Moving to the Czech Republic with pets

Bringing your cat or dog to the Czech Republic

From an EU country

If you're moving from another EU country, the process to bring dogs, cats, or ferrets with you is relatively simple. Your pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination must be done after the microchip is implanted. Once vaccinated, you'll need to wait at least 21 days before traveling.

The main document you'll need is an EU pet passport. This includes your pet's identification details and vaccination history, and it must be kept up to date. In most cases, if your paperwork is in order, crossing into the Czech Republic rarely involves complications.

From outside the EU

If you're coming from outside the EU, the process depends on whether your country is classified as “listed” (low rabies risk) or “unlisted” (higher rabies risk).

For the listed countries, the requirements are similar to those within the EU. Your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies after the microchip, and accompanied by an official veterinary certificate issued within 10 days before travel.

For unlisted countries, there are extra steps and costs. Your pet will need a rabies blood test (titer test). A vet in your country must take the blood and send it to an EU-approved lab. If there is no approved lab in your country, the sample must be sent to a designated lab in the EU. Because of this, the test can cost anywhere from €100 to €600.

You will also need to pay for the vet visit, the blood draw, and the paperwork. The process also includes a waiting period, so it can take several months.

You can find a list of EU-approved labs on the European Commission website.

Good to know:

Because of the vaccination timeline and waiting period, pets from unlisted countries are usually at least seven months old before they can travel.

Traveling with other pets to the Czech Republic

Bringing other pets such as rabbits, birds, or small rodents is usually less complicated than traveling with dogs or cats. These animals are generally not subject to the same strict rabies vaccination and documentation requirements, since they are not considered a rabies risk.

In most cases, you will only need a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in your home country. This document should confirm that the animal is healthy and fit to travel, and it must typically be issued within 10 days before arrival in the Czech Republic.

Important rules to keep in mind when traveling to the Czech Republic with pets

EU rules allow you to travel with up to five pets under non-commercial conditions. Your pet should travel with you or within five days of your arrival. If this timing isn't respected, the move may be treated as a commercial import, which involves stricter requirements.

At the point of entry, your pet may be checked by veterinary authorities. In practice, this is usually quick and routine if all documents are complete and correctly dated.

Good to know:

One of the most common issues is incorrect timing of the rabies vaccination. If the 21-day waiting period hasn't passed, your pet may be denied entry or put into quarantine. Quarantine is not necessary if all paperwork is correct and you waited at least 21 days after the vaccine to travel.

Pet transport and arrival rules in the Czech Republic

Most pets arrive by air, with Prague being the main entry point for international arrivals. While several airports exist in the country, Prague is the primary location equipped to handle international pet entry checks.

Airlines set their own rules depending on the size and breed of your pet. Smaller animals can often travel in the cabin, while larger pets are transported in the cargo hold. Requirements vary, so it's important to check details such as crate size, weight limits, and documentation well in advance.

Living with pets in the Czech Republic

Once you arrive, daily life with a pet is generally easy. The Czech Republic is very pet-friendly, particularly when it comes to dogs. You'll see pets on public transport, in parks, and even in cafés and restaurants.

Registration and dog tax

In most cities, including Prague, dogs must be registered with the local municipality. Owners are required to pay an annual dog tax, which varies by district and housing type. The process is usually simple and can be done through the local municipal office.

Public transport and everyday rules

Pets are allowed on public transport, including the metro, trams, and buses. Dogs must be on a leash, and larger dogs are often required to wear a muzzle. Smaller pets typically travel in carriers.

Parks are widely available and commonly used by dog owners. While most areas are pet-friendly, some parks have designated zones or restrictions, so it's worth checking local rules.

Veterinary care

Veterinary care in the Czech Republic is generally good and more affordable than in many Western European countries. Clinics are widely available in Prague and other major cities, and emergency services are accessible as well. In Prague, private pet ambulance services are available for urgent care and emergency transport to veterinary clinics. Providers like Pet-Medic offer emergency assistance and can help if you're unable to move your pet yourself.

Pet insurance is available in the Czech Republic, although it's still relatively new compared to countries like the UK or Germany. The two largest and most reliable companies are PetExpert (English-friendly) and Generali Česká pojišťovna (Czech only).

Good to know:

Not all clinics work directly with insurance providers, so you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement afterward.

Useful links:

State Veterinary Administration - Traveling with pets