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Importing Your Pet to Austria

Moderate to import
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by , International Animal Health Consultant

Austria applies the EU pet rules, which since 22 April 2026 are set by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. According to the BAVG (Federal Office for Consumer Health), a pet that meets the travel conditions is checked by Austrian Customs rather than by a border vet. Pets moving between EU countries carry an EU pet passport; pets from outside the EU need an EU animal health certificate.

There is no quarantine for a pet that meets the entry rules. Arriving from outside the EU, you must declare your pet to customs unprompted at the airport, by using the red channel, even if it needs no special documents. The declaration duty does not apply on entry from EU Member States, Switzerland, Norway and the other European countries and territories on Austria’s list, though customs may still make random checks.

Breeds are where Austria differs most. Austria has no single national list of restricted breeds: each federal state regulates “list dogs” in its own way.

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 1 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

EU rules that apply in Austria

Who is in charge

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
EU countries (movement between Member States)Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. SourceEU Member States
Listed third countries and territories, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. The EC travellers' points of entry page also exempts these origins (and Norway) from the obligation to enter through a designated travellers' point of entry. SourceAndorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State
Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(b) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. SourceAscension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Fiji, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montenegro, Montserrat, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Serbia, Singapore, Saint Helena, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna
Non-listed third countries and territoriesRabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Sourceall other countries and territories
  • Pets from third countries or territories listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test (the page adds in brackets that Annex II was amended by 2026/1228 to add Montenegro and Serbia); pets from all other third countries do. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Montenegro and Serbia were added to Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (titre-test exempt list) by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228, and are shown in Annex II on the EC listing page. The exact start date (18 or 19 June 2026) was not confirmed on EUR-Lex in this pass; it does not affect moves from October 2026 onwards. Applies to dogs and cats from Montenegro and Serbia.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Annex I countries (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) are those that applied and showed they apply pet rules equivalent to the EU's own; Annex II countries (Article 17(1)(b)) qualify on rabies surveillance and control criteria. Both are exempt from the titre test; only Annex I origins are also exempt from entering through a travellers' point of entry (Article 15(a)). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Import permit

  • Not required (EU level): the European Commission sets out the conditions that must be met for a pet dog, cat or ferret to move from a non-EU country into an EU country (travel with the owner, at most 5 animals, microchip, health, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, tapeworm treatment for some destinations, animal health certificate and declaration, travellers' point of entry); no permit is among them. National files must still settle any national permit (for example a breed or hybrid licence). Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from non-EU countries into the EU (non-commercial).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 2 October 2026
  • At EU level a permit is used only by way of exception. Article 29 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 lets a Member State, in exceptional situations, authorise entry of pets that do NOT comply with the conditions in Articles 7 to 20, on a permit from the destination Member State (applied for in advance or, by derogation in Article 29(2), granted on arrival), with possible isolation under official supervision of up to six months. Article 15(b) also uses a permit, only for pet dogs moved by military, law-enforcement or search-and-rescue teams that enter other than through a travellers' point of entry. An ordinary compliant pet does not need one. Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the EU entry conditions.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

  • Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. Neither the EC pages nor 2026/131 name ISO 11784/11785 directly; the standard is set by reference to Article 70a. Exceptions: the same EC page accepts a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, and a microchip that does not meet Article 70a is accepted if the owner provides a reader on request (Article 13(1)(b) of 2026/131; see below).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • If a pet from a non-EU country has a microchip that does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reader so EU authorities can check it. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant). Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

Rabies titre test

  • Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
  • The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The 90-day wait does not apply when an EU-resident pet returns and its passport shows a favourable titre test done before it left the EU. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Pets entering from third countries need an EU animal health certificate completed and issued by an official or authorised veterinarian in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country's competent authority. Exceptions on the same page (Article 20 of 2026/131): a pet accompanied by a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet re-entering on its EU pet passport (see topic other), need no certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official veterinarian until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' point of entry; for transport by sea the 10 days are extended by the length of the sea journey. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries and travelling onward within the EU.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate must be accompanied by a written declaration from the owner or authorised person that the movement is non-commercial (model in Part 2 of Annex V to 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Transitional rule: old-model certificates (Annex IV to 577/2013) issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC page confirms that old-model certificates remain valid only if issued before 1 October 2026 (end date 31 March 2027 is in Article 6 of 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636. Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 18(1) of 2026/131: the animal health certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks at the travellers' point of entry, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

