.

Different rules apply to booster vaccinations. If your pet has previously been vaccinated against rabies, consult your vet to determine whether a booster is needed before departure. Boosters must be administered before the prior vaccination lapses in order to maintain continuous coverage. If a booster is not given in time and the previous vaccination has expired, the next injection is treated as a primary vaccination, reinstating the mandatory 21-day waiting period before travel.

Pets arriving from countries classified by the EU as high-risk for rabies — referred to as “unlisted” countries — are subject to an additional requirement. Animals from these countries must undergo a rabies antibody titre test. A blood sample must be drawn by a veterinarian no earlier than 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before the intended entry into Poland. The sample must be analysed by an EU-approved laboratory, and the result must demonstrate a titre level of 0.5 IU/mL or above. As of 2025, confirm whether your country of origin is classified as listed or unlisted on the EU’s official country register before beginning preparations.

To enter Poland, your dog or cat must be at least 16 weeks old, since rabies vaccination cannot be administered before 12 weeks of age and the 21-day post-vaccination waiting period must also be observed. Beyond the rabies requirement, additional vaccinations may be advisable depending on your departure country. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccination is recommended for dogs likely to be in contact with other animals — for example, in kennels or transit facilities — and should be given within six months of travel. Tick treatment must be applied within 48 hours of arrival in Poland. Owners should confirm all vaccination and parasite treatment requirements with an accredited vet well ahead of the planned departure date.

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

All steps required to meet the regulations for importing a dog, cat, or ferret into Poland must be completed in the country of origin, in the correct sequence. The following is a step-by-step overview for owners arriving from outside the EU. If you are travelling between EU countries, the process is more straightforward — refer to the EU Pet Travel Scheme section below.

1. Implant a compliant microchip. Every pet must carry a microchip for identification purposes. Only microchips meeting ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785 are accepted. Poland additionally accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 formats alongside the ISO standard. The microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccine is administered.
2. Administer the rabies vaccination. All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Poland must have documented proof of a current rabies vaccination given at the same time as or after the microchip was implanted. If travelling from another EU member state or a Part 1 or Part 2 listed third country, the pet must observe at least a 21-day waiting period following the primary vaccination before crossing into Poland.
3. Arrange a titre test if required. If your pet is coming from a country classified as “unlisted” by the EU, a rabies antibody titre test must be arranged at least 3 months before the intended travel date. The blood sample must reach an EU-approved laboratory and return a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Allow sufficient time — this step alone can extend the overall process by three months or more.
4. Obtain a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian. Your pet must be examined by a government-accredited vet and provided with an EU Annex IV Health Certificate within 10 days of departing for Poland. This certificate must be completed and signed by a vet authorised by the relevant government body in your country of origin. Poland requires a bilingual Polish/English version of the health certificate. Check with your national veterinary authority or accredited vet to confirm you are using the correct form.
5. Have the health certificate endorsed where applicable. Certain countries require the health certificate to be counter-signed or endorsed by the national government veterinary authority before departure. Your pet must arrive in the EU within 10 days of the endorsement date. Verify the specific requirements for your country of origin well in advance.
6. Prepare supporting declarations. Every pet owner transporting animals under non-commercial rules must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport confirming that the journey does not involve any sale or change of ownership. This declaration must accompany the pet throughout travel.
7. Keep all original documents with the pet at all times. All original health documentation must travel with your pet — do not pack it separately in luggage or carry it independently. These papers function as your pet’s travel credentials.
8. Present documentation at the Border Inspection Post upon arrival. Pets entering from outside the EU must be processed at a designated veterinary Border Inspection Post (BIP). If your pet requires inspection by a Veterinary Border Inspection Post, you must enter through Warsaw Airport, as it is currently the only airport in Poland with a veterinary border inspection facility.

Fees for veterinary endorsements, laboratory testing, and health certificates vary by country and provider. As of 2025, consult your national veterinary authority or the relevant government agency for current costs, as these figures are subject to change.

Does Poland require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

No quarantine will be imposed on your pet when entering Poland provided all import regulations have been satisfied. This represents a considerable advantage of Poland’s participation in the EU’s harmonised pet travel system. Unlike countries such as Australia or New Zealand — which enforce strict biosecurity regimes requiring mandatory quarantine periods of 10 days or more even for fully vaccinated animals — Poland and the broader EU rely on pre-departure health documentation as the principal safeguard.

However, the absence of quarantine is entirely dependent on compliance. If your pet does not meet the required regulations, it will be subject to quarantine where facilities exist, returned to its country of origin, or euthanised, and all associated costs will fall to the importer. This makes it imperative to complete every stage of the process accurately and in the prescribed order before you leave.

Poland’s approach reflects that of other EU member states: the focus is on verifying an animal’s health status before travel rather than isolating it upon arrival. Owners should be aware that any pet arriving with incomplete or incorrectly prepared documentation may be held in quarantine while the problem is investigated, at the owner’s expense. Confirm all current requirements with the Polish Veterinary Inspection (Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii) before travelling.

Is Poland part of any international pet travel scheme?

