Dogs in Poland: rules, tax and travel

A national register of chipped dogs and cats (KROPiK, run by ARiMR) was signed into law on 2 June 2026. Dogs must be registered before the first rabies vaccination, and existing dogs within 3 years of the law taking effect. The law starts about 2 years after publication.[2]

Chipping is not compulsory today. Under the 2026 KROPiK law all dogs must be chipped and registered once it takes effect. The owner pays; the fee is capped at 0.56% of the average national wage and some gminas may refund it.[2]

Dog fee (opłata od posiadania psa) is optional and set by each gmina council. The legal ceiling is 186.29 PLN per dog in 2026 and 191.32 PLN in 2027. Examples for 2026: Kraków 36, Sopot 96. Warsaw, Gdańsk, Łódź and Wrocław do not charge it.[3]

Dogs must be kept under control. Each gmina sets local rules in its cleanliness regulation, but a court has held that a blanket rule of leash and muzzle for every dog goes beyond a gmina's powers (first-instance ruling, 2020).[4]

Tethering: a dog may not be kept permanently on a tether for more than 12 hours a day, and the tether must be at least 3 metres. A stricter chain ban bill has been in parliament; its final status was not confirmed.[5]

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.[6]

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.[7]

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.[7]

Tapeworm treatment for dogs is only required when entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, so it is not required on entry to Poland. Cats are exempt.[7]