Country entry guide · Europe (non-EU)
Traveling to Russia with your dog
Russia is not part of the EU: it applies its own rules through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor). A dog travelling for personal use — up to two animals per owner — can enter without an import permit and without quarantine, provided it carries an international veterinary passport with a valid rabies vaccination and the other required shots, plus a clinical examination noted within 14 days before departure. What you prepare still depends on your dog's country of departure and whether you travel with more than two animals. This guide explains the standard path and the cases where a Rosselkhoznadzor permit is needed, so you know what to organise before you fly.
📋 At a glance
| Dogs allowed | Yes |
| Microchip | Recommended, not strictly required |
| Rabies vaccination | Required |
| Rabies antibody test | Not required in general |
| Veterinary certificate | International passport (or Form No.15) |
| Other vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, parvo…) | Required |
| Quarantine | Not required for up to 2 pets |
⚠️ Important
- MyDogCanFly provides general information — not veterinary or legal advice.
- Only a veterinarian can confirm the exact procedure for your individual dog.
- Requirements depend on: the country of origin, previous travel history, identification, vaccinations, the itinerary and the travel date.
Always consult your veterinarian before booking your trip.
Find a flight to Russia
🧭 How your dog's entry requirements are decided
- 1 Country of destination — Russia★★★★★
- 2 Country of departure★★★★☆
- 3 Countries your dog recently stayed in★★★☆☆
✅ Entry requirements
| Requirement | Required? | Exceptions | Official reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip / identification | Recommended | Russia explicitly allows import of non-identified pets (no chip, tattoo, ring or brand) kept at home. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru); Customs Union Decision No.317, ch.15 |
| Rabies vaccination | Required | Unvaccinated puppies under 3 months may enter only with a Form No.15 veterinary certificate. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru); Customs Union Decision No.317 |
| Rabies antibody test | Not required in general | Only for a 3-year vaccine without a vet's confirmation of immunity — then a result ≥0.5 IU/ml is required. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru) |
| International veterinary passport | Required | A clinical examination must be noted by the competent authority within 14 days before departure. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru); Customs Union Decision No.317 |
| International veterinary certificate (Form No.15) | Conditional | Not needed when up to 2 pets travel with the owner on a valid international passport. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru), Form No.15 |
| Other vaccinations | Required | Leptospirosis is not required if a preventive treatment registered in the exporting country is applied. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru); Customs Union Decision No.317 |
| Advance notification / import permit | Conditional | Not required for up to 2 pets travelling with their owner for personal use. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru), permit Form No.1 |
| Border veterinary control | Required | The list and opening hours of veterinary checkpoints are published by Rosselkhoznadzor. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru); Russian Customs (customs.gov.ru) |
| Puppies / minimum age | Conditional | Otherwise the rabies shot (≥20 days before departure) governs the earliest travel date. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru), Form No.15 |
| Quarantine | Not required | Other animals (and birds) must be quarantined in the country of departure before entry. | Rosselkhoznadzor (fsvps.gov.ru); Customs Union Decision No.317 |
🗓 In what order, and when
Some steps only count once the previous one is done — check each deadline against the official reference above.
- Microchip / identificationAn ISO microchip or legible tattoo is advised; the international passport should identify the animal.
- Rabies vaccinationAll carnivores must be vaccinated; the shot is given at least 20 days before departure if not done in the last 12 months.
- Rabies antibody testNo blood titration is needed for a standard vaccination.
- International veterinary passportRecords the vaccinations and the clinical exam; for up to 2 pets it is treated as the veterinary certificate.
- International veterinary certificate (Form No.15)Needed when there is no international passport, when the animal travels unaccompanied, or for unvaccinated puppies under 3 months.
- Other vaccinationsDogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus and leptospirosis.
- Advance notification / import permitA Rosselkhoznadzor permit is needed for more than 2 animals or when the animal is unaccompanied; up to 5 pets may use the annual Form No.1 permit.
- Border veterinary controlEnter through a checkpoint that operates veterinary control and present the passport to the vet on duty.
- Puppies / minimum agePuppies under 3 months are usually unvaccinated against rabies; they may enter only with a Form No.15 certificate.
- QuarantineNo import quarantine for up to 2 dogs or cats travelling with the owner on an international passport.
🌍 The different cases
From another EAEU country
A dog coming from another Eurasian Economic Union country (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) moves on its international veterinary passport alone, showing valid rabies and other required vaccinations. No import permit and no quarantine for up to two pets travelling with the owner.
⏱ From another EAEU country (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan): a few days if the international passport and vaccinations are up to date.
From any other country — up to 2 pets
From a non-EAEU country, up to two dogs or cats for personal use enter without an import permit and without quarantine, accompanied by the owner and an international veterinary passport with valid vaccinations and a clinical exam noted within 14 days of departure. Present yourself to veterinary control at the checkpoint.
