Pet Movement Legislation

Country of Departure

Pet Import from Norway to Russia
– Requirements and Official Guidelines

Entry Requirements for Cats and Dogs

Microchip Identification

Microchipping is mandatory before entering Russia. The chip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards and be implanted prior to administering the rabies vaccine.


Rabies Vaccination

  • The first rabies vaccine must be given after microchipping and no earlier than 12 weeks of age.
  • A minimum of 20 days must pass between the date of vaccination and the date of travel.
  • The vaccination must still be valid when the pet enters Russia.

Veterinary Certificate

  • Issued in Norway by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Should be in English and contain:
    • Microchip information: number and date of implantation.
    • Rabies vaccination: date, product name, batch number, and expiration date.
    • Health declaration: stating the animal shows no clinical signs of disease.

Fit-to-Fly Certificate

Though not a formal requirement under Russian import rules, a Fit-to-Fly certificate issued within 1–5 days before departure is strongly advised. It should include a record of deworming treatment. Customs officials may request this document during inspection.


Parasite Treatment (Deworming)

  • Mandatory for all pets entering Russia.
  • Treatment must cover internal and external parasites.
  • Should be administered 1–5 days before entry and recorded in the veterinary certificate.
➕ 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?




Additional Information and Clarifications

  • A maximum of two animals per person is allowed without special authorization.
  • All documentation must be complete and accurate, even if border checks are rare on passenger flights.
  • Extra vaccines (such as against distemper or leptospirosis) are not mandatory but may be helpful.
  • In Norway, some veterinarians may mistakenly advise additional certificates or vaccinations based on outdated or commercial guidelines. Only the requirements for personal import apply here.
  • Form 15 (used for commercial pet transport) is not applicable for non-commercial travel to Russia.

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