Paws & Papers / Routes / Russia → European Union

Bringing a dog or cat from Russia to the EU in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 120 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 90 days.

Minimum from scratch

120 days

If already vaccinated

90 days

Quarantine

None for pets that meet the rules

Last checked

3 November 2026

Steps, in order

1. Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
2. With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (pet at least 12 weeks old), given on or after the microchip daySkip if already chipped and vaccinated
3. 30 days after the rabies vaccineRabies blood test: sample at least 30 days after the vaccine, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, at VGNKI (Moscow) or ARRIAH (Vladimir), the two EU-approved labs in Russia. Results take 5 to 14 days
4. 90 days after the blood testEarliest day for the EU certificate: 90 days after the blood sample
5. 5 days before travelRussian vet certificate Form 1 from a state vet clinic (SBBZh), issued in the Mercury system no earlier than 5 days before departure Official page
6. 5 days before travelEU animal health certificate. Swap Form 1 for the EU animal health certificate (Евросправка), plus your signed declaration with a Rosselkhoznadzor inspector, at the airport on departure day or in advance. You can book a slot online in eCert (Есерт. Питомцы); the swap at the border is free Official page
7. 4 days before travelTapeworm treatment record. Only if going to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway: tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before entryDogs only

Documents

• MicrochipAny vet
• Rabies vaccination recordVet, in the pet passport or vaccination card
• Rabies antibody test resultApproved lab, blood drawn by a vet
• Russian vet certificate Form 1State vet clinic (SBBZh)
• EU animal health certificateOfficial vet of the country you leave
• Tapeworm treatment recordVet

Already vaccinated? With a valid vaccine the blood sample can be taken now, but the 90-day wait after it still applies. If your pet already has a valid result from an EU-approved lab and boosters were never late, you do not need a new test.

Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from Russia to the EU?

Plan at least 120 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 90 days.

Which documents do I need from Russia to the EU?

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Rabies antibody test result (approved lab, blood drawn by a vet); Russian vet certificate Form 1 (state vet clinic (sbbzh)); EU animal health certificate (official vet of the country you leave); Tapeworm treatment record (vet).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

Yes. Rabies blood test: sample at least 30 days after the vaccine, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, at VGNKI (Moscow) or ARRIAH (Vladimir), the two EU-approved labs in Russia. Results take 5 to 14 days.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccine.

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order.