Poland Pet Import Guide: EU Travel, UK Pet Requirements, and What to Know
Poland is one of the EU’s most popular relocation destinations, particularly for UK nationals with family connections. The pet import process follows standard EU rules and is one of the simpler destinations for UK pet owners.
Pets from within the EU
EU pet passport is all you need. Microchip + valid rabies vaccination recorded in the passport. No additional paperwork for EU-to-Poland travel.
Pets from the UK
- ISO microchip
- Rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK Official Veterinarian and endorsed by APHA, within 10 days of travel
No titre test, no quarantine. Straightforward.
Tapeworm on return to the UK
Dogs returning to the UK from Poland need tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) given by a vet between 1 and 5 days before UK re-entry. Plan this into any return travel.
Poland’s approach to breed-specific legislation
Poland classifies several breeds as aggressive under national law. These include American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, South Russian Ovcharkas, and a few others. In public, these dogs must be muzzled and on a lead. Owners may need to register with local authorities.
Import of these breeds is not specifically banned, but you should check local municipality rules in your destination city, as enforcement can vary.
Practical notes for expats
Poland has a growing expat veterinary sector, particularly in Warsaw and Krakow. EU-standard veterinary care is available. Vets in Poland can issue EU pet passports once your pet is registered.
Travelling onwards from Poland to Germany, France, Netherlands, or other EU countries uses the EU pet passport – no AHC needed once your pet is registered in the EU system.
Source
APHA UK: gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain (verified May 2026). EU pet travel regulation: ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement (verified May 2026).