Dogs in Estonia: rules, tax and travel
Keeping rules for dogs and cats are mostly set by municipalities, and many require a microchip and registration of dogs. A bill approved by the government in May 2026 would make chipping and national registration of dogs and cats compulsory, but its start date is not confirmed.
Dog and cat keeping rules, registration and fees are set by each municipality, so check your local council.
Breed rules
No breed list in Estonian law: the loomakaitseseadus contains no breed rule, and municipal pet-keeping rules (e.g. Tallinn, Viljandi) regulate leash and muzzle use by situation, not by breed. [1]
Registration and microchip
Set by municipal rules. For example Viljandi requires the microchip code to be entered in the national pet portal within five days, and Tartu requires dogs to be registered in the pet register.[2]
Municipal rules, for example Viljandi requires chipping from three months of age, and Tartu requires dogs to be chipped within three months of birth. A nationwide duty is planned but not yet confirmed in force.[2]
Leash and muzzle
In public places dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier they cannot escape from, and a leashed dog on public transport must wear a muzzle (Viljandi). Tartu requires supervision and says a leash or muzzle may be needed.[2]
Other rules
Viljandi requires a dog warning sign at property entrances and owners must clean up after their animals. It sets no limit on the number of dogs or cats.[2]
A 2024 legislative intent proposed banning regular chaining of dogs and letting the Agriculture and Food Board order neutering. It was a proposal and was not confirmed as adopted.[3]
Travelling to Estonia with a dog
An EU pet passport is needed, the microchip must come before the rabies vaccination, and the first vaccination is at 12 weeks or older. No titre test or tapeworm treatment is required.[4]
A veterinary certificate valid for 10 days and a signed non-commercial declaration are needed, plus microchip and rabies vaccination. Maximum five animals per traveller.[4]
Required only for animals from high-risk countries (Russia and Belarus since 16 September 2024): blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination, result 0.5 IU/ml or more, then three months before entry. Listed low-risk countries are exempt.[4]
Not required for dogs entering Estonia.[4]
No quarantine for dogs, cats or ferrets is described. Quarantine applies to pet birds from non-EU countries.[4]
What a dog costs in Estonia
Running costs for a medium-sized dog of about 20 kg, from current prices: about 607 EUR a year. Each breed page has its own figure.
| Food | 407 EUR about 91 kg of dry food a year source |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 80 EUR source |
| Pet insurance | 120 EUR typical policy, varies by breed and age source |
| Dog tax | 0 EUR |
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax, Licence or owner test, 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
- riigiteataja.ee/akt/409012026021.pdf (official)
- viljandi.ee/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Koerte-ja-kasside-pidamise-eeskiri-Viljandi-linnas. (official)
- news.err.ee/1609373708/proposed-changes-in-estonia-entail-neutering-pet-cats-ending-dog-ch (secondary source)
- pta.agri.ee/en/animals/travelling-pet-0 (official)