Traveling with animals, buying and selling animals

Anyone travelling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal in Slovenia must comply with a range of regulations. Whether it is a dog, cat, horse, or livestock, each type of animal is subject to specific requirements regarding transport, registration, and documentation. At the same time, many owners are looking for practical guidance on how to transport their animals safely and with as little stress as possible—whether for a holiday, a relocation, or a transfer to a new owner.

To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty, and a smooth journey, it is essential to familiarise yourself in advance with the Slovenian rules. This includes, in particular, the required travel documents, vaccination requirements, transport standards, and any reporting obligations or restrictions. Proper preparation not only makes procedures easier, but also helps you avoid unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.

As an EU Member State, Slovenia applies the EU-wide rules for travelling with pets and complements them with national requirements, for example regarding the registration of dogs, veterinary checks, and the buying and selling of animals. Anyone who understands these requirements can plan reliably and ensure that transport, keeping, and transferring animals comply with applicable animal welfare standards.

Entering Slovenia with Pets (Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets)

Key Documents and Requirements

For entry into Slovenia, the EU-wide harmonised pet travel rules apply. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be clearly identified by microchip. A tattoo is only recognised if it was applied before the relevant cut-off date and has been properly documented. In addition, a valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The first vaccination may be administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age and is only valid for travel 21 days after primary vaccination.

You must also carry an EU pet passport containing the microchip number, owner details, and all relevant vaccinations. These requirements are consistently checked by the Slovenian authorities and reflect applicable EU standards.

Rules During Your Stay

• Public areas and swimming spots: In Slovenia, dogs are only permitted in many public lakes, beaches, and natural swimming areas to a limited extent, especially during peak season. There are often designated dog areas or time restrictions. Please check the local rules on site.
• Leash rules and waste bags: In towns and municipalities, dogs generally must be kept on a leash, especially in parks, residential areas, and busy places. In nature, dogs may be allowed off leash in some areas, but they must remain under control at all times. Carrying and using waste bags is mandatory.
• Muzzle: There is no general muzzle requirement. However, a muzzle may be required on public transport or for dogs classified as dangerous.
• Road safety: During travel, animals must be secured in a way that prevents distraction or danger to the driver. Recommended options include transport crates, barrier grilles, or dedicated safety harnesses.
• Accommodation: Not all accommodations in Slovenia accept pets. Please confirm before travelling whether pets are allowed and whether additional conditions or costs apply.

Entering Slovenia with Horses

Key Documents and Requirements

• Equine passport: A valid equine passport is mandatory for each horse. The animal must be clearly identifiable via microchip. The passport must be carried for inspections.
• Health documentation: For private, non-commercial travel within the EU (and therefore to Slovenia), no additional official veterinary health certificate is generally required. However, organisers of competitions, breeding, or sporting events may require a current health certificate.
• Vaccinations: A rabies vaccination is not required for entering Slovenia with horses. However, a valid equine influenza vaccination is often required, especially for sporting events or when stabling at equestrian facilities.
• Transport: Horse transport must comply with the EU animal welfare transport rules. No additional declarations are typically required for private, non-commercial journeys. Commercial transport is subject to further requirements such as transport licences, journey logs, and specific animal welfare obligations.
• Preparation: Contact your competent veterinary authority or the relevant organiser or stable operator in Slovenia in advance to confirm whether any specific requirements, vaccinations, or health certificates apply to your purpose of travel (e.g., competition, longer stay, sale).

Staying in Slovenia with Your Horse

Slovenia is widely regarded by riders as a nature-focused and horse-friendly destination. Despite its compact size, the country offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, from the Alps and the Karst region to forests, rolling hills, and river meadows. Many areas have a well-developed network of farm and forest tracks, making them ideal for rides and multi-day trekking tours.

Popular riding regions include Gorenjska, the area around Triglav National Park, Notranjska, the Karst region, and parts of Štajerska. These regions offer a range of stables, guesthouses, and tour operators providing both guided trekking rides and day rides. The riding season typically runs from spring to autumn, depending on weather conditions and altitude. Slovenia also offers excellent hiking opportunities; you can find more information in our guide to hiking areas.

Equestrian tourism infrastructure is well developed, but often intentionally close to nature. Many providers place a strong emphasis on species-appropriate husbandry, sufficient turnout, and small group sizes. If you travel with your own horse, you should clarify in advance which stabling conditions are available and whether vaccination or health certificates are required for acceptance.

Realistic planning is important: depending on the region, terrain can be demanding, with steep paths, gravel sections, or an alpine character. For longer rides, solid basic fitness for both rider and horse, as well as sure-footedness, is advisable. With good preparation, Slovenia offers an ideal combination of nature, relaxation, and valuable time with your horse.

