General Requirements for Importing Animals into Ukraine
Ukraine allows the import of animals who are clinically healthy and not intended for commercial purposes, provided that they are accompanied by their owner or authorized representative.
Since November 2019, a new order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food has been in effect on the territory of Ukraine. This document outlines the regulations for importing live animals and their reproductive materials into Ukraine. It can be accessed through the .
The recent order by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food reduced the required number of diagnostic tests for live animals before importation into Ukraine.
Additionally, a mandatory certificate confirming protective immunity against rabies is now required.
Planning for Trip
For a smooth and successful importation of an animal into Ukraine, it is essential to fulfill the three mandatory requirements imposed by the country:
Veterinary Passport and Veterinary Certificate Form 1
For successful importation into Ukraine, an animal must carry a veterinary passport and a Veterinary Certificate Form 1. The latter must be issued five days before entering Ukraine. The certificate can be issued at a state veterinary station in the country of origin;
Carnitine Period for Animals
Before bringing an animal into Ukraine, it must be kept in the country of departure for a mandatory 30-day waiting period from the date of vaccination. This requirement applies even at the stage of obtaining a Veterinary Certificate Form 1;
It is important to transport animals in transport kennels (by any means of transport) in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing during the trip.
International Veterinary Passport For a successful animal importation, it is essential that the animal's veterinary passport contains all relevant information relating to their health history. This should include all vaccinations, tests, and any other relevant marks or stamps made by the state veterinarian of the country of origin.
Microchip Microchipping is a compulsory procedure in Ukraine, as it is in many other countries. It is essential that your pet be equipped with a 15-digit microchip which complies with the standards of ISO 11784/11785.
Vaccination It is important to ensure that rabies vaccinations are administered to any animals entering Ukraine with the appropriate timing. Animals must be vaccinated 21 days to one year before entering Ukraine. Animals entering Ukraine from a rabies-free country recognized by the IEB (International Epizootic Bureau) do not require rabies vaccinations. Note: It is also crucial to get dogs vaccinated against hepatitis, enteritis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and plague. Cats should be vaccinated against panleukopenia. Both dogs and cats must undergo deworming and treatment against ectoparasites.
Rabies Antibody Titer Test It is crucial to conduct a test to measure the titer of antibodies to rabies virus appropriately when transporting animals. The test must be performed at least 3 months, but no more than 12 months, before the animals' entry into Ukraine. The analysis needs to be conducted in a certified laboratory, and the neutralizing antibodies should be at least 0.5 IU/ml to ensure compliance with regulations.
Airports and Customs
Animals entering Ukraine by air must do so through the Boryspil International Airport in Kiev.
For further details about the rules for transporting pets, it is recommended to seek clarification from the relevant Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine, as well as the State Committee of Veterinary Medicine.
FAQ
How Do I Find Out the Proper Paperwork for Importing Animals on Airplanes?
The State Committee of Veterinary Medicine of Ukraine is located at the following address: 01001, Kyiv, B. Grinchenko St., 1.
Tel: Reception (044) 279-12-70, Fax (044) 279-48-83
State Veterinary Control Service and Quarantine Point
The Ukrainian State Veterinary Control Service is located at the terminal "B" of Koltsovo Airport.
Tel: (044) 226-88-96, Quarantine Point (Tel.: 8-912-26-29-678).
What are the Potential Challenges to Keep in Mind when Transporting Animals to Ukraine?
When crossing the border of Ukraine, border officials carefully inspect all animal-related documentation. On occasion, they may make certain requests during this process. For instance, it is not uncommon for the border guards to require that pet dogs wear a muzzle even when transported by private car and not public transport.
Useful tips
All animals entering Ukraine must be free from signs of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Upon arrival, there is an inspection at the place of customs control, and a minor fee is charged for the pet inspection service.
If your pet has any health issues, an additional examination by a certified veterinarian may be required.
