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Import of pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) from third countries for other purposes

 

  • When the animal is intended for sale or for the transfer of ownership
  • When more than five animals are transported at the same time
  • When the animal's movement is not associated with the owner’s journey

Note: An exception applies where more than five animals are transported to participate in a competition, exhibition, sporting event, or training for such an event. In these cases, the requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pets apply.

  • Medininkai Border Control Post;
  • Kybartai Road Border Control Post;
  • Vilnius Airport Border Control Post.

These border control posts have veterinary border control posts approved for checks on live animals. Contact details are available here or here.

  • From third countries listed in Part 1 of Annex VIII to Regulation (EU) 2021/404*;
    *Please refer to the latest consolidated version of the Regulation.
  • Animals must originate from approved or registered holdings/establishments, collection centres or animal shelters.
  • Animals must be identified with a subcutaneous microchip or a tattoo (applied before 3 July 2011).
  • Animals must be vaccinated against rabies
    • In the case of a primary vaccination, at least 21 days prior to the issuance of the health certificate;
    • The animal must be at least 12 weeks (84 days) old.

Note: In the case of revaccination, the 21-day waiting period does not apply, provided the booster vaccine was administered before the previous vaccine expired.

  • Animals originating from countries listed in Part 1 of Annex VIII to Regulation (EU) 2021/404 for which the specific condition ‘Rabies Antibody Titration Test’ applies (for example, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Türkiye, Israel and others) must have undergone a rabies antibody titration test demonstrating an antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination against rabies. A satisfactory test result must be obtained at least three months before the health certificate is issued. The test must be carried out by an approved laboratory (see list of approved laboratories).
  • Within 48 hours before dispatch, the animals must have been examined by an official veterinarian, who must confirm that the animals show no clinical signs of disease, and they are fit to be transported on the intended journey.

Specific requirements for dogs travelling to Malta, Finland, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), Norway or Ireland

  • Dogs travelling to Malta, Finland, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), Norway or Ireland must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis.

The treatment must be administered by a veterinarian within a period that begins no more than 48 hours and ends no less than 24 hours before the dog's arrival in the destination country or territory listed above.

Requirements for the transport of animals

  • Animals must be transported in a manner that ensures their welfare.
  • Natural or legal persons engaged in the transport of animals must have:

In Lithuania, transporter authorisations, approvals of road vehicles used for animal transport, and certificates of competence for animal attendants are assessed and issued in accordance with the Order of the Director of the State Food and Veterinary Service No B1-136 of 26 January 2007 On the Approval of the Procedure for Issuing Transporter Authorisations and Certificates of Approval for Road Vehicles Used for the Transport of Animals, and the Procedure for Issuing Certificates of Competence for Animal Attendants.

European Commission guidelines on the transport of pets

  • Part I of the Common Health Entry Document for Animals (CHED-A). Part I of the CHED-A must be submitted via TRACES NT no later than 24 hours before the animals arrive at the border control post (or at least four hours before arrival where justified by logistical constraints.
  • Proof of payment of the state fee for veterinary checks of animals, such as a payment receipt or a transfer confirmation from the bank:
    • State fee: EUR 55;
    • Recipient: State Tax Inspectorate under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania;
    • Recipient code: 188659752;
    • Payment code: 5742.

Account numbers for state budget revenue payments.

*Please refer to the latest consolidated version of the Regulation.

The transporter is provided with a certified copy of the veterinary certificate and the CHED (Parts I and II). The consignment may then proceed to its destination for any further controls that may be required.

Once the consignment has arrived at its destination, the provisions of Chapter IV of the Rules on the Identification and Registration of Pets, approved by Order No D1-222 of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania of 2 July 2024 On Approval of the Rules on the Identification and Registration of Pets apply. Accordingly:

  • Dogs, cats and ferrets moved to or imported into the Republic of Lithuania must be registered in the Pet Register within 20 working days of their arrival.
  • Keepers or owners of dogs, cats and ferrets moved to or imported into the Republic of Lithuania that are not yet registered in the Pet Register must contact a veterinarian or an authorised pet identifier to arrange registration.

At the border customs post, the pet and thefollowing documents must be presented for customs inspection:

  • a customs declaration*;
  • a completed CHED (Parts I and II).
  • The customs declaration may be completed by the pet transporter at the border customs post and submitted to customs authorities.
  • Alternatively, the declaration may be completed and submitted electronically through iMDAS.


Further information is available on the website of Lithuanian Customs.

Last updated: 30-10-2026