Importing a Pet to Ukraine: Rules, Documents and What to Expect

Bringing a pet to Ukraine involves several layers of bureaucracy that have evolved significantly since 2022. Whether you are relocating permanently, returning with an animal you adopted abroad, or moving temporarily, the rules here are strict and largely aligned with EU biosecurity standards – even though Ukraine is not yet an EU member state.

Who Controls Pet Imports into Ukraine?

The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (DPSS, formerly known as the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service) oversees all live animal imports. Their regional border inspection posts carry out document checks and, when required, physical inspections of animals arriving at approved entry points.

For cats and dogs entering Ukraine, the following is required by regulation as of 2025:

ISO microchip – 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 chip implanted before the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination – must be current and administered after microchipping; primary vaccinations require a 21-day wait before travel
EU-format veterinary health certificate – or a recognised equivalent depending on the country of origin
Rabies titre test (FAVN/ELISA) – required for pets entering from non-EU, non-recognised third countries; the test must be conducted at an approved laboratory and the result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml; allow 30 days from the test date before travel
Treatment against tapeworm (Echinococcus) – required for dogs coming from certain countries; treatment must be given 24 to 120 hours before the border crossing

For pets travelling from EU member states, the standard EU animal health certificate is accepted. For pets arriving from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and other recognised countries, a bilateral agreement or a specific national health certificate format may apply – confirm the current template with your vet and the DPSS before travel.

Entry Points

Not all land crossings or airports in Ukraine accept live animal imports. The main approved entry points for pets include:

Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP) – the primary international gateway
Kyiv Zhuliany (Sikorsky Airport) – smaller domestic and charter routes
Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO) – western Ukraine hub, closer to Poland and Slovakia borders
Selected authorised land border crossings with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania

Given the ongoing security situation, always check current border accessibility before booking travel. The DPSS website and your destination country’s embassy should have up-to-date guidance.

Bringing Back a Pet Adopted in Ukraine

Many people who left Ukraine in 2022 onwards adopted animals, including rescued dogs and cats, from Ukrainian shelters or from families they sheltered. Bringing these animals back to Ukraine – or into a third country with Ukrainian-origin documentation – raises specific paperwork challenges.

Ukrainian veterinary certificates issued during the early period of mass evacuations were not always complete or compliant with receiving countries’ standards. If you are in this situation, contact a licensed pet relocation agent who has experience handling Ukrainian animal paperwork.

Restrictions on Breed Imports

Ukraine does not maintain a nationally enforced breed-specific legislation list at the federal level, though some municipalities (including Kyiv) have historically applied controls on certain breeds. Always verify local regulations for the city or region you are moving to.

Brachycephalic breeds – pugs, French bulldogs, bulldogs, Boston terriers and others with flat faces – are not banned in Ukraine but may face airline restrictions depending on the carrier you use to fly there. See the brachycephalic dog guide for specific airline policies.

Practical Steps Before You Travel

Get your vet to check the DPSS requirements at least 3 months before travel if you are coming from outside the EU
Use a laboratory on the OIE-approved list for titre testing
Keep all original documentation in a clear folder; border officers may want physical copies, not just phone photos
Check with your airline that they operate pet cargo or cabin services on the Ukraine route – many carriers suspended or reduced services since 2022

After You Arrive

Your pet will be examined at the border inspection post. Fees are charged for this inspection – have local currency or card payment available. If documents are incomplete, your animal may be held for further veterinary examination.

Once cleared, you are free to proceed. Ukraine does not impose general quarantine for properly documented pets from recognised countries.

Sources: State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (DPSS); EU Regulation 2016/429; TRACES NT platform guidance; OIE/WOAH approved laboratory list.