Pet Wiki

Cats in Russia: rules and travel

Federal Law 498-FZ requires dogs to be leashed in public and rabies vaccinated, but there is no national dog register, dog tax or compulsory microchip. Some regions require dog registration.

Pet keeping and walking rules, including dog registration and dog walking areas, are set by regions and cities in addition to federal law 498-FZ.

Keeping rules

Rabies vaccination is compulsory by law for pets, cats included. No limit on the number of animals is set.[1]

Travelling to Russia with a cat

From an EU country

Russia accepts the EU pet passport as the health certificate for up to 2 animals per owner. The animal must be marked, vaccinated (dogs: rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis; cats: rabies and panleukopenia) at least 20 days before travel if not vaccinated in the last 12 months, and examined by an official vet within 14 days. A statement on freedom from anthrax, rabies and tuberculosis is entered in the passport.[2]

From outside the EU

EAEU rules apply. From the US a Form 15 certificate signed by an accredited vet and endorsed by APHIS is needed, issued within 5 days of travel. Rabies vaccination within 12 months, other vaccines 20 days to 12 months before travel. Up to 2 pets need no permit; more than 2 or pets travelling without the owner need a Rosselkhoznadzor permit.[3]

Rabies antibody test

No titre test is required to enter. A titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken within 12 months can be used instead of a booster if rabies vaccination has lapsed.[3]

Quarantine

No quarantine if 5 or fewer dogs and cats travel together with the endorsed certificate.[3]

Not confirmed yet: Registration, Microchip. 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

  1. spmag.ru/articles/pravila-soderzhaniya-domashnih-zhivotnyh-v-rossii (secondary source)
  2. ruokavirasto.fi/en/animals/travellers/pets/conditions-for-export-to-different-countries/ru (official)
  3. aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/russia-dog-cat-guidance_0.pdf (official)