Yes. Poland is a full member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which enables dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel freely between EU member states using a standardised EU Pet Passport. A European Pet Passport is an identification document produced to an EU-standard format and is compulsory for movement between EU countries. It is issued exclusively to pet owners who hold EU residency.

The EU Pet Passport contains a full description of your pet along with its microchip or tattoo code, its health records including rabies vaccination details, and the contact information of both the owner and the issuing veterinarian. An EU Pet Passport for your dog, cat, or ferret can be obtained from any vet authorised by the relevant national authority to issue such documents. The passport itself has no expiry date, but remains valid for travel only while the health information it contains — particularly the anti-rabies vaccination — is current.

The cost of an EU Pet Passport varies between countries and veterinary practices, as no fixed fee is set centrally. On average, the cost ranges between €20 and €70 (as of 2025). Once you are resident in Poland and your pet is registered with a local veterinarian, you can apply for an EU Pet Passport to facilitate future travel across the Schengen area and other participating countries.

For owners arriving from outside the EU, the EU Pet Passport is not available until after EU residency has been established. Instead, pets travelling from non-EU countries — such as the United Kingdom or the United States — must be accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). An AHC is valid for only 10 days from the date of issue for entry purposes, and a new one must be obtained for every trip. An Animal Health Certificate is specifically required for pets entering Poland from Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales), and UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted in place of this document.

If you are travelling to Poland from Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, or Vatican City State, your pet may also enter Poland using a pet passport issued under those countries’ equivalent arrangements, given their close alignment with EU rules. Confirm the precise requirements for your country of origin with the Polish veterinary authority before travel.

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

Across many Polish cities, owners are required to register their dog or cat with the local municipality, particularly when relocating from a non-EU country. Registration procedures differ from one city to another, so it is important to confirm what is required in your specific area after arriving. This mirrors the approach taken in many other European countries, where local registration forms part of the broader framework governing responsible pet ownership.

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in Poland. If your dog arrived already microchipped — as mandated by the import process — this obligation will already have been fulfilled. That said, you may still be required to register the microchip number with a local or national database, depending on your municipality.

Poland does not operate a single nationwide pet licensing system with a uniform fee. Instead, responsibility for any applicable charges rests with individual local authorities. Some gminy impose an annual dog ownership fee, while others do not. As of 2025, charges vary considerably by location — contact your local council (urząd gminy or urząd miasta) shortly after arrival to find out what is required in your area.

If you own a dog belonging to one of Poland’s 11 classified aggressive breeds, these animals have been designated as dangerous by the Polish Ministry of the Interior, and a special permit must be obtained through the environmental department of your local council (urząd gminy). Keeping a dog that falls under this designation without the necessary permit, or walking such a breed in public without a muzzle, is subject to a fine of 500 zloty (as of 2021 when this legislation was updated — verify the current amount with the relevant Polish authorities).

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

Beyond the formal import requirements, a number of practical considerations can have a meaningful impact on how you plan and budget for bringing your pet to Poland.

Number of pets per person: All pets must enter Poland with their owner or within five days of the owner’s arrival. Non-commercial transport applies to no more than five pets, unless the owner can provide proof of participation in a competition or show, the animals are older than six months, and the movement does not involve any sale, adoption, or transfer of ownership. If you are moving with more than five pets, or your animals cannot travel within the five-day window, the movement is treated as commercial and falls under a different, more complex set of requirements.

Approved entry points: Pets arriving from non-EU countries must enter through designated international airports equipped with Border Inspection Posts. These include airports in Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, Katowice, Kraków, Łódź, Poznań, Rzeszów, Szczecin, and Wrocław. However, if your pet requires inspection by a Veterinary Border Inspection Post, you must enter through Warsaw Airport, as it is currently the only airport in Poland with a veterinary border inspection facility. This distinction is important — plan your routing accordingly.

Transit through third countries: Where possible, flights to Poland should be direct or should connect via a listed third country or another EU member state. If your pet transits through an unlisted third country, a Transit Declaration will be necessary. Stopovers in countries outside the EU’s recognised list can therefore add considerable complexity and additional documentation to your journey.

In-cabin versus cargo hold: Airline policies on whether pets are permitted in the cabin or must travel as checked or cargo baggage differ significantly between carriers. Commercial airlines serving pets flying to Warsaw Chopin Airport include Aegean Airlines, Air China, Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, flydubai, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Pegasus, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air. Always confirm the carrier’s individual pet policy, approved crate dimensions, and any breed or weight restrictions well before making a booking.

Seasonal and temperature restrictions: Many airlines suspend or restrict the transport of pets as cargo during periods of extreme heat or cold. Poland experiences pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations, so if your pet will be travelling in the hold, check whether your chosen airline applies any temperature-related embargoes for the time of year you intend to travel.

Hybrid cats: As noted above, wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be brought into Poland under standard pet import rules unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestor. Owners of these breeds should contact the Polish veterinary authority directly for specific guidance before attempting to import their animal.