  • Dogs (not cats) must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Dogs moving directly between these disease-free countries are exempt (Article 10(1) of 2026/131 and the EC 'Travelling with a pet within the EU' page). Article 16 of 2026/131 (dogs from Annex I countries) and Article 10(2) (dogs from other Member States) allow an alternative regular-treatment scheme where the destination Member State has authorised it and says so on a dedicated website. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The tapeworm treatment must be given by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Under EU rules quarantine is tied to non-compliance: a pet that fails the entry checks may be returned to the country of departure, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, euthanised (Your Europe, last checked 1 September 2026). Separately, Article 29 of 2026/131 lets a Member State admit a non-compliant pet on a permit that may include isolation under official supervision for up to six months. The entry measures for a compliant pet (Article 14 of 2026/131, see other_vaccines_and_tests) include no quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets from third countries must enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State (Article 15 of 2026/131, with listed exceptions). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC publishes each Member State's travellers' points of entry. Pets from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State are exempt from using them. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Travellers' points of entry, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Young unvaccinated (or not yet fully protected) dogs and cats cannot enter the EU from any non-EU country. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

How your pet may travel

  • The pet must travel with its owner; if the owner cannot travel at the same time, an authorised person may move it, with the owner travelling within 5 days before or after, confirmed by a written declaration attached to the passport (model in Annex V, Part 1 to 2026/705).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • EU-resident pets returning after a short stay outside the EU may re-enter on their EU pet passport (instead of a certificate) if it shows rabies vaccination and any needed titre test were done before leaving; Article 20(b) of 2026/131 adds that the vaccination must still be valid on return. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026

Rules set by Austria

Who is in charge

  • Pets in non-commercial travel are in principle checked by Austrian Customs officers (BAVG FAQ). Applies to dogs and cats in non-commercial travel.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026
  • Pets that meet the travel conditions are not subject to a border veterinary check in Austria but to a check by Customs (BAVG travel page). Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets meeting the non-commercial conditions.
    Reiseverkehr: Einreise und Wiedereinreise von Hunden, Katzen, Frettchen und anderen Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • If the rules are not met, border veterinarians are called in to carry out a border veterinary check and decide whether the animal may enter. Applies to dogs and cats not meeting entry rules.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Austria requires the owner's non-commercial declaration (Article 18(3) of 2026/131, model in Annex V Part 2 of 2026/705) for each animal, issued in German and English and completed in block capitals. The certificate itself must be issued in German or English. See conflict note on the declaration language. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering from third countries.
    Reiseverkehr: Einreise und Wiedereinreise von Hunden, Katzen, Frettchen und anderen Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
    Official sources differThe same BAVG page, in its explanatory section d), says the declaration must be issued in German or English ('in Deutsch oder Englisch'). Using a German and English (bilingual) declaration satisfies both readings.

