Bringing a pet to Croatia

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Croatia follows EU-wide pet travel rules, so entry is straightforward for pets from other EU countries with valid rabies vaccination and microchip. For pets from higher-risk (non-EU listed) countries, additional rabies antibody testing and a longer wait period apply, but there is no routine quarantine. Overall, Croatia is moderately strict: compliant pets from low-risk origins face minimal hurdles, while those from high-risk origins require more advance planning.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Documents checklist

  • EU Pet Passport (issued by an EU vet)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (in passport or separate)
  • Microchip certificate (if not in passport)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, EU pet passport ~$50-100, health certificate ~$100-200 — confirm current prices with a local vet.

Pets from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Monaco, Switzerland, and other EU-equivalent territories can enter with an EU Pet Passport and valid rabies vaccination.

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

  • EU health certificate (Annex IV) issued within 10 days of entry
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before entry)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (signed by owner)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA/DEFRA.

Pets from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and most of Europe (non-EU) follow this tier. The EU health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

Apply / official dog import page

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

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate (Annex IV) issued within 10 days of entry
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) result from EU-approved lab
  • Import permit from Croatian Ministry of Agriculture (requested in advance)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-100 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

Pets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India, most of Africa and South America) must have a negative FAVN titer test and an import permit from the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture. The 3-month waiting period after the blood sample is mandatory.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

A dog must be at least 12 weeks old to receive its first rabies vaccination, then wait 21 days before entry. So the earliest a puppy can enter Croatia is 15 weeks old (12 weeks + 21 days).
No. The US is classified as a low-risk rabies country under EU rules, so no titer test is needed. Only dogs from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, India, Russia) require a FAVN test with a 3-month waiting period after the blood sample.
You may bring up to 5 dogs under the non-commercial pet travel scheme. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, which require additional paperwork, possible quarantine, and fees. This limit applies to all pets combined (dogs, cats, ferrets).
No. Croatia does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard EU import requirements. They must still have a microchip, rabies vaccination, EU health certificate (or pet passport), and, if from a high-risk country, a titer test and import permit.
Only if your dog comes from a high-risk rabies country. For low-risk countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.), no import permit is needed — just the EU health certificate. For high-risk countries, you must apply to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture for a permit before travel.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of entry. If it expires, your dog must be revaccinated and wait 21 days before entering Croatia. There is no grace period for expired vaccines.
If arriving from an EU country, any border is fine. If arriving from a non-EU country, your dog must enter through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP). Croatia has BIPs at major airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar) and some seaports. Check with the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture for the current list.

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

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

  • EU Pet Passport (if from EU/EEA/Andorra/San Marino/Vatican/Monaco/Switzerland) or third-country health certificate (EU Annex IV model) if from other low-risk country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine date, and validity
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not already in passport or health certificate)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if more than 5 pets)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€80-200, rabies vaccine ~€30-60, EU pet passport ~€30-50 if issued in EU. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

From EU/EEA/Andorra/San Marino/Vatican/Monaco/Switzerland: use an EU Pet Passport. No titer test needed. No quarantine.

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

  • Third-country health certificate (EU Annex IV model) endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine date, and validity
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not in health certificate)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if more than 5 pets)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€100-250, rabies vaccine ~€30-60, USDA endorsement (if from US) ~$38-121. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

From low-risk countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc.): no titer test, no quarantine. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of entry. Enter only through a Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE) listed by the Croatian Veterinary Office.

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

  • Import permit from Croatian Ministry of Agriculture
  • Third-country health certificate (EU Annex IV model) endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine date, and validity
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not in health certificate)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if more than 5 pets)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€100-250, rabies vaccine ~€30-60, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, import permit fees ~€20-50, USDA endorsement (if from US) ~$38-121. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

From high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India, China, most of Africa and South America): titer test required, import permit required, no quarantine. Enter only through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE). The 3-month waiting period after titer test applies.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the origin country is classified as low-risk (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia). No titer test is needed. If the origin is high-risk (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India), a FAVN titer test with result ≥0.5 IU/ml is mandatory, and the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry.
You may bring up to 5 cats (or dogs/ferrets combined) as non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, you must provide written proof that the travel is non-commercial (e.g. attending a show, competition, or breeding event) and the animals must be over 6 months old. Otherwise, commercial import rules apply.
No separate health certificate is needed if the cat travels with a valid EU Pet Passport issued by an EU veterinarian. The passport itself serves as the health document. For non-EU origins, an EU Annex IV health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority is required, issued within 10 days of entry.
No. Croatia does not grant any exemption for emotional support or service animals from standard pet import rules. The cat must still meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of entry. Once in Croatia, if the booster is due, you must have it administered by a local veterinarian before the previous certificate expires. There is no grace period. If it lapses, the cat may be considered unvaccinated for future travel and could require a new 21-day wait before leaving Croatia.
No. Cats entering from non-EU countries must enter through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE) where veterinary checks are available. These include major airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Rijeka, Pula, Osijek) and certain land border crossings (e.g. Bregana, Macelj, Pasjak). Check the Croatian Veterinary Office list before travel.
There is no specific minimum age for entry, but the kitten must be at least 12 weeks old to receive its first rabies vaccination, and then wait 21 days before entry. In practice, the earliest a kitten can enter is 15 weeks old (12 weeks for vaccination + 21 days wait). No titer test is required for kittens from low-risk countries.

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

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
  • Health certificate (EU Annex IV model for non-commercial movement)
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)
  • EU pet passport (if from EU/EEA country) or third-country veterinary certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

Croatia follows EU Regulation 576/2013. Ferrets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) need an EU pet passport or Annex IV certificate. No titer test or import permit required.

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
  • Health certificate (EU Annex IV model for non-commercial movement)
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)
  • Third-country veterinary certificate (Annex IV) endorsed by competent authority

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

Croatia follows EU Regulation 576/2013. Ferrets from low-risk countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) need a third-country veterinary certificate (Annex IV) endorsed by the competent authority. No titer test or import permit required.

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
  • Health certificate (EU Annex IV model for non-commercial movement)
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from Croatian Ministry of Agriculture

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture.

Croatia follows EU Regulation 576/2013. Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East) require a rabies titer test (FAVN) and an import permit from the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture. No quarantine upon arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Only if the ferret originates from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa/South Asia/Middle East). For free and low-risk origins (EU, US, UK, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required.
You may bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets combined) under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, requiring additional documentation and possibly a licensed importer.
No. Croatia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard pet import rules. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test requirements.
There is no minimum age for ferrets under EU rules, but the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel. So effectively, the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old.
No. The EU pet passport is only issued by EU/EEA countries. If your ferret comes from the US, you need a third-country veterinary health certificate (Annex IV model) endorsed by the USDA APHIS.
No. Croatia does not require quarantine for ferrets arriving from any origin tier, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if from high-risk) is in order.
Keep the vaccination up to date according to the vaccine manufacturer's booster schedule. If it expires, the ferret may not be allowed to re-enter another EU country or travel onward. Always carry the vaccination certificate.

Good to know

All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785) and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. For pets from non-EU countries not on the EU's listed low-risk territories, a rabies antibody titration test (FAVN) is required at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry. Always carry the EU pet passport (for EU-origin pets) or an official third-country health certificate endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

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 Croatia, 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 Croatia's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.