Last updated: 22 April 2026

Pet Transport from Armenia to the EU
– Rules and Requirements

Since 2026, entry rules to the EU are based on strict document consistency and sequence of actions. Most refusals are not due to missing documents, but due to errors in timing or data mismatch.

General Requirements

Entry is allowed only as a non-commercial movement.

• the pet travels with the owner, or
• is transported by an authorised person

The movement must be linked to the owner’s travel (usually within 5 days).

Maximum: 5 animals.

The owner must be listed in all documents.

A common mistake is listing a courier or driver instead of the owner. In this case, entry is refused even if all veterinary documents are correct.

Microchip

The microchip must be implanted before vaccination and comply with ISO standards.

If vaccination is done first, it is considered invalid.

Rabies Vaccination

First vaccination:

• from 12 weeks of age
• 21 days waiting period

If the revaccination is delayed even by one day, it is treated as a primary vaccination and the waiting period restarts.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

Armenia is not in the EU listed countries, therefore the test is mandatory.

• blood sample: at least 30 days after vaccination
• EU-accredited laboratory
• result: ≥ 0.5 IU/ml

After this, a 3-month waiting period is required.

A frequent mistake is counting the 3 months from the vaccination date instead of the blood sampling date. In this case, entry is refused even if all documents appear correct.

 The test must be conducted at an EU-accredited laboratory recognised by the European Commission.

Minimum Age

Due to the titer requirement:

• vaccination at 12 weeks
• +30 days before test
• +3 months waiting

Minimum age for entry: about 7 months.

Errors in timing are one of the main reasons for refusal. These errors cannot be corrected at the border, so it is safer to complete a document check before travel.

EU Pet Health Certificate

The EU Veterinary Certificate (Regulation 2026/705) is the main entry document.

The animal health certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into the European Union from the date of issue.
After documentary and identity checks at the point of entry, it may be used for further movement within the EU for up to 6 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
This extended validity applies only after official checks have been carried out at the EU point of entry.

Example of the certificate format can be reviewed here: EU certificate sample

Typical errors:

• different owner name
• incorrect dates
• missing titer information

In these cases, entry is refused at the border. This is why many owners choose to verify documents in advance through a document check.

Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

Required for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland (24–120 hours before entry).

In practice, some border officials may apply this requirement incorrectly in other countries.

Restricted Breeds

There is no single EU-wide ban on specific dog or cat breeds. Restrictions are defined by individual countries and must be checked for the final destination.

For dogs, certain breeds are commonly restricted or banned in several EU countries. These may include:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Staffordshire-type breeds (depending on country)

Entry conditions for these breeds vary and may include import bans, behavioural assessments, or special permits.

Cats are not subject to standard breed bans. However, hybrid breeds (such as Savannah or Chausie) may be restricted depending on their generation and the destination country.

Early-generation hybrids (F1–F3) are often restricted or require special permits. If the generation is not clearly documented, entry may be refused.

Practical Notes

Most problems occur due to:

• incorrect sequence of actions
• date miscalculations
• owner mismatch
• incorrect certificate completion

These errors are not corrected at the border.

Border interpretation may vary. Issues have been observed in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, France, Germany and Finland.

Our Services

• Pre-Travel Consultation
• Pet Travel Document Check
• Pet transportation with a courier
• Complete Pet Travel Documentation