How to take a dog to Finland?

How to take a dog to Finland? - briefly

To bring a dog to Finland, you must ensure your pet has a valid EU pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a veterinarian in the EU. Additionally, your dog should be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel.

How to take a dog to Finland? - in detail

To successfully bring your dog to Finland, it is essential to follow a comprehensive and well-structured process that ensures both your pet's welfare and compliance with Finnish regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through this procedure:

1. Microchipping: Ensure your dog is microchipped. This is a crucial first step as it allows for easy identification of the animal throughout its journey. The microchip should comply with ISO standards (ISO 11784 or ISO 11785). If your dog isn’t already chipped, consult your veterinarian to schedule this procedure.

2. Vaccinations: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies. This vaccine should be administered at least 21 days before the date of travel. Note that if it is your dog's first rabies vaccination, you will need to wait an additional 21 days after the initial injection before traveling.

3. Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate: Obtain a pet passport or an animal health certificate from your veterinarian. This document should confirm that your dog has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, as well as list any other necessary treatments or medications administered. Ensure this document is valid and accompanies your dog throughout the journey.

4. EU Health Certificate: If you are traveling from a non-EU country, you will need an EU health certificate issued by an official veterinarian. This certificate verifies that your dog meets all the health requirements for entry into Finland. It should be dated no more than 10 days before arrival in Finland.

5. Tapeworm Treatment: For dogs traveling from non-EU countries, a tapeworm treatment is mandatory. The treatment must be administered between 24 and 120 hours before the time of check-in at the Finnish border. Ensure this treatment is documented on your pet’s health certificate.

6. Transportation: Plan your dog's transportation carefully. If traveling by air, choose a pet-friendly airline and ensure that your dog meets all the carrier requirements. For long journeys, consider hiring a professional pet transport service to ensure your dog's safety and comfort.

7. Customs Declaration: Upon arrival in Finland, you must declare your pet at customs. Be prepared to present all necessary documents, including the microchip certificate, vaccination records, health certificates, and any additional paperwork required by Finnish authorities.

8. Quarantine Period: While Finland does not typically require a quarantine period for dogs from EU countries, it is essential to be aware of any changes in regulations. Always check the most recent guidelines from the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) before planning your trip.

9. Post-Arrival Care: After arrival, schedule a visit with a local veterinarian to ensure your dog's health and to register their microchip information with the national pet registry if required. This step is crucial for maintaining accurate records of your pet’s whereabouts and health status.

By adhering to these detailed steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your dog when traveling to Finland.