Possibility of importing accompanying animals from third countries for non-commercial purposes

The import of animals such as dogs, cats or ferrets that accompany travellers for non-commercial purposes from third countries is possible only when:

• such animals travel in the presence of their owner or a person who is responsible for them on the basis of the owner's declaration;
• the animals are transported for non-commercial purposes, which is indicated in their health certificate;
• the total number of transported animals is 5;
• the animals hold a necessary veterinary certificate and meet the requirements mentioned in the certificate (model certificate can be found in Appendix II to the Commission Implementing Decision of 15 December 2011 laying down the list of third countries and territories authorised for imports of dogs, cats and ferrets and for non-commercial movements of more than five dogs, cats and ferrets into the Union and the model certificates for imports and non-commercial movements of those animals into the Union (Official Journal L. 343 of 23.12.2011, pp. 65-76);
• the animals are subjected to import inspection at one of the border crossings where the Customs Service carries out inspections of accompanying animals (a full list of the border crossings can be found in the ordinance of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development dated 17 April 2007 laying down the list of crossing borders where customs authorities carry out an inspection of pets accompanying travellers and transported for non-commercial purposes (Journal of Laws 2007 no. 77, item 523, as amended);
• the animals must be identified (by means of a microchip) and then vaccinated against rabies. For certain countries (not listed in Appendix II to Regulation 998/2003/EC) the animals must be subjected to a rabies antibody titration test (taking into account a 3-month long ban on entering the EU).

Detailed information can be found on the General Veterinary Inspectorate's website at www.wetgiw.gov.plOpen in new window, bookmark "Import from third countries".

When bringing other accompanying animals than dogs, cats or ferrets, travellers should contact the General Veterinary Inspectorate by phone or mail due to complex import requirements.