The EU has tightened requirements for the import of pets from Russia and Belarus

From September 16, 2024 , for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats from the territory of Russia and Belarus to the EU (including transit), a rabies antibody test done in an accredited laboratory will be required. This was announced by the chief state veterinarian of the Lithuanian Border Control Department, Alicia Zarankovich.

“Russia and Belarus are excluded from the list of countries that effectively implement anti-rabies (anti-rabies) requirements . <...> From now on, to import dogs, cats or ferrets into the European Union from Belarus and Russia, it is necessary to carry out a test for rabies antibodies,” she noted.

This test, according to Zarankovic, must be carried out in special laboratories accredited in the EU. A list of such laboratories is published on the official website of the European Union.

Currently, to bring a pet into the EU, it is required that it be marked with a subcutaneous microchip or tattoo, and also be vaccinated against rabies (primary vaccination given to the animal at least 12 weeks of age).

Now, from September 16, one more point has been added: the animal must undergo a serological test for rabies antibodies and receive a document confirming this. Research
requirements :

• the sample for analysis was taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least three months before the issuance of a veterinary certificate and entry into the EU,
• The serological test was performed in a certified laboratory.

As follows from a Romira study conducted in August last year, half of Russians (49.9%) keep at least one cat at home, and every fifth person (20.5%) has a dog. Compared to previous years, the number of cat owners in Russia has increased: in 2000 there were 46%, in 2013 - 45%. In 2021, Romir recorded the maximum number of cat owners - 50.4% of respondents. As for dog owners, their share decreased by 5 percentage points. compared to last year, but remains higher than ten years ago (14.8% in 2013 and 14.5% in 2014).

The majority of Russians (60.3%) prefer outbred cats. In second place in popularity are British ones (14.9%), in third place are Siamese ones (3%). Outbred dogs, like cats, lead in popularity (33.8%). The most common purebred dogs are Yorkshire terriers (8.4%), German shepherds (6.8%), toy terriers (4%), Spitz (3.9%), dachshunds and Pekingese (2.7% each). .

The ticket purchasing service Aviasales previously calculated that about a quarter of Russians prefer to travel with their pets. A survey of the service showed that 26% of respondents regard traveling with animals as a necessary measure. Slightly less, 24% of respondents, on the contrary, cannot imagine their vacation without their pet. Other users feel fine on vacation with or without a pet. At the same time, analysts found that 86% of tourists have difficulty organizing a trip with an animal. In particular, they find it more difficult to book accommodation. In addition, preparation before travel takes a lot of time - the need for microchips and vaccinations.