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

Since regulations, fees, and country classifications can be revised at any time, always verify current requirements through official channels before you travel. The following are the key authorities to consult:

• Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii (Chief Veterinary Inspectorate — GIW / Polish Veterinary Inspection): The Polish Veterinary Inspection (PVI) is the principal government body responsible for regulating and overseeing the import of pets into Poland. It provides guidance on vaccination requirements, required documentation, quarantine conditions, permits, and related regulations. Visit their official website at wetgiw.gov.pl for current information and a directory of Border Inspection Post contact details.
• European Commission — “Your Europe” pet travel portal: The EU’s official information portal for citizens offers regularly updated guidance on the EU Pet Travel Scheme, country classifications, and health certificate requirements. Visit europa.eu/youreurope for the latest EU-wide rules as they apply to Poland.
• Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ministerstwo Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi): This ministry is responsible for national animal health policy in Poland. Their website at gov.pl/web/rolnictwo publishes relevant regulatory updates.
• Polish Customs Service (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa — KAS): For information on customs declarations and the importation of animals as personal belongings when relocating, refer to the Polish customs authority at podatki.gov.pl.
• Your country’s national veterinary authority: Before departure, contact the official veterinary authority in your country of origin. They are responsible for issuing or endorsing the health certificate required for entry into Poland and can advise on the correct forms and procedures applicable to your specific circumstances.

Rules governing pet imports are liable to change, particularly with respect to country classifications, health certificate formats, and border inspection requirements. Always consult official sources directly — and do so as close to your planned travel date as practicable, while allowing sufficient lead time to complete all necessary steps.

Frequently asked questions

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

If your pet does not satisfy the applicable regulations, it will either be placed in quarantine where facilities permit, returned to the country of origin, or euthanised — and all resulting costs will be borne by the importer. In practice, a pet arriving with minor paperwork errors is most likely to be held in temporary quarantine at the owner’s expense while the matter is addressed. To prevent this outcome, carefully verify every document before departure and confirm that the health certificate is still within its 10-day validity window on the day your pet enters Poland.

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

The timeframe depends largely on your country of departure. For owners relocating from within the EU, the process can typically be completed within a few weeks — primarily involving updating vaccinations and securing a health certificate. For those coming from an EU “unlisted” country where a rabies titre test is required, a minimum of 3 to 4 months should be allowed: the blood sample must be collected at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, and entry into Poland cannot take place until 3 months after a satisfactory titre test result has been obtained. Begin planning as early as possible.

Are the rules different for cats compared to dogs?

The fundamental requirements — microchipping, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and either an EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate — apply equally to dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Poland. The main practical distinctions relate to supplementary treatments and vaccinations: dogs may require tick treatments and Bordetella vaccination, while cats do not need tapeworm treatment (a condition that applies only to dogs entering specific countries such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland). For cats, the FVRCP vaccine (covering Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) is advisable in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, although it is not always a formal condition of entry.

Can I import a rescue animal or adopted pet into Poland?

Yes, bringing a rescued or adopted animal into Poland is possible, but the same import requirements apply — including microchipping, rabies vaccination, a valid health certificate, and any necessary titre test. Where a rescue organisation is transporting multiple animals or the journey involves a change of ownership or adoption, the movement may be classified as commercial rather than non-commercial, which triggers a separate and more demanding set of requirements. Contact the Polish Veterinary Inspection and the veterinary authority in your country of origin for advice tailored to your situation.

Can I bring more than five pets with me when I move to Poland?

The non-commercial transport rules cover a maximum of five pets, unless the owner can provide proof of participation in a competition or show and all animals are over six months of age. If you have more than five pets and are not attending a qualifying event, the movement must be classified as commercial, entailing different documentation requirements, the use of approved importers, and potentially higher costs. Contact the Polish Veterinary Inspection for guidance on how commercial pet transport is handled.

Do I need a separate EU Pet Passport once I am living in Poland?

An EU Pet Passport is mandatory for travelling between EU member states and is available only to owners who are resident within the EU. Once you have established residency in Poland, any authorised local veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport for your dog, cat, or ferret — provided the animal is microchipped and has a current rabies vaccination. The passport then permits you to travel freely across the EU without the need to obtain a fresh Animal Health Certificate for each journey. The passport itself carries no expiry date, but must contain an up-to-date rabies vaccination — typically renewed every one to three years depending on the vaccine used — to remain valid for travel.

Are there any breed restrictions I should know about before bringing my dog to Poland?

Poland imposes no outright import ban on any dog breed, but Polish law classifies 11 breeds as aggressive, among them the American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Dogo Argentino, as designated by the Polish Ministry of the Interior. Importing these breeds is permitted, but owners must obtain a special permit from the environmental department of their local council (urząd gminy). Before travelling, verify the current list of restricted breeds and the relevant permit procedure with the appropriate Polish authorities, as requirements may have been updated.

What is the role of the Polish Veterinary Inspection and how do I contact them?

The Polish Veterinary Inspection (Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii) is the primary government authority responsible for regulating and overseeing the import of pets into Poland, including the provision of guidance on vaccination requirements, documentation, quarantine provisions, and permits. Their official website is wetgiw.gov.pl, which also provides contact details for all veterinary Border Inspection Posts at Polish entry points. For broader EU-level information, the European Commission’s Your Europe portal is a reliable and regularly maintained resource.