At VetGlobal Relocation, we regularly assist clients who are either relocating to Russia or travelling there on holiday with their beloved pets. As the import requirements can be confusing and time-sensitive, we wanted to provide an overview of the process and explain how our team can make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What are the requirements for dogs and cats travelling to Russia?
Every pet is different, and the exact requirements depend on several factors, including the species, vaccination history, and country of origin.
In general, dogs and cats travelling to Russia must have a valid rabies vaccination. If your pet is receiving its first-ever rabies vaccine (primary vaccination), a mandatory waiting period applies before travel is permitted.
In addition, there are specific vaccination requirements for both dogs and cats, each with their own timing and validity rules. It is essential that these vaccinations are administered correctly and within the required timeframe to avoid any issues before departure.
Documentation required
All pets travelling to Russia require documentation to be endorsed through CEXGAN, which is submitted by the Official Government Veterinarian.
The exact document required depends on whether your pet has an EU Pet Passport:
- Pets travelling with an EU Pet Passport must have their EU Pet Passport legalised through CEXGAN by the Official Government Veterinarian before departure.
- Pets without an EU Pet Passport will require an Animal Health Certificate issued by the Official Government Veterinarian through CEXGAN before travelling.
Ensuring the correct documentation is obtained and processed in advance is essential for a smooth journey to Russia.
Returning to Spain from Russia
If you are planning to return to Spain with your pet after your trip to Russia, additional requirements apply. In particular, your pet will need a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT).
This blood test must be carried out before travelling to Russia and within the required timeframe to ensure your pet can legally re-enter Spain and the European Union without unnecessary delays or complications. Planning ahead is essential, as failing to comply with this requirement can significantly affect your return journey.
Stress-free home visit service
We understand that preparing a pet for international travel can be overwhelming. That’s why VetGlobal Relocation offers convenient home visits, allowing your pet to remain comfortable in its familiar environment while we take care of everything.
During our visit, we can:
- Administer all required vaccinations.
- Review your pet’s medical records and travel eligibility.
- Prepare the necessary travel documentation.
- Guide you through every step of the process.
Government paperwork? We can handle that too.
For clients who require additional assistance, we also offer a complete document handling service. We can collect your paperwork, present it to the official government veterinary authorities for endorsement where required, and deliver the completed documents directly back to your home.
Let the experts help
International pet travel requires careful planning and attention to detail. At VetGlobal Relocation, we have extensive experience helping families travel safely and legally with their pets to destinations around the world, including Russia.
If you are planning to travel to Russia with your dog or cat, contact VetGlobal Relocation today. Our experienced team will be happy to guide you through the process, advise you on the requirements for returning to Spain, and ensure your pet’s journey is as safe, compliant, and stress-free as possible.