Summary
Traveling to Finland with your furry friend is no longer the hassle it once was. By keeping a few essential pet travel requirements in mind, taking your dog to Finland can be quite easy and enjoyable. The same rules apply for cats as well.
Plan Ahead
It is important to note that the completion of vaccinations and veterinary forms can take 3-4 months. Therefore, if you are planning to take your dog to Finland, it is crucial to start the preparations early. Tattooed dogs and cats no longer qualify for travel, as Finnish authorities have shifted to prioritize microchips.
The key factor to remember when taking your dog to Finland is that there are two sets of pet regulations which depend on whether you enter from an EU country or from a non-EU country. Consequently, understanding the differences is vital to ensure compliance with the appropriate regulations.
Bringing Your Dog to Finland From the EU
First, you will need to obtain an EU pet passport from your veterinarian. Your licensed vet should be able to fill out the EU pet passport as required. To bring dogs to Finland from within the EU, it is mandatory for the dog to be vaccinated against rabies.
Additionally, the dog must be dewormed for tapeworm. However, tapeworm treatment is not required if you are importing the animal directly from Sweden or Norway. For detailed guidelines on bringing dogs to Finland, consult the Finnish EVIRA department.
Remember to stop at the customs office upon your arrival in Finland, as customs personnel will need to check the dog’s paperwork.
Bringing Your Dog to Finland From a Non-EU Country
Requirements for pet travel from non-EU countries are slightly stricter. Similar to travelers from the EU, you should attempt to acquire a pet passport for your dog, or have your vet complete the EU Veterinary certificate available on the Finnish animal import and export website.
Bringing your dog to Finland from a non-EU country mandates that the dog (or cat) be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to travel, and be dewormed against tapeworm within a maximum of 30 days before the journey to Finland.
Please note that when flying with your dog, you must select a flight to Helsinki-Vantaa airport for inspection. Upon your arrival in Finland with your dog, you should follow the ‘Goods to Declare’ line at customs. Finnish customs personnel will assist you with the process and check your dog’s (or cat’s) documentation.
Booking Your Dog’s Flight
When making your travel arrangements to Finland, it is essential to notify your airline that you plan to bring your dog or cat along. The airline will check for available space, and there will be an additional fee for this service. Furthermore, if you are considering sedating your pet for the trip, inquire whether the airline’s animal transportation policy permits this.
Keep in mind that Finland updates its animal import regulations annually. Consequently, there may be slight procedural changes for dogs by the time you travel. Always ensure you check for official updates before taking your dog to Finland to avoid any last-minute surprises.
