Austria
Austria, formally the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe set in the Eastern Alps. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, though requirements differ depending on whether the pet is coming from a high-risk rabies country.
At a Glance
Austria, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
High-risk origins only
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Import Permit
Not required
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Min. Age
16 weeks (7 months if high-risk origin)
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Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 16 weeks old to enter (12 weeks minimum for rabies vaccination, plus the 21-day wait). Pets from high-risk rabies countries must be at least 7 months old, due to the additional titer test and waiting period.
Microchip Before Vaccination
The ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted and scanned before the rabies vaccination is given. A vaccination given before the microchip, or without the microchip being scanned first, does not count under EU rules and must be repeated.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs and cats, given after 12 weeks of age, with a 21-day wait (not counting the vaccination day) before travel. A first vaccination, or one given after any lapse in coverage, is a “primary” vaccination and is valid for only 1 year, even with a multi-year vaccine. A booster given within that year can be valid for up to 3 years per the manufacturer’s instructions, with no additional waiting period — but all prior certificates proving no lapse in coverage must travel with the pet.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. The test can be done no sooner than 30 days after the primary vaccination, and the pet can enter the EU no sooner than 3 calendar months after the blood sample is drawn.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside. Issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian, then endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country. The non-commercial version is valid for 4 months from issuance or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first, and must be endorsed by a government vet within 10 days of arrival in the EU.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in the EU, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport, which then replaces the Health Certificate for any further travel within EU member states.
Customs Broker
Not required, but highly recommended, along with a destination agent to handle the arrival process.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate instead.
Breed Restrictions
Austria does not publish a national list of banned breeds, but individual Austrian states set their own rules. Check the regulations for the specific destination state before travel.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step and a longer overall timeline — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before travel
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
30 days after vaccination; 3-month wait before entry
4
EU Health Certificate + Endorsement
Valid 4 months; endorsed within 10 days of arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to Austria?
Not for the initial trip. Pets entering the EU from outside need an EU Health Certificate, issued by a licensed vet and endorsed by the official government veterinary authority. The EU Pet Passport is only issued once your pet is already in the EU, and is used for travel between EU countries afterward.
Are there breed restrictions in Austria?
There is no national breed ban, but individual Austrian states have their own rules. Always check the regulations for your specific destination.
Is there quarantine in Austria?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Austria?
Only if travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. In that case, a rabies titer test is mandatory, and the pet must wait at least 3 months after the blood sample is drawn before entering. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU countries or countries the EU considers low-risk for rabies only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, plus a 3-month wait before entry, and must be at least 7 months old at entry.
How old does my pet need to be to travel to Austria?
At least 16 weeks old, accounting for the rabies vaccination timing. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need to be at least 7 months old because of the additional titer test and waiting period.
Does my dog need tapeworm treatment to enter Austria?
No treatment is required to enter Austria itself. It’s only required if your dog continues on to Finland, Malta, Ireland, or Norway after entering the EU, where treatment must be given by an EU veterinarian 1–5 days before entry into those countries.
Which major airports have direct flights to Vienna?
Direct flight availability depends on your departure country. Most major international airports have connections to Vienna, though routes vary. If your origin has no direct option, stopovers affect how your pet can travel — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Austria?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.