Bringing a Dog or Cat to Poland From Outside the EU
Short answer: A pet entering Poland from a non-EU country needs a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, owner declaration and a health certificate or accepted passport.
Moving to Poland with a dog, cat or ferret is possible, but the rules are strict and a mistake at the border can end with the animal sent back. This guide follows the Polish Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (Główny Inspektorat Weterynarii, GIW) pages on travelling with companion animals from non-EU countries, read in October 2026. It covers dogs, cats and ferrets travelling with their owner for non-commercial reasons. Other species, and animals travelling without their owner, follow different rules.
What your pet must have
According to GIW, a dog, cat or ferret entering Poland from a non-EU country must have:
1. Proper identification. An implanted microchip (transponder) that meets the requirements of EU Regulation 2019/2035, article 70a. A clearly legible tattoo is accepted only if it was done before 3 July 2011.
2. A valid rabies vaccination. If the first vaccination is given to an animal older than 12 weeks, it becomes valid 21 days after it is given. For booster doses given on time, the vaccination is valid on the day of the booster. The date of vaccination cannot be earlier than the date of microchipping, but the same day is allowed.
GIW adds that Polish rules do not allow young dogs, cats and ferrets to enter Poland without a valid rabies vaccination.
The rabies antibody test
For animals coming from some non-EU countries, GIW says the effectiveness of the vaccination must be confirmed by a rabies antibody blood test. The examples it gives are Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Israel, Egypt, Korea and Kazakhstan, and any other country not on the European Commission's list. The test is not needed if:
- the animal comes from a country on the list in annex II to Regulation (EU) 2026/636,
- the earlier test was valid and the animal got a booster before the previous vaccination expired, or
- the animal is returning to the EU with an EU passport that records a valid test done before it left the EU.
GIW refers readers to the European Commission's list for the country you are coming from, so check it for your own country before you book anything.
Documents you need
- A written declaration by the owner or an authorised person that the trip is non-commercial. The animal must travel within about 5 days of the owner. The template is in part 2 of annex V to Regulation (EU) 2026/705.
- An animal health certificate, whose current model is in annex III to Regulation (EU) 2026/705.
GIW says an animal may enter without a health certificate if it has either a passport issued in a non-EU country listed in annex I to Regulation (EU) 2026/636, in the format of annex I or II to Regulation 2026/705, or an EU passport issued before the animal left the EU, with all information completed before departure. If the animal had a further rabies vaccination outside the EU, it also needs a health certificate from an official veterinarian of the third country.
Rules for the health certificate
GIW lists these rules:
- It must be issued by an official or authorised veterinarian, filled in with block letters, and written in at least one official language of the member state of entry and in English.
- It must contain the animal's identification number and the details of the rabies vaccination and the blood test.
- It stays valid for 10 days from the date of issue until the identification and document check at an EU entry point. For further movement within the EU, it stays valid for 6 months from that check, or until the rabies vaccination expires if that is earlier.
- If the test is required, a certified copy of the official laboratory report must be attached.
Border crossing and checks
Pets travelling with a traveller can enter Poland from a non-EU country only through designated border crossings, with up to 5 animals. The checks are done by the National Revenue Administration (KAS). Animals arriving from a country listed in annex I to Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not have to enter through these control points. The list of crossings is in the Agriculture Minister's regulation of 29 July 2022.
What happens if the rules are not met
If the check shows that an animal does not meet the requirements, GIW says the authority decides on one of three things: sending it back to where it came from, isolating it under official control for as long as it takes to meet the health requirements, or, if neither is possible, putting the animal down without compensation. The owner pays all the costs.
More than 5 animals, or travelling without you
Moving more than 5 animals is allowed as non-commercial travel only for competitions, shows, sporting events or training for them, with written proof of registration, and only if the animals are over six months old. Otherwise the commercial import rules apply. A pet that travels without its owner or an authorised person is also treated under the commercial import rules.
Practical tips
- Start months ahead. The vaccination needs to be valid, and the blood test, if your country needs it, adds waiting time.
- Check the animal's microchip and the vaccination dates against each other.
- Plan your entry point before you book the flight, because only certain crossings accept pets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my dog to Poland from outside the EU?
Yes, if it has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, the owner's declaration and a health certificate or an accepted passport, according to GIW.
How long is the health certificate valid?
10 days from issue until the check at the EU entry point, then 6 months for travel within the EU, or until the rabies vaccination expires if that comes first.
Do I need a rabies antibody test?
It depends on the country you come from. GIW says it is not needed for countries on the list in annex II to Regulation (EU) 2026/636. Check the Commission list for your country.
What if my pet fails the border check?
It can be returned, isolated at your cost, or in the worst case put down without compensation, according to GIW.
