Expat Croatia

Bringing your pet with you

Going or moving to a new country is a time of pressure with so much in mind concerning a bureaucracy, dealing with paper work, new cultural climate etc.

This article will help you in case you are planning to make your pet an expat to.

First of all, it’s good idea to contact the Croatian Embassy or Consulate in your country for current information regarding this issue, since this information is subject to change. Organization and preparation is the key for a smooth move of your furry friends.

General information on bringing your dog, cat or ferret to Croatia

When you bring your animal across the border, it yours responsibility to find out own what the requirements are. As the owner of the animal, you have to bear all the costs for such measures. Non-commercial import of pets implies five or less individual animals.

Border crossings into the Republic of Croatia where one can import household pets and animals you can find HERE.

You pet must be transported from the countries listed below directly to Croatia or so that the animal stays only in one or several of these countries between the country of origin and Croatia. When transporting by air or sea transiting another non-EU country is allowed only if the animal stays on the premises of an international airport or closed in a vessel.

EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic , Denmark(including Greenland and Faroe islands), Estonia , Finland, France (including France Guiana Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion), Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherland.

Low-risk countries outside of EU: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Chile, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, Island, Jamaica, Japan, Cayman islands, Canada, Liechtenstein, Mayetta, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Russian Federation, SAD (including GO – Guam), San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miguel, Singapore, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadine, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Easter islands, Vatican, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna

General requirements

Your pet must be identified with a microchip that meets ISO standards 11784/11785. This is a 15 digit ISO compliant microchip that operates at 134.2 kHz. The information on the identification of the animal must also be entered to the vaccination certificates.

A pet passport from the EU member states or a veterinary certificate from other countries listed above, issued by an official veterinarian must accompany the animal. The veterinarian notes the identity number, vaccinations, test results and treatments in the passport

Valid certificate that confirms they have been vaccinated against rabies (must be stated until when the certificate is valid)

Dogs, cats and ferrets under three month old and unvaccinated against rabies brought in Croatia from other member states or extra-community countries listed above have to be clinically well, accompanied by a passport and have stayed in the place in which they were born since birth without contact with wild animals likely to have been exposed to the infection or are accompanied by their

Pets entering from a country with a high incidence of rabies, may be subject to the following additional regulations. It may be required that the pet must have a serological (blood titre) test.  The sample must be taken by an authorized veterinarian at least 30 days after vaccination and three months before being moved and sent to an EC approved laboratory in order to control the level of antibodies. For all details concerning this issue please contact the Ministry Agriculture, fisheries and rural development, Administration of veterinary inspection.

General information on bringing other pets

All other pets (birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibian, mammals such as rodents and rabbits) are not subject to the regulations in respect of the anti-rabies vaccination but they must be accompanied with veterinary certificate issued by an official veterinarian. The certificate accompanying the animals must confirm that, 24 hours before dispatch  of the animals, a clinical examination was carried out by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority showing the animals to be  in good health and able to withstand carriage to their destination.

They may have to meet other requirements as to a limit on the number of animals and a certificate to accompany them in respect of other diseases. Owners travelling with pets other than dogs, cats and ferrets are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

For all details and veterinary certificate forms please contact the Ministry of Agriculture, fisheries and rural development, Administration of veterinary inspection.