Toll and Vignette in Slovenia

A vignette requirement applies to the use of Slovenian motorways and expressways. The toll is not distance-based for these roads; instead, it is covered by a time-limited digital vignette (e-vignette), which must be purchased before entering toll roads. Validity depends on the selected duration, for example 7 days, 1 month, or 1 year.

The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The vehicle category is determined by the vehicle height above the front axle, not by the actual weight. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.

Does the Horse Trailer Also Require a Vignette?

If you are travelling with a passenger car and a horse trailer, you do not need a separate vignette for the trailer. Only the towing vehicle is relevant. This applies provided that the towing vehicle itself is subject to the vignette requirement, meaning it does not exceed 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.

If the towing vehicle exceeds 3.5 t, a vignette is no longer required. In that case, a distance-based toll must be paid, which is settled electronically via the relevant toll system. This typically affects heavy motorhomes, trucks, or larger transport vehicles.

In Slovenia, vignette compliance is checked electronically via the licence plate. Because the vignette is digital, no sticker is required on the windscreen. Nevertheless, it is advisable to keep the purchase confirmation readily available.

To avoid fines, the correct vignette should always be purchased before entering toll roads. Especially when travelling with a horse trailer, it is advisable to check the vehicle category and the towing vehicle’s gross vehicle weight in advance.

Buying Animals in Slovenia

Anyone intending to buy an animal in Slovenia should first familiarise themselves with the applicable animal welfare and veterinary regulations. As an EU Member State, Slovenia applies common EU rules, but supplements them with national requirements, especially regarding identification, registration, and keeping animals. Carefully checking documents and verifying an animal’s origin helps avoid questionable offers.

Key Documents and Health Requirements

• Microchip: In Slovenia, dogs must be identified with a microchip. The chip must be clearly assigned and registered.
• Health records: Buyers should request evidence of vaccinations (especially rabies vaccination for dogs) and see the veterinary vaccination booklet or health records. For travel within the EU, an EU pet passport is required.
• Minimum age: Puppies and young animals must not be handed over before 8 weeks of age. Reputable breeders often hand animals over at 10–12 weeks.
• Proof of origin: The origin should be traceable. Reputable sellers allow you to see the mother animal and provide information about breeding, rearing, and keeping conditions.

Additional Notes

• Breed-specific rules: For certain dog breeds classified as dangerous, additional keeping requirements may apply. These rules may vary by municipality.
• Taking the animal to another EU country: If you plan to take an animal purchased in Slovenia to another EU country, a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport are mandatory. The rabies vaccination is only valid for travel 21 days after the first vaccination.
• Be cautious of dubious offers: Offers without clear information about origin, age, or health status, as well as handovers in public places, may indicate illegal trade.

Selling Animals in Slovenia

Clear legal requirements also apply when selling or rehoming an animal in Slovenia. These rules protect animals and ensure traceability of origin and ownership. Sellers—whether private individuals or commercial operators—must meet minimum standards concerning identification, health status, and documentation.

Obligations for Sellers

• Microchip and registration: Dogs must be microchipped and registered in an appropriate register before being handed over. Registration is typically carried out via a veterinarian.
• Health status: Animals may only be sold or handed over if they are healthy and fit for transport. Sick or severely undernourished animals must not be transferred.
• Minimum age: Puppies and young animals must not be handed over before 8 weeks of age.
• Documents: Vaccination booklet, health records, and—where required—an EU pet passport must be complete and correctly filled out and handed over to the new owner.

Sales Contract (Recommended, Even for Private Sales)

A written sales or transfer agreement is strongly recommended even for private sales, as it simplifies later proof for authorities or border crossings.

• Details of buyer and seller
• Animal details (species, breed/mix, colour, date of birth, microchip number)
• Price, date, and place of handover
• Confirmation that the animal is not stolen and that the origin is known

Commercial Trade

• Permits: Anyone selling or transporting animals commercially requires relevant registrations and permits under Slovenian and EU law.
• Transport, accommodation, and handover must comply with applicable animal welfare regulations.

Penalties for Illegal Animal Trade in Slovenia

Animal keeping, breeding, and trade in Slovenia are monitored by the competent veterinary and animal welfare authorities. Violations of identification, vaccination, or keeping requirements may result in significant legal consequences.

• Selling unchipped dogs: fines
• Handing over puppies under 8 weeks: administrative offence
• Poor keeping conditions or handing over sick animals: fine or confiscation
• Commercial trade without permits: high penalties and possible seizure of the animals

In cases of serious or repeated violations, bans on keeping or breeding animals may also be imposed.

Checklist: Buying and Selling Animals in Slovenia

1. Basic Rules

• Animals must not be