⏱ From any other country, up to 2 pets: about 3 weeks if the primary rabies shot is still needed (given at least 20 days before departure) plus the 14-day clinical exam.
More than 2 animals / unaccompanied
For more than two animals, an unaccompanied dog, or a commercial import, you must obtain a Rosselkhoznadzor import permit in advance (up to five pets may use the annual Form No.1 permit) and travel with a Form No.15 veterinary certificate. Additional conditions such as pre-export quarantine may apply.
⏱ More than 2 animals, unaccompanied or commercial import: several weeks — an annual Rosselkhoznadzor import permit (form No.1) must be obtained in advance.
🛬 Arrival
What happens when your dog reaches Russia depends on where you flew from and how many animals you bring.
- Enter only through a border checkpoint that operates veterinary control (list and hours published by Rosselkhoznadzor).
- Present the international veterinary passport to the veterinary officer, who checks the vaccinations and the 14-day clinical-exam note.
- For up to 2 pets travelling with you, no import permit and no quarantine are required.
- For more than 2 animals or an unaccompanied dog, the Rosselkhoznadzor permit and a Form No.15 certificate must be shown.
- Carry original documents; where they are not in Russian, an official translation is recommended.
- If vaccinations or documents are missing or invalid, entry can be refused and the animal returned at the owner's expense.
🛫 Leaving the country (return trip)
Russia is non-listed, so a valid rabies antibody titer is mandatory to return to the EU — plus an export health certificate endorsed by Rosselkhoznadzor (FSVPS).
- ⚠️ Start before you leave Anticipate the rabies antibody titer: blood test in an EU-approved lab, at least 30 days after vaccination — a valid result is essential to re-enter the EU and cannot be arranged at the last minute.
- On site, before the flight The state veterinary service issues domestic certificate Form 1; at the border, Rosselkhoznadzor exchanges it free of charge for the international certificate Form 5a (valid 5 days; rabies vaccination required >21 days and <12 months before travel).
🚫 Restricted dogs
Russia has no breed-specific import ban, but Government Decree No.974 of 29 July 2019 lists 12 potentially dangerous dog breeds (and their crossbreeds). Since 1 January 2020 these dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.
The 12 listed breeds are: Akbash, American Bandogge, Ambuldog, Brazilian Bulldog, Bully Kutta, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog (Otto), Bandog, wolf-dog hybrids, Volkosob (wolf hybrid), Gull Dong, Pitbull Mastiff and the North Caucasian dog — plus any crossbreeds of these breeds.
This list does not prohibit entry: a listed dog can be imported like any other dog under the standard EAEU procedure. The restriction is a handling obligation (muzzle and lead in public) once in Russia, not a customs ban.
The muzzle-and-lead rule does not apply when the dog is within an enclosed area owned by its keeper. Only the official decree text is authoritative — confirm your dog's status before you travel.
✈️ Airlines flying to Russia with a dog
Carriers we document that serve this country and accept dogs. The verdict is the airline's general policy — it does not prejudge your breed, your crate or your exact route.
+5 more documented airlines accept dogs to this country. See all airlines →
🛂 Airports in Russia
Check where your dog can relieve itself at each airport — and whether it's before or after security.
Russia with a dog: common questions
Russia: What does my dog need to enter?
Russia requires: Rabies vaccination, International veterinary passport, Other vaccinations, Border veterinary control.
Russia: Is a rabies antibody test required?
Russia — Rabies antibody test: Not required in general. No blood titration is needed for a standard vaccination.
Russia: Are any dog breeds banned?
Russia has no breed-specific import ban, but Government Decree No.974 of 29 July 2019 lists 12 potentially dangerous dog breeds (and their crossbreeds). Since 1 January 2020 these dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.
Russia: How long does it take to prepare a dog?
From another EAEU country (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan): a few days if the international passport and vaccinations are up to date. More than 2 animals, unaccompanied or commercial import: several weeks — an annual Rosselkhoznadzor import permit (form No.1) must be obtained in advance.
Russia: What is needed to leave with a dog?
Russia is non-listed, so a valid rabies antibody titer is mandatory to return to the EU — plus an export health certificate endorsed by Rosselkhoznadzor (FSVPS).
Russia: Is it difficult to travel there with a dog?
Russia — Moderate (vaccinations + veterinary passport). MyDogCanFly provides general information — not veterinary or legal advice.
Answers drawn from the official sources listed below; entry information last verified 11 July 2026. Rules change — confirm with the authorities of Russia and your vet before booking.
📚 Official sources
- Rosselkhoznadzor — How to import a pet into Russia (official instruction)
- Rosselkhoznadzor — EAEU veterinary requirements for domestic animals (Decision No.317, ch.15)
- Russian Customs (FCS) — Regulations concerning movement of domestic animals
- Russian Customs (FCS) — Moving with domestic animals (personal use)
- Government of Russia — Decree No.974 of 29.07.2019, list of potentially dangerous dogs