Expert Import of animals to Russia
The rules for importing animals into Russia are quite clear, but they require careful observance of all formalities.
Transportation of pets across the Russian border - A topic that at first glance seems simple. However, in practice, it contains many nuances. If the requirements and procedures in force are not taken into account, it may be difficult to cross the border.
It is important to understand that many rules for importing animals into Russia have been in force for several years. At the same time, for a long time, control over their observance by veterinary and customs services remained quite soft. Recently, the situation has changed: checks have become much stricter, and non-compliance with the requirements can lead to the delay of the animal at the border or even to refusal of import.
In this article, we will analyze the key requirements for the import of dogs and cats into the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as the main documents and procedures that must be taken into account.
Basic requirements for the import of animals into Russia
Mandatory vaccination against rabies
One of the key conditions for importing animals from abroad is vaccination against rabies.
Previously, veterinary documents sometimes allowed wording. "unvaccinated by age"This option is no longer accepted for international transport of animals.
If the animal is imported into Russia from another country, it must:
- rabies vaccination
- vaccination should be done at least 30 days prior to entry
- The duration of vaccination should not exceed year
The minimum age of the animal for international transport is four months:
- Vaccination is carried out at about 3 months
- A 30-day period after vaccination is required.
In transport inside Transportation of young animals is allowed if the veterinary certificate indicates "not vaccinated for rabies.".
Import of animals in CARGO status
When permission from Rosselkhoznadzor is required
If the animal is brought to Russia unaccompaniedIn the status of Cargo (as cargo), additional requirements apply.
In this case, it is necessary to obtain importation permit from Rosselkhoznadzorthrough the system "Argus.".
Without such permission, the veterinary service at the border will not allow the animal to enter the country. In some cases, the owner may be asked to issue a permit after the arrival of the animal, but this greatly complicates the procedure and can lead to delays.
It is important to note that this requirement concerns international transport only. It is not used to move animals inside Russia.
Basic documents for the importation of animals
Regardless of the method of transportation, a certain set of documents is required to import an animal into Russia.
Veterinary passport
A mandatory document is the animal’s veterinary passport.
It should indicate:
- age of the animal (at least 4 months for international transport)
- rabies vaccination data
- information about other vaccinations (for example, plague)
- vaccination - at least 30 days before carriage
Veterinary certificate of the country of departure
A veterinary certificate issued by the veterinary service of the country from which the animal departs will also be required.
This document is analogous to the Russian veterinary certificate. form or EurocertificateIt is issued when exporting animals from Russia.
In different countries, the document may have:
- name
- format
- customization
However, his appointment remains the same. - Confirmation of animal health and legality of transportation.
Return of animals to Russia
Use of previously issued certificates
If the animal originally left Russia and then returns back, it is allowed to use the documents issued on departure.
Such documents include:
- veterinary certificate form
- Eurocertificate
- Similar certificates issued in Turkey or Georgia
However, there is a time limit. Depending on the type of certificate, the document is valid. 90 to 120 days.
If the document expires, new veterinary documents will be required.

Transportation of animals from the CIS countries and the Customs Union
When transporting animals from a number of CIS countries and countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan), a veterinary certificate is used. form.
If the animal left Russia and returns back, it is possible to use the same certificate form No. 1 if:
- its duration does not exceed 14 days
- the document indicates the return route
Example of route:
Moscow - Almaty - Moscow
Or a similar route through other cities.
Veterinary certificate form No. 15
Another important document is veterinary certificate of form No. 15.
It is required in two cases:
1. Long-term stay of the animal abroad
If the owner left Russia with the animal and returned to Russia After staying abroad for more than 90 daysForm No. 15 will be required.
If the period of stay is shorter, it is allowed to use the previously issued certificate form No. 5a.
2. Unaccompanied transportation of animals
Form 15 is also required if the animal is brought to Russia. CARGOThat is, unaccompanied by the owner.
Mandatory chipping requirement
Recently, veterinary services have begun to significantly more rigorously check the presence of microchips in animals.
For import into Russia from abroad:
- Dogs and cats should be necessarily chipped
- The chip number must match the number on the veterinary passport.
At the time of writing, the requirements remain less stringent when transporting animals from:
- some CIS countries
- Customs Union countries
- regions
However, the situation is gradually changing and the requirements may be tightened.
Customs requirements for the importation of animals
Transportation of one or two animals
If the owner is carrying petCustoms authorities usually do not require additional paperwork.
However, the rules may change if the number of animals exceeds the established limit.
Transportation of more than two animals
If one person brings in more thanCustoms authorities may require completion passenger customs declaration.
The declaration indicates the cost of imported animals.
Import of animals in CARGO status
When delivering an animal through the cargo terminal, it is necessary to issue invoice (Invoice) in the country of departure.
The document should indicate the cost of the animal.
Depending on the method of import, various forms of declarations are used:
- passenger declaration
- declaration form 263
Practice shows that the choice of the form of the declaration may depend on:
- arrival airport
- internal requirements of a particular customs
- Sometimes even from the decision of a customs officer.
The rules for importing animals into Russia are quite clear, but they require careful observance of all formalities.
The main requirements include:
- rabies vaccination
- availability of veterinary documents
- chipping
- Execution of additional permits for transportation in the status of CARGO
At the same time, control by veterinary and customs services has recently increased significantly. Therefore, before planning international transportation of animals, it is important to check the current requirements in advance and prepare a full set of documents.
This approach avoids border delays and ensures safe transportation of animals.
Expert contacts:
Good flight company
Transportation of animals around the world
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