Intra-Community movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets

Scope
These conditions, based upon Regulation (EU) No. 998/2003 apply to the Member states of the European Community and the EEA (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, United Kingdom, Cyprus) and Switzerland.

Pet animals
Pet animals are defined as dogs, cats, ferrets, invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans), ornamental tropical fish, amphibia, reptiles, birds (except poultry) as well as rodents and domestic rabbits which are accompanying their owners or a natural person responsible for such animals on behalf of the owner during their movement and are not intended to be sold or transferred to another owner.

Dogs, cats, ferrets
Since 3 July 2004, a pet pass (Heimtierausweis) can be issued by any self-employed veterinarian in Austria for dogs, cats and ferrets to be moved between Member states of the European Union when travelling. A maximum number of five animals per person may be transported.

Identification
Each animal has to be identified by either a clearly readable tattoo or a microchip. After 3 July 2011 animals may be identified only by microchip. Tattoos applied before 3 July 2011 remain valid as long as they are clearly readable.

Passport
Each animal has to be accompanied by a passport issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority certifying valid anti-rabies vaccination, or re-vaccination if applicable, of the animal concerned.

Validity of anti-rabies vaccination
Anti-rabies vaccination is deemed valid 21 days after finishing the basic vaccination procedure if the animal has been vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine against rabies in accordance with the marketing authorisation of the vaccine in the country of origin; the vaccine meets the requirements of Chapter 2.1.13 of the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, 2008 Edition, of the World Organisation for Animal Health the animal has been re-vaccinated at regular intervals.

Member states with additional requirements
Until at least 31 December 2011, dogs, cats and ferrets may enter the territory of Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom, Finland and Norway only if the following additional requirements are fulfilled:

Ireland, Malta, Sweden, United Kingdom: A statement has to be entered into the passport certifying a neutralising antibody titration at least equal to 0.5 IU/ml carried out in an approved laboratory on a sample; this antibody titration need not be repeated on an animal which, following that titration, has been regularly re-vaccinated at the intervals required by the manufacturer.

Finland, Norway, Ireland, Malta, Sweden, United Kingdom: additional requirements regarding treatment against ticks and/or tape-worm (www.defra.gov.uk, www.agriculture.gov.ie, www.sjv.se; www.mattilsynet.no, www.mmm.fi, www.vafd.gov.mt/pet-animals-entering-malta).

Movement of animals younger than 12 weeks by private travellers
In accordance with regulation (EC) no. 998/2003 Austria permits the movement of dogs, cats and ferrets younger than 3 months if each animal has been identified by a microchip or tattoo, each animal is accompanied by a pet pass, the animal has not been vaccinated against rabies the animal has been kept in the place in which it was born since birth without contact with wild animals likely to have been exposed to the infection or are accompanied by their mothers on whom they are still dependent.

ATTENTION! There are also animal welfare conditions applicable to the movement and the keeping of dogs and cats less than 8 weeks old. (Link to the "Animal Welfare Act" and regulations (in German only))

The following Member states permit the transport of animals younger than 12 weeks in accordance with Reg. 998/2003 by private travellers: Germany, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic;

The following Member states prohibit the transport of animals younger than 12 weeks: Finland, Great-Britain, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Sweden, Cyprus;

The authorities or embassies of the following states should be contacted before transport of animals younger than 12 weeks: Belgium (www.health.fgov.be), Denmark (www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk), France (www.agriculture.gouv.fr);

Federal Ministry of Health
Dr. Amely Krug-Putz
Dep. II/B/5
Fax: +43 1 713 44 04 1707
E-Mail: amely.krug(at)bmg.gv.at

Federal Ministry of Health Website 

Link to the British Veterinary Services 

As a dog owner (living in Austria) you have to register your dog(s) with the responsible authority and pay dog licence(s). You will receive a dog tag, which must be visibly attached to the dog's collar.

The responsible authorities are:

in cities with federal police: Magistrat
in cities without federal police: Gemeindeamt
in Vienna: Stadtkasse