Other vaccines and tests

  • Not required: no vaccinations other than rabies are officially prescribed for entry into Austria. Applies to dogs and cats entering Austria.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026
  • Dogs and cats from Malaysia: import is in principle banned but allowed under extra Nipah conditions (Decision 2006/146/EC): no contact with pigs, holding of origin free of Nipah for at least 60 days, negative IgG ELISA in an approved laboratory at most 10 days before export, given as an informal confirmation with the certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from Malaysia.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026
  • Cats from Australia: extra Hendra condition (Decision 2006/146/EC): the cat's holding of origin must have been free of Hendra for at least 60 days, confirmed informally alongside the certificate. Applies to cats from Australia.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • A non-compliant pet goes to the border veterinarian, whose decision on entry can be negative (refusal). Applies to dogs and cats not meeting entry rules.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026
  • Costs that arise when entry conditions are not met include return transport, border veterinary clearance fees, customs fees, animal treatment and transport, and quarantine costs (carriers can also be made liable for them since 6 January 2023). Applies to non-compliant dogs and cats.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • All pets must be declared unprompted to the customs office on arrival, at the airports Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and Klagenfurt, presenting the animal health certificate or pet passport and any other documents (Ministry of Finance customs page). This applies even to pets that need no special documents. Applies to dogs and cats arriving in Austria by air.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • Owners must actively contact customs; at airports this is done by using the red exit (red channel, goods to declare), not the green channel. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets arriving by air.
    Reiseverkehr: Einreise und Wiedereinreise von Hunden, Katzen, Frettchen und anderen Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • On entry or re-entry from third countries the animal must in principle be examined by a border veterinarian; not every customs office has a border veterinary service (by air, only Vienna and Linz airports), so owners may have to use another customs office. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • The declaration duty does not apply on entry from EU Member States or from Andorra, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City and Northern Ireland, though customs may still make random checks. Applies to pets arriving from the EU and the listed non-EU territories.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • Failure to declare the pet may have tax and criminal consequences. Applies to dogs and cats in travel.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • Checks happen at the first EU border crossed; a pet that only changes planes in another Member State's airport transit area is checked on arrival in Austria. Applies to dogs and cats flying via another EU Member State.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • City of Vienna veterinary office: since 19 October 2022 puppies and kittens that are unvaccinated or not yet validly vaccinated against rabies may not be brought into Austria. The sentence sits under the heading for entry from EU countries. Applies to puppies and kittens entering Austria from another EU Member State.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • Vaccination is possible from 12 weeks and valid 3 weeks later, so puppies and kittens must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Austria (City of Vienna veterinary office, under the heading for entry from EU countries). Federal customs guidance says 16 weeks for entry from third countries and the EU: plan for 16 weeks (see conflict note). Applies to puppies and kittens entering Austria from another EU Member State.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
    Official sources differThe Ministry of Finance customs leaflet 'Veterinärbestimmungen für Heimtiere im Reiseverkehr' (https://www.bmf.gv.at/dam/jcr:4ef53e25-690b-46dc-848f-0497b8deb35c/2026%2006%2019%20Veterin%C3%A4rbestimmungen%20Heimtiere.pdf, 'Stand 20. Mai 2026', linked from the BMF Reisen mit Tieren page) says, under 'Tiere unter 16 Wochen', that dogs, cats and ferrets entering Austria from third countries and other EU Member States must be at least 16 weeks old. The verifier read this PDF on 2026-10-01 and confirmed the 16-week wording. Federal customs carries out the entry check, so advising 16 weeks is the cautious choice.
  • Dogs, cats and ferrets from non-listed third countries that need the rabies titre test will be at least 7 months old on entry. Applies to dogs and cats from origins requiring a titre test.
    Reiseverkehr: Einreise und Wiedereinreise von Hunden, Katzen, Frettchen und anderen Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

Banned and restricted breeds

  • Austria has no single national list: the keeping of 'list dogs' or dogs with increased danger potential is regulated differently in each federal state (oesterreich.gv.at, updated 23 April 2026). Applies to dogs of listed breeds kept in Austria.
    Allgemeines zur Haltung von Listenhunden, checked 1 October 2026
  • The BAVG warns that import restrictions or bans can also arise from other EU and national rules such as dangerous dog breeds. Applies to dogs of listed breeds entering Austria.
    Reiseverkehr: Einreise und Wiedereinreise von Hunden, Katzen, Frettchen und anderen Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
  • Vienna: anyone keeping or minding a listed-breed dog aged at least six months must pass the dog licence test (Hundeführschein). Applies to listed-breed dogs kept in Vienna.
    Allgemeines zur Haltung von Listenhunden, checked 1 October 2026
  • Vienna list dogs (and their crosses): Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastino Napoletano, Mastin Espanol, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Tosa Inu, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino. Non-FCI types such as the American Bully may count as crosses. Over six months they must be muzzled and leashed in public; breeding is banned since 1 January 2020. Applies to dogs kept in Vienna.
    Listenhunde: Vorschriften und Ausnahmen, Hundeführschein, checked 1 October 2026
  • Vienna: the dog licence test must be passed within 3 months from the start of keeping the dog; a criminal record extract is needed to register for it. Being found without it carries a fine of at least EUR 1,000. Applies to listed-breed dogs kept in Vienna.
    Listenhunde: Vorschriften und Ausnahmen, Hundeführschein, checked 1 October 2026
  • Vorarlberg and Lower Austria: keeping listed breeds must be notified to or approved by the authority; Lower Austria also requires liability insurance, a description of the property and its fencing, and extended expertise. Applies to listed-breed dogs kept in Vorarlberg or Lower Austria.
    Allgemeines zur Haltung von Listenhunden, checked 1 October 2026
  • Lower Austria list dogs (and crosses): Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull, Bandog, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu. Keeping must be notified to the municipality without delay; no more than two list or conspicuous dogs per household; all dog keepers need liability insurance of at least EUR 725,000. Applies to dogs kept in Lower Austria.
    Haltung von Listenhunden in Niederösterreich, checked 1 October 2026
  • Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg: keepers of dogs of all breeds must in principle prove their expertise (for example by a course). Applies to dog keepers in Upper Austria, Styria and Salzburg.
    Allgemeines zur Haltung von Listenhunden, checked 1 October 2026
  • Not required: Tyrol, Burgenland and Carinthia set in principle no special conditions for keeping a dog of any breed, though the authority can act if a dog becomes conspicuous. Applies to dog keepers in Tyrol, Burgenland and Carinthia.
    Allgemeines zur Haltung von Listenhunden, checked 1 October 2026

