Bringing a pet to Austria

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Austria enforces strict pet import rules that vary by the animal's origin rabies-risk category, so you must check the specific requirements for your pet's country of departure. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from EU/listed countries, but pets from high-risk third countries face additional testing and waiting periods. Expect thorough documentation checks at entry, including valid rabies vaccination and microchip.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Austria.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Austria does not have a national breed ban, but some federal states (e.g., Vienna, Lower Austria) may impose restrictions on breeds like Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and similar. Check local regulations at the final destination. Additionally, some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to health risks — verify with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Valid EU pet passport or third-country health certificate (Annex IV model)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip registration proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, EU pet passport ~$50-100 if issued in EU. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from EU-equivalent countries (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, etc.) can use an EU pet passport. No additional tests or permits needed.

BAVG Austria

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Austria does not have a national breed ban, but some federal states (e.g., Vienna, Lower Austria) may impose restrictions on breeds like Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and similar. Check local regulations at the final destination. Additionally, some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to health risks — verify with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip registration proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from low-risk countries (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia) need a third-country health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test or permit required.

BAVG Austria

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

Austria does not have a national breed ban, but some federal states (e.g., Vienna, Lower Austria) may impose restrictions on breeds like Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and similar. Check local regulations at the final destination. Additionally, some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) due to health risks — verify with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from the Austrian competent authority (AGES)
  • Third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Microchip registration proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from high-risk countries must have a negative FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL) and an import permit issued by AGES. The permit application should be submitted at least 30 days before travel.

BAVG Austria

Frequently asked questions

The rabies vaccination must be given at least 12 weeks of age, and then a 21-day waiting period applies. So the earliest a puppy can enter is 15 weeks old (12 weeks + 21 days).
You may bring up to 5 dogs under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and you must comply with EU commercial import regulations (including additional health checks and possible quarantine).
No. Austria does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard EU pet import rules. They must meet all the same requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, a titer test and import permit.
If the FAVN test result is below 0.5 IU/mL, the dog is considered not adequately vaccinated. You must revaccinate and wait at least 30 days before retesting. The 90-day waiting period after the successful test still applies before travel.
Yes, but it must be the EU Annex IV model health certificate endorsed by the USDA APHIS Veterinary Health Certificate Endorsement Office. It must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Austria.
If you transit through another EU country before entering Austria, the rules of the first EU entry country apply. For example, if you land in Germany first, German border control checks the documents. Ensure all documents are valid for the entire journey.
You must apply to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) at least 30 days before travel. The application requires proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, and a negative FAVN titer test. AGES will issue a permit if all conditions are met. There is no fee for the permit itself, but associated veterinary costs apply.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Austria.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV, Part A) issued within 10 days of entry
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

From free-tier origins (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, etc.), the cat must meet all EU pet travel rules: microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate. No titer test or quarantine.

BAVG Austria

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV, Part A) issued within 10 days of entry
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

From low-risk origins (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia), the cat must follow standard EU pet travel rules. No titer test or quarantine. Health certificate must be endorsed by USDA (if from US) or DEFRA (if from UK).

BAVG Austria

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV, Part B) issued within 10 days of entry
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, from EU-approved lab)
  • Import permit from AGES

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

From high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East), the cat must have a negative FAVN titer test and an import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all paperwork is in order.

BAVG Austria

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if arriving from a high-risk rabies country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India), your cat must have a FAVN titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/mL. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before entry. The test must be processed at an EU-approved laboratory.
You may bring up to 5 cats (or dogs/ferrets) under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, you must prove they are for a competition, exhibition, or sporting event, or else commercial import rules apply (additional paperwork, fees, and possible quarantine).
No. Austria does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals from standard EU pet travel requirements. Your cat must still have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, a titer test and import permit.
The EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV) is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by an official veterinarian. It must be issued within 10 days of your cat's arrival in Austria. For non-EU countries, the certificate must also be endorsed by the competent authority (e.g. USDA in the US).
Yes, many airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). Check your airline's specific policy. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Persians, Exotic Shorthairs) may be restricted from cargo but are usually allowed in cabin if carrier fits. Always confirm with the airline directly.
No. For cats arriving from EU member states or free-tier origins (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican), no import permit is needed. Only cats from high-risk rabies countries require an import permit from AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety).
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. If the booster is overdue, the cat must be revaccinated and then wait 21 days before entering Austria. For high-risk countries, the titer test must also be repeated if the vaccination interval is broken.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Austria.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model non-commercial)
  • Microchip proof
  • Valid passport or ID of owner

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€80-200, rabies vaccine ~€40-80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, etc.) follow the same rules as EU-origin pets. No additional tests or permits.

BAVG Austria

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model non-commercial)
  • Microchip proof
  • Valid passport or ID of owner

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€80-200, rabies vaccine ~€40-80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia) need a valid rabies vaccine and an EU health certificate endorsed by the origin country's official vet authority. No titer test or import permit required.

BAVG Austria

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model non-commercial)
  • Microchip proof
  • FAVN titer test result
  • Import permit from Austrian veterinary authority
  • Valid passport or ID of owner

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€80-200, rabies vaccine ~€40-80, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India) require a FAVN titer test and an import permit from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). No quarantine upon arrival if all paperwork is in order.

BAVG Austria

Frequently asked questions

No. The USA is classified as a low-risk country. Ferrets from the USA need a microchip, rabies vaccine (given at least 21 days before travel), and an EU health certificate endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. No titer test or import permit is required.
No. Under EU rules, a non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 pets (including ferrets) without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring 6 or more, you must comply with commercial regulations (TRACES registration, additional health tests, and possible quarantine).
No. Austria does not recognise emotional support animals under its pet import rules. A ferret entering as an emotional support animal must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) titer test and import permit requirements as any other pet ferret.
There is no minimum age for ferrets under Austrian law, but the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the earliest a ferret can enter Austria is 15 weeks old (12 weeks + 21 days).
Only if the ferret originates from a high-risk country. For low-risk countries (e.g. UK, USA, Japan), no import permit is needed. For high-risk countries, you must apply for an import permit from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) at least 30 days before travel.
That depends on the airline, not Austrian law. Austrian law does not restrict cabin travel for ferrets, but many airlines require pets to travel in the cargo hold if they exceed a certain weight (typically 8 kg including carrier). Check with your airline for their specific policy.
The rabies vaccine must be valid on the day of travel. If it expires before your departure, your ferret must be revaccinated and you must wait 21 days after the new vaccine before entering Austria. There is no grace period for expired vaccines.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be current. For pets from non-EU countries, a rabies antibody titre test is typically required at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Austria, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Austria's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.