If you want to visit Slovakia with a pet (dog, cat, or ferret), you need to make sure that your pet meets the established veterinary standards. In order to be allowed to enter Slovakia, animals must:

• Be identified by a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 and is readable by an ISO 11785 device. Tattoos applied before 07/03/2011 are allowed;

• Have an identity document. This document can be a pet passport (for animals from EU countries) or a veterinary certificate (for animals from third countries). The certificate must be completed by a licensed veterinarian of the country of export following the model: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/SK/TXT/?qid=1472649564215&uri=CELEX:32016R0561

• Have a current rabies vaccination. Animals must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination; after vaccination, a period of 21 days must pass;

• Pets from third countries with a high risk of contracting rabies must also be tested for antibody titer. The test results must be indicated in the pet passport or veterinary certificate and be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Third countries with a low risk of rabies infection include Australia, Belarus, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Russia, UAE, USA, etc. A complete list can be found in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 576/2013.

Slovakia allows the importation of young pets (under 12 weeks of age) without vaccination, as well as animals whose vaccination is not yet considered valid (from 12 to 16 weeks of age) from other Member States of the European Union. In this case, the cubs can be accompanied by a mother who has a microchip and is vaccinated against rabies. If the animals are travelling without a mother, the owner may write a statement confirming that they have not been in contact with a species susceptible to rabies from the time of birth until the time of travel.

For third countries, the importation of young animals without vaccination is prohibited. The exception is the countries listed in part 1 of Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 576/2013. These countries will be subject to the same requirements as EU member states.

It is allowed to import no more than 5 pets per owner. The exception is travel for the purpose of participating in exhibitions, competitions and sporting events. If the established norm is exceeded, the rules of commercial transportation will apply to animals.