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Austria Pet Import Requirements

Official veterinary regulations, microchip standards, rabies rules, and breed restrictions for entering Austria.

Last verified February 24, 2025Request a Quote

1. Microchip & Identification

Microchip is compulsory and must be done prior to rabies vaccine. Microchip number must be documented on all documents.
*ISO-compliant microchip numbers are usually 15 digits long and meet specific international standards (ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785). An exception is the AVID EuroChip (a 10-character chip) which meets ISO standard 11785 Annex A You can check ISO-compliance with the microchip manufacturer.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination with an inactivated or recombinant vaccine after 12 weeks of age and a wait of 21 days un not counting the day of vaccination.
The first rabies vaccination your pet gets after its microchip or after any lapse in coverage is a “primary” rabies vaccination according to EU rules.
For all pets vaccinated in the United States, a “primary” rabies vaccination is only valid for 1 year. Even if your pet is an adult animal and receives a three-year vaccine, if it is a “primary” rabies vaccination according to EU rules, it is only valid for 1 year. This is a USDA requirement.
If your pet does not receive another rabies vaccination within 1 year of a “primary” rabies vaccination, it means the vaccination coverage lapsed and you must start over. Even if the vaccination coverage only lapses by a day, the next rabies vaccination is again considered a “primary” rabies vaccination, and it is only valid for 1 year.
“Booster” Rabies Vaccination:
If your pet does get its next rabies vaccination within 1 year of a “primary” rabies vaccination, this “booster” rabies vaccination can be valid for 1-3 years, according to the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions. Note: If your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination before traveling to the EU is a “booster” rabies vaccination (rather than “primary”), you are responsible for providing all relevant rabies vaccination certificates to prove there was no lapse in coverage since the "primary" rabies vaccination. There is no wait time after receiving a “booster” vaccination, but the previous rabies vaccination must be included on the health certificate.
Reminder! Rabies Vaccinations do NOT count according to EU rules if:
Your pet got the vaccination before it had a microchip; or
Your pet got the vaccination without first having its microchip scanned.
Your pet should travel with all relevant rabies vaccination certificate(s), and it is strongly recommended the microchip number is recorded on all rabies vaccination certificate(s).

3. Titre Tests & Bloodwork

For unlisted countries, a serological rabies test (rabies titer determination) is mandatory for the importation of dogs, cats and ferrets.
The test can be administered no sooner than 30 days after a “primary” rabies vaccination. Dogs, cats and ferrets can enter the EU no sooner than 3 calendar months after the blood is drawn for the test. Pets entering the EU from unlisted countries must be a minimum of 7 months of age to conform to regulations.
 Dogs, cats and ferrets from Switzerland or Norway are moved under the conditions of intra-union trade.
Regulation (EU) No. 576/2013 Annex IV

4. Quarantine Requirements

There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet if all requirements are met.

5. Breed Restrictions

Austria does not publish a list of banned dog breeds.
Other restrictions. The titer test requirement (see tests) is based on the classification of the exporting country. The EU classifies countries as EU Member States and territories, Part 1 Listed, Part 2 Listed and Unlisted countries.

Part 1 Listed Countries – no titer test required
The EU will recognize Pet Passports issued in these countries: Andorra, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Martinique, Monaco, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland.
Part 2 Listed Countries – no titer test required
American Samoa, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension Island, Azores, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curacao, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Grenadines, Guadeloupe (St Barthelemy and French part of St Martin), Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Madera, Malaysia, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Northern Macedonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Saint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Helena, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Scotland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Al Fujairah), United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Malta), United States of America, Vanuatu, Vatican City, US Virgin Islands and Wallis and Futuna.
Unlisted Countries
All countries that are not listed above.

Done-for-You Service

Breed rules in Austria can mean a border denial.

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6. Customs & Import Rules

The border crossing points where these checks are carried out are the airports of Vienna-Schwechat, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz-Thalerhof and Klagenfurt as well as the customs offices vis-á-vis Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Entry and Re-entry of Pets

Common Questions

Austria pet travel — frequently asked

Are there breed restrictions for pets entering Austria?

Yes, Austria enforces breed restrictions for incoming pets. Review the Breed Restrictions section on this page for the specific breeds affected, or contact our team for a breed-specific compliance assessment.

Does Austria require quarantine for dogs and cats?

Yes, quarantine requirements apply for pets entering Austria. See the Quarantine Requirements section for holding periods, conditions, and approved facilities.

What documents do I need to bring my pet to Austria?

Pets entering Austria typically require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, plus a rabies titre (antibody) test. Requirements vary by origin country — check each section above for the most current rules.

Popular Airlines

Airlines flying pets to Austria

Each airline has its own breed restrictions, weight limits, and cargo embargo windows. Check policies before you book.

توفّر Paws en route خدمات متخصصة في نقل وشحن الحيوانات الأليفة على مستوى العالم. يتولى متخصصونا المعتمدون من IATA تنسيق نقل الحيوانات الأليفة دولياً، بما في ذلك نقل الكلاب والقطط إلى أكثر من 150 وجهة — مع الامتثال البيطري، والتخليص الجمركي، والتوصيل من الباب إلى الباب في جميع أنحاء العالم.

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