How your pet may travel

  • Pets must be accompanied by the owner or an authorised person (an authorised person may travel at most five days after the owner); if accompaniment is not possible, the commercial import rules apply. Applies to dogs and cats travelling to Austria.
    Einfuhr/Import FAQ, checked 1 October 2026

Official fees

  • Fees and costs for a non-compliant pet (border veterinary clearance, customs handling, return, quarantine) are calculated case by case and can reach several thousand euros. The pages read do not state any charge for a routine customs check of a compliant pet. Applies to non-compliant dogs and cats.
    Reisen mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

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Non-EU pets entering Austria

Pets from outside the EU need an EU animal health certificate, completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country’s competent authority. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry, and Austria requires it in German or English. Each animal also needs the owner’s non-commercial declaration, which Austria asks for in German and English, completed in block capitals.

Pets from third countries not listed in Annex I or II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 need a rabies titre test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination and not less than 90 days before the certificate is issued. Plan on a puppy or kitten being at least 16 weeks old on entry, the age Austria’s federal customs guidance gives.

Not every customs office has a border veterinary service; by air, only Vienna and Linz airports do.

Breed restrictions in Austria

Austria has no single national list: each federal state (Land) regulates list dogs in its own way, and the BAVG warns that dangerous dog rules can also restrict imports. In Vienna the list covers the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastino Napoletano, Mastin Espanol, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Tosa Inu, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler and Dogo Argentino, plus their crosses. Over six months old they must be muzzled and leashed in public, and the keeper must pass the dog licence test (Hundeführschein) within 3 months of starting to keep the dog.

Lower Austria requires keeping a list dog to be notified to the municipality, and every dog keeper there needs liability insurance of at least EUR 725,000. If you are moving with a breed that might be listed, contact the authority in the state you are moving to before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Under the EU rules Austria applies, a pet that meets the entry conditions is not quarantined. A pet that does not is referred to a border vet, who can refuse entry, and the owner can face return transport, fees and quarantine costs.

Usually not. Austria applies the EU rule, and the test only comes into play if your pet is travelling from a non-EU country that is not on the EU’s list. Coming from another EU member state, or from a listed country, no titre is needed at all.

If you are arriving from an unlisted country, the sequence is fixed: microchip first, then rabies vaccination, then a blood sample taken at least 30 days after that vaccination, tested to at least 0.5 IU/ml at a designated laboratory. The sample must be drawn not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued.

One exemption is worth knowing because it saves three months. If your pet habitually lives in the EU and its passport shows a passing test carried out before it left, the 90-day wait does not apply on re-entry.

Yes, cats can be imported into Austria. The same microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs. The EU tapeworm treatment applies only to dogs, and only for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway, so it does not affect a move to Austria. Cats from Australia must also come from a holding that has been free of Hendra for at least 60 days.

From outside the EU, your pet needs an EU animal health certificate, completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and endorsed by that country’s competent authority. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry, must be in German or English, and travels with your signed non-commercial declaration. Pets coming from another EU country travel on an EU pet passport instead.

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On this page

Austria

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Code: AT

Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.

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