Dogs in Czechia: rules, tax and travel

Two registers. Municipal: register the dog (3 months or older) with the municipality within 15 days of taking it on and pay the local fee. National: since 1 July 2026 every dog must be in the Central Dog Registry at the latest at its next rabies vaccination; puppies before handover. The vet submits the entry.[2]

Compulsory for dogs since 1 January 2020. Without a chip a rabies vaccination is not treated as valid.[3]

Local dog fee (poplatek ze psů) is set by each municipality. The legal cap is 1,500 CZK per dog per year, with up to 50% more for further dogs. Prague charges 1,500 CZK in an apartment building and 600 CZK in a family house; pensioners 200 CZK.[2]

typical 600 CZK, 100 to 1500 CZK a year

No nationwide leash rule was found. Municipalities set dog movement rules by decree, and a common template says dogs in built-up public areas may move only on a leash.[4]

Dog or cat needs an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older and valid from 21 days after the primary course, and an EU pet passport. Up to 5 animals per owner.[5]

Needs a microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, a rabies vaccination (12 weeks or older, valid from 21 days after the primary course), an animal health certificate valid 10 days from issue until entry checks, and an owner declaration. Pets enter through a travellers' point of entry. Older-model certificates stay valid if issued before 1 October 2026.[6]

Required for entry from non-EU countries not on the EU exemption list: blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the certificate is issued, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, tested at a designated laboratory. Not needed when moving between EU countries.[6]

Tapeworm treatment for dogs is only required when entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, so it is not required on entry to Czechia. Cats are exempt.[6]