Moving to Hungary with your pet

Which pets can you bring to Hungary?

The most detailed legislation concerns cats, dogs, and ferrets, so the below rules will apply to them. For other animals, the rule of thumb is that you will need identification documents that also cover their origin, their ownership, their appearance, and their health.

When you are looking for rules concerning moving to Hungary (or Europe) with your pet, look for the “non-commercial movement” of pets. It means that you are not travelling with the animal to sell it, but to keep it.

Regarding dogs, cats, and ferrets, note that

• your pet must be at least 12 weeks old;
• you can bring at most 5 animals with you at a time.

Preparing for the journey with your pet

Only pets that are properly identifiable may enter Hungary (and Europe). This means your pet should be marked with a tattoo or a transponder (with a microchip). The tattoo is acceptable only if it is clearly legible and if it was created before 3 July 2011. Since then, only transponders are acceptable for marking your pets.

Your pet should be vaccinated against rabies. Since the vaccine takes 21 days to take effect, you can travel with your pet 21 days after their first vaccination. If your pet is vaccinated regularly, you can travel anytime within the validity period of the last vaccination.

* Depending on where you are coming from, you might need your pet tested for rabies before the journey, at least 30 days after the last vaccination. This is an antibody titration test that also shows if your pet is still protected. If the test has good results, you can enter Europe and Hungary 90 days after the blood sample was taken.

• You will NOT need this test if you are immigrating with your pet to Hungary from another EU country or one of the following countries: Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Vatican City State.
• If you are immigrating to Hungary with your pet from countries other than the above, you will also need a declaration from your vet that your pet is healthy and fit for travel.

** Some European countries also require that dogs be treated against tapeworms. These include Finland, Malta, Ireland, and the UK. However, Hungary is not among these countries.

Documents for travelling with your pet

To enter Hungary with your pet, you will need a pet passport. How you can get it will depend on where you live, but most probably you can get it from a certified veterinarian, and you might have to validate it by a local authority.

The pet passport should contain data on your pet, and the requirements listed above, including:

• Your pet’s name and description (with photo)
• Your pet’s date of birth
• Your pet’s unique ID, whether tattooed or microchipped
• Date of last rabies vaccination
• Date of rabies antibody titration test, if required
• Owner’s details

You should also prepare a written declaration that you are moving your pet for non-commercial purposes, and that during transfer your pet has not come into contact with any (wild) animals of species susceptible to rabies.

Some advice for immigrating to Hungary with your pet

Even while still in your country of previous residence, you can plan your travel and your new life in Hungary with your pet.

• Look for an accommodation that is pet friendly. Discussing having a pet with your landlord is a must, but you may also check the map for nearby dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, etc.
• Research local vets.
• Bring a first aid kit for your pet.
• Choose a pet friendly travel method. Many airlines and railway undertakings have policies for pets; check up on them when planning your travel.
• Crate your pet before entering the airport or railway station. The crowd, the noises, and the alien environment may be stressful to your pet, so you can make the journey safer for both of you if you crate your pet before diving into the crowd.

Moving pets to Hungary during the pandemic

As currently there is no evidence that pets might spread the coronavirus, there are no specific restrictions pertaining to bringing your pet with you. Your pet will still need the pet passport and the vaccination listed above, but there are no extra requirements. Mind you, if you expect to be quarantined upon arrival to Hungary, you will not be allowed to leave your accommodation to walk your dog, so you should arrange for that in advance, e.g. with a friend. Also, while the animals themselves may not get infected, you should wash your hands more often, e.g. after stroking them, and, you might want to clean your dogs paws after going for a walk.

Need help? Just ask!

If you are planning immigration to Hungary with your pet, make sure to take care of getting the right documents for them in time. Keep in mind the 90 days waiting time after the rabies antibody test (if you are coming from outside Europe). You might also want to prepare for your new life in Hungary by researching local vets and other facilities that might be relevant. If you need help with getting residency in Hungary with your pet, just contact us through the form below, and we will be happy to help.