Dogs in Moldova: rules, tax and travel
A new national law on pet animals (Law No. 256/2025, 10 July 2025) is being phased in, and from September 2027 breeding of 11 named breeds will be banned. Chisinau has a draft city regulation with registration, tags or chips and leash rules. Entering the country needs a microchip, rabies vaccination and a veterinary certificate.
Municipalities such as Chisinau set their own pet regulations; the Chisinau text found is a draft.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Banned | Akbash, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, American Bandog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff (Pitbullmastiff), Bully Kutta, Campeiro Bulldog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Gull Dong, Wolfdog, Wolfdog Hybrid ANSA says Law No. 256/2025 bans breeding and reproduction of these 11 'potentially dangerous' breeds from September 2027 and sets strict rules for owners. [1] |
| Chisinau | Muzzle and leash required | American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Pitbull Terrier, German Shepherd Dog A draft city regulation lists these breeds and crosses as 'special responsibility' dogs that need a muzzle and leash, an owner course and a certificate. Draft, not confirmed as in force. [2] |
Registration and microchip
Companion animal identification is governed by Law No. 256/2025 on the protection of pet animals, according to a 2026 Ministry of Agriculture bill. The detailed national registry rules were not found. A draft Chisinau regulation would require dogs, cats and ferrets to be registered from 3 months of age and to carry a tag or microchip.[3]
Dog tax and licence
The draft Chisinau regulation would require owners of listed 'special responsibility' breeds to complete a cynology course with the dog and get a certificate. Draft only.[2]
Leash and muzzle
The draft Chisinau regulation requires a short leash with the registration tag attached outside the home, a muzzle and leash for listed special-responsibility breeds and on public transport, and off-leash exercise only in designated areas. Draft only.[2]
Other rules
Law No. 256/2025 bans cruelty and keeping animals in unsanitary or extreme conditions, and lets local authorities set limits on how many pets may be kept at home. The law takes effect 24 months after publication in the Official Gazette.[4]
Existing dogs of the 11 listed breeds may stay with their owners, who must register and sterilise them and may not hand them to third parties, according to a news report.[5]
The draft Chisinau regulation requires sterilisation of dogs and cats from 6 months unless medically unsuitable, and limits chains (at least 3 m on a fixed point, no more than 14 hours a day). Draft only.[2]
Travelling to Moldova with a dog
Pets enter with a valid veterinary certificate (issued electronically via the EVO / MCabinet system), proof of rabies vaccination and microchip identification. The pet must be declared in writing at the border and shown to the border veterinarian. The ANSA guide also mentions an international pet passport.[6]
Pets enter with a valid veterinary certificate (issued electronically via the EVO / MCabinet system), proof of rabies vaccination and microchip identification. The pet must be declared in writing at the border and shown to the border veterinarian. The ANSA guide also mentions an international pet passport. Pets must come from an area free of rabies cases for 12 months, per the USDA export certificate.[6]
The ANSA guide says a rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 3 months before shipment, is part of the entry rules. A third-party site says it is only needed from non-listed high-rabies countries.[7]
Not required for dogs.[8]
No quarantine if the requirements are met.[8]
Not confirmed yet: Microchip, Dog tax, 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
- ansa.gov.md/media/comunicate-de-presa/ansa-schimbari-majore-legislatie-anumite-rase-de-cai (official)
- new.chisinau.md/ro/act_projects_details/preview_attachment/24.pdf (official)
- gov.md/sites/default/files/media/documents/sedinte-de-guvern/2026-05/NU-893-MAIA-ANSA-2025 (official)
- leap.unep.org/en/countries/md/national-legislation/law-no-lp2562025-protection-pet-animals (secondary source)
- radiomoldova.md/p/69430 (secondary source)
- customs.gov.md/en/articles/animale-de-companie-1919-ro (official)
- ansa.gov.md/sites/default/files/documents/S%C4%83n%C4%83tatea_%C8%99i_bun%C4%83starea_anim (official)
- pettravel.com/immigration/Moldova.cfm (secondary source)