Importing Your Pet to Austria

Austria is an EU member state and follows the EU Pet Travel Scheme. The BMSGPK (Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection) administers veterinary import controls. For EU/EFTA pets: EU Pet Passport. For non-EU origins: an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC).

Austria does not require quarantine for compliant pets and is considered one of the simpler EU destinations for pet imports. Vienna Airport handles a reasonable volume of pet movements and the process at border control is usually smooth when documentation is complete.

Austria does have its own rules around certain dog breeds, particularly the ‘Kampfhunde’ (fighting dog) classification. Some breeds that are permitted in other EU countries face restrictions or registration requirements in Austria. Check breed-specific rules before travel.

Non-EU pets entering Austria

Pets from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other non-EU countries need an EU AHC endorsed by the origin country’s official vet authority. From the UK, the AHC must be endorsed by APHA. From the US, the certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS.

From high-risk rabies countries, a titre test may be required with a minimum result of 0.5 IU/ml. There is a 3-month waiting period after the titre test before Austria entry.

Breed restrictions in Austria

Austria classifies certain breeds as potentially dangerous. While federal law provides the framework, individual Austrian states (Bundeslaender) have their own lists and registration requirements. Breeds often subject to restrictions include Rottweiler, American Pit Bull Terrier, and similar working or guard breeds.

If you are moving to Austria with a breed that might be considered ’listed’, contact the relevant state authority before travel to confirm registration requirements. A liability insurance policy is often required.