Dogs in Belarus: rules, tax and travel
Dogs must be registered with the housing operator, kept on a short leash and muzzled in public, and a small quarterly dog tax is added to the utility bill. Flats are limited to two pets in total, and owners of listed breeds must take a training course.
National rules apply, but local councils can lower the dog tax and Minsk has its own tax instruction.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Restricted | Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog, Dobermann, American Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa, Caucasian Shepherd Dog A 2001 Ministry of Agriculture order lists 40 potentially dangerous breeds. Importing them needs veterinary permission and owners must take a kennel club course. Only these six names were confirmed from the list. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Dogs must be registered with the housing operator or homeowners' association within 3 days of acquiring them, and the owner gets a certificate and a collar tag. Separately, owners register the dog for tax within 3 months at the local one-stop shop.[2]
Dog tax and licence
A dog tax is paid by owners of dogs aged 3 months or more, added to the utility bill each quarter. The standard rate in 2026 is 14 rubles per quarter, lower in some places (Minsk 11.10). Exemptions apply to some pensioners, disabled people, large families and house residents (one dog).[3]
typical 14 BYN, 11.1 to 14 BYN quarter
Owners of dogs on the potentially dangerous breed list must complete a course at a kennel club and get a certificate.[1]
Leash and muzzle
Dogs must be on a short leash and muzzled outside, except puppies under 3 months and small dogs up to 25 cm at the withers (leash only). Dogs may only be walked in designated areas, not on the grounds of the residential building.[2]
Other rules
A flat in an apartment building may house no more than two dogs or cats in total. Unaccompanied animals count as strays and can be caught.[2]
Breaking the keeping rules is fined 1 to 15 base units (10 to 30 if someone is harmed), under article 16.30 of the Code of Administrative Offences.[2]
Travelling to Belarus with a dog
A pet needs a 15-digit ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination given 30 days to 12 months before entry, and a health certificate completed by a vet and endorsed by the government vet. Other core vaccines are expected. No import permit for a personal pet. Entry is at Minsk airport.[4]
Same rules as from the EU: microchip, rabies vaccination 30 days to 12 months before entry, endorsed health certificate. Entry is at Minsk airport.[4]
Not required.[4]
Not required; parasite treatment is recommended.[4]
No quarantine if the requirements are met.[4]
Not confirmed yet: Microchip, Liability insurance. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/blr165099.pdf (official)
- neg.by/novosti/otkrytj/soderzhaniya-domashnikh-zhivotnykh/ (secondary source)
- myfin.by/article/money/nalog-na-sobak-v-belarusi-2026-kak-i-skolko-platit-46487 (secondary source)
- pettravel.com/immigration/Belarus.cfm (secondary source)