Pet Movement Legislation
Country of Departure
Pet Transport from the USA to Russia
– Rules and Documents
Required Documents for Import
Microchip
Mandatory for all pets entering Russia. The microchip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards and must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination
- The pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of first vaccination.
- At least 20 days must pass after vaccination before entry.
- The rabies vaccination must be valid on the day of arrival.
➕ Additional Vaccinations – Click to View
According to the official veterinary requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), dogs and cats entering Russia are recommended to receive the following vaccinations:
- Dogs: Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus, leptospirosis (unless treated with an approved equivalent medication).
- Cats: Panleukopenia.
These vaccinations are not mandatory for personal importation of pets, but they may help avoid potential issues at the border, especially in cases where customs officers have limited understanding of current veterinary policy.
We recommend completing these vaccinations, especially if your pet is under 9 months old, purebred, or transiting through third countries.
Veterinary Certificate
A veterinary certificate must be issued no earlier than 10 days before entry by a licensed veterinarian in the USA. It must be written in English, contain the clinic’s official stamp and vet’s signature.
➕ Veterinary Certificate – Click to View
A veterinary certificate is required for entry into Russia. It must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the United States no earlier than 10 days before entry.
It is not necessary to have this certificate endorsed by the USDA.
The certificate should be issued on the veterinary clinic’s letterhead, with clearly visible contact details and contain the following information:
- Owner’s full name and destination address in Russia
- Animal’s details: species, breed, sex, age, name, and coat color
- Microchip number (if available)
- Rabies vaccination details (date, batch number, validity)
- Deworming treatment details (date, product used)
- Confirmation of a clinical health examination
The document must be written in English. We recommend using English only, as Russian-language documents may not be accepted in transit countries.
➕ Form No. 15 – What Is It and When Is It Required?
Form No. 15 is not required for non-commercial pet importation. It is only used for commercial purposes such as sale, breeding, or transfer of ownership.
Some sources incorrectly state that this form is mandatory for all pet imports. In reality, it is only needed if the pet is being transported via cargo transport (cargo vans or air freight).
The key differences between transporting pets via cargo and via personal or courier transport are explained in our article:
How to Transport Your Pet: Cargo or Family Member?
Parasite Treatment (Deworming)
Deworming is not mandatory for entering Russia, but it is highly recommended and should be recorded in the veterinary certificate.
This helps avoid delays at customs and ensures your pet’s health during and after travel.
Transport Conditions and Airline Requirements
Airline Policies
Each airline may have its own pet transport policies. Before booking your flight, contact the airline to confirm the following:
- Whether pets are allowed in the cabin or baggage hold.
- Size and weight limits for pets and carriers.
- Required documentation to present at check-in.
- Additional rules for transit through third countries (if applicable).
Carrier Requirements
Pets must be transported in carriers that comply with IATA regulations. The carrier must:
- Allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Have proper ventilation on at least three sides.
- Be escape-proof and securely fastened.
- Contain absorbent material on the bottom.
If your pet will travel with a courier or separately from you, make sure the courier is familiar with all customs procedures and can provide proper documentation at the port of entry in Russia.
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