General

The dog or cat must be identified by means of a microchip and must have a European passport.

Vaccinations

The dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination must be given at least 21 days before departure, and must be repeated within the validity period. A vaccination after this period is considered a first vaccination and is only valid again after 21 days.

A puppy/kitten must be at least 12 weeks old when receiving its first rabies vaccination, which means they can only cross the border from the age of 15 weeks.

Transportation

The dog or cat must not interfere with the driver and must be protected against sudden movements or in case of an accident. This can be achieved through a securely fastened car crate, a special harness attached to the seat belt, or a closed luggage compartment with a safety net or barrier.

Muzzle

In public transport, including ski lifts, dogs in Austria must wear a muzzle.

Leash requirement

In Austria, specific rules apply to leashing dogs, which can vary by municipality and state. In general, your dog must be kept on a leash in residential areas and grasslands. On public transport, both a leash and muzzle are often mandatory.

Always check the specific rules of the municipality where you are staying, as regulations may vary locally.

Exceptions for specific breeds

In Austria, regulations for "dangerous" dog breeds vary significantly by federal state: from no special requirements to mandatory licenses, courses and registration requirements. You can find more information here.

Traveling with more than 5 animals

When traveling with more than five animals, they must undergo a clinical examination, and their passport must include an additional certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the country of departure. The animals will then be subject to commercial transportation regulations.

The non-commercial transportation rules still apply when transporting more than five animals for participation in competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or training, as long as the animals are older than 6 months and the owner can provide written proof of participation.