Ukraine: How to Cross the Border With Pets

Leaving the country with your dog, cat or other pets into neighbouring countries

18.9.2024

A substantial number of Ukrainian residents and citizens have been forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in various European countries.

While right after the outbreak of the war, the European Commission asked all its Member States to allow entry to refugees travelling with their pets, even without a valid pet passport and microchip, as of 01.06.2023, the EU has established specific regulations pertaining to Ukrainian refugees who wish to travel with their companion animals. These guidelines require that the animals must possess microchips, appropriate documentation, up-to-date vaccinations, and a valid rabies antibody test.

To provide assistance to individuals evacuating with their pets from Ukraine, we have collected and summarised the most important information for you.

Need information how to cross the border with your pet?

Please find more info here about Ukraine's neighbouring countries:

Please contact our local programmes/partners here: 

Romania: Animal Society. Tel: +40 7303 39020
Moldova: DoctorVet. Tel: +37361014422
Bulgaria: FOUR PAWS Stray Animal Care Clinic. Tel: +359888404447

Through these partnerships, FOUR PAWS is supporting with:

Vaccinations and microchipping
Medical treatments
Pet food
Safe carriers for cats and other small pets
Leashes & harnesses
Temporary housing

EU-entry regulations

For all people from Ukraine who would like to continue their route to other countries, there are specific provisions that must be followed when entering with pets. These differ depending on the country, but the guidelines for the EU require that the animals must possess microchips, appropriate documentation, up-to-date vaccinations, and a valid rabies antibody test. Failure to follow these guidelines could lead to pets being placed in isolation or even returned back to Ukraine.

but may include registration with the official authorities, quarantining of pets, and isolation. Although current companion animal import legislation serves to protect human and animal health in Europe, exceptions have already been made by the EU Commission and Member States to ease the entry procedure for refugees coming from Ukraine with their dogs, cats, or other pet animals.

For more information, see the links provided below or contact local authorities/vet services.