Official Import Rules
Russia requires an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 20 days old), and a veterinary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. An EU-format health certificate is accepted from EU countries. The health certificate must be issued within 5 days of travel. No titer test is required. Dogs must also have current FVRCP vaccination. Up to 2 pets per person can travel as personal pets without an import permit.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
A government list of 'potentially dangerous breeds' (wolf hybrids and certain fighting/guard types) requires leash + muzzle in public; import of listed breeds is permitted but regulated.
Muzzle & leash laws
Listed breeds: muzzle and lead mandatory outside enclosed private property.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None
City & Housing Notes
Moscow (centre, Arbat, Kitay-Gorod) and St Petersburg are dog-friendly cities with excellent vet care. Russian culture has a deep affinity for dogs — the Hermitage Museum famously employs dozens of dogs. Many apartments allow pets.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Good vet care in Moscow and St Petersburg with many modern clinics. Outside major cities, quality varies significantly. Common concerns include extreme winter cold — keep dogs indoors. Year-round flea/tick prevention recommended.
Leaving Russia With Your Dog
Exit requires a veterinary certificate from a state veterinary clinic (gosudarstvennaya veterinarnaya klinika). Processing takes 3–5 days. Some destination countries require additional Russian government endorsement.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Russia dog-friendly?
Very. Russia has one of the strongest dog cultures in the world. The Hermitage Museum dogs are world-famous. Most landlords accept dogs readily.
Can dogs handle Russian winters?
Indoor dogs are fine with heating. Never let dogs outside in winter in northern Russia — temperatures can drop below -30°C. Russian apartments are generally well-heated.
Do I need a titer test?
No. Russia does not require a rabies titer test for pet dog imports, making the process simpler than many countries.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.