Pets under 16 weeks old are not authorised to enter Poland. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need significantly more time due to the additional titer test and waiting period.

An ISO 11784-compliant microchip (HDX or FDX-B, readable by an ISO 11785-compatible device) is the only acceptable form of identification, and must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. A vaccination given on an unidentified animal is invalid.

Given by an authorised vet after 12 weeks of age, with a 21-day wait before the final health exam and certificate endorsement. A re-vaccination given after the previous one’s validity has lapsed counts as a new primary vaccination, restarting the 21-day wait.

Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. The test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory, on a sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and the pet can enter no sooner than 3 months after the sample is taken. The test’s validity is maintained only if rabies vaccination continues on schedule afterward.

Dogs: rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and Bordetella. Cats: rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. All should be administered at least 2 weeks before export for maximum effectiveness, and valid at the time of import.

Cats must be treated against ticks within 48 hours of the travel date.

Required for pets entering the EU from outside, signed by an accredited veterinarian in ink of a different color than the certificate’s printing (usually blue). Valid for 10 days from issuance until entry checks. For further travel within the EU, the certificate must be endorsed at the point of entry, after which it remains valid for up to 4 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first. Must be written in English and in the official language of the entry country.

Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in Poland, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport, which then replaces the Health Certificate for any further travel within EU member states.

Pets arriving by air from outside the EU must enter at a Border Inspection Post — available at the international airports in Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Gdansk, Katowice, Krakow, Lodz, Poznan, Rzeszów, Szczecin, or Wroclaw. Pets should enter Poland directly, or transit through another EU member state.

These requirements apply to non-commercial movement of 5 or fewer dogs, cats, and ferrets per person. 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.

Poland bans no breeds from entry. However, a list of 11 breeds classified as “aggressive” requires a permit from the local commune head (mayor or city president) to breed or keep the dog at its destination — this is a residency requirement, not an import restriction. Check the current list before travel if your dog may be affected.