General

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

In urban areas, public transport, common areas, parking lots, sports fields, and during events, all dogs must be kept on a leash. In all other locations, owners must keep their dog under control and leash them if necessary.

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.

Leash requirement

Dogs must be kept on a leash within built-up areas, on public transport, in public parking lots, on sports grounds and during public events. Outside built-up areas, dogs may be off-leash but must remain under control.

Exceptions for specific breeds

Luxembourg legislation classifies certain dog breeds as dangerous, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Tosas, Pitbulls, Boerbulls, and similar breeds.

For holidays or short stays, less strict rules apply. These dogs are allowed to enter Luxembourg, provided that:
- The dog is kept on a leash at all times and in all places
- The owner can present an official document proving legal ownership of the dog (the EU pet passport alone is not sufficient)

If you have any questions, please contact the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) in advance. They will be happy to help you.

For permanent relocation, stricter requirements apply: the owner must complete a mandatory 12-hour training course, the dog must undergo 24 hours of behavioural training at an accredited centre, and a permit must be requested from the Ministry of Agriculture in advance. These dogs may not be kept by persons under 18 years of age or with a criminal record.

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.