Croatia dog entry tips

Since July 2013 Croatia is already a full member of the European community. This simplifies planning for a summer vacation. The European framework regulations for the entry of pets apply almost uniformly. We have compiled some detailed regulations for you here (all information without guarantee).

Entry requirements in detail: Dog vaccinations, ID, chip

• Entry of pets is possible only with a valid veterinary certificate on the health condition of the animals. Dogs from EU countries only need a valid European Pet Passport with a short description of the dog, name and address of the dog owner and registered vaccinations (most important: a still valid rabies vaccination) for vacation in Croatia for this purpose.
• When entering Croatia from an EU country such as Germany, proof must be provided of a currently still valid rabies vaccination and unique identification via a microchip implanted in the dog's neck fur. The number of the microchip must have been entered by the veterinarian in the pet passport or the corresponding certificate of the dog to be carried and must match.
• Puppies / young dogs: animals from EU countries or "low risk non-EU countries", younger than 3 months and not vaccinated, can be imported to Croatia on dog vacation, provided that the owner or companion has a travel document or certificate with them and they have stayed in the same place since birth and have not been in contact with wild animals or are accompanied by their mother, on whom they are still dependent.
• Only for dogs entering from third countries or. Non-EU countries with high risk: as part of the rabies vaccination, the animal must have undergone a rabies virus antibody neutralization test of at least 0.5 IJ/ml, which should be performed by an officially authorized veterinarian in an authorized laboratory no earlier than 30 days after the vaccination and three months before the vacation in Croatia.
• Maximum number of dogs: non-commercial importation of animals means importation of up to a maximum of five pets.
• Listed dogs: For a number of dog breeds, so-called listed dogs, must be able to present a breeding certificate recognized by the authorities for entry.
• Check general vaccination status in time before the vacations: There are different parasites and pathogens that occur especially in Mediterranean regions and can pose a risk of infection for dogs. One of them is leishmaniasis, against which a vaccination now exists. You can find out about possible precautions and possible vaccinations for your dog's vacation from a veterinarian. Other possibilities for prevention against a number of "pests" are certain tick and flea protection combination preparations, which are either attached as a band around the dog's neck and are supposed to emit their repellent scents or by spraying an active ingredient directly on the dog's neck fur.

Dog leash and muzzle in Croatia?

In public, especially within built-up areas, there is a general obligation to keep dogs on a leash. In public transport, dogs must officially wear a muzzle, this also applies to most ships / ferries (in practice, however, is handled very differently).

For a number of dog breeds, so-called list dogs, there is a general obligation to wear a muzzle when on vacation in Croatia. These include, but are not limited to:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• St. Bernard
• Bullterrier
• German / Belgian shepherd dog
• Doberman
• Great Danes
• large Japanese Spitz
• Mastino
• Rottweiler
• Pit Bull Terrier
• as well as crossbreeding involving these dog breeds.

For listed dogs, a breeding certificate recognized by the authorities must also be presented.

Check entry requirements to Croatia with listed dog!

Listed dogs (u.a. Terrier, Bull – Staffordshire Bullterrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bullterrier and Mini Bullterrier breeds and crossbreeds) are allowed to travel to Croatia only under certain conditions. The owners must be able to present for the entry a written descent proof of the cynology federation of one of the member countries of the FCI. Only then is the entry with such dogs to Croatia allowed (all information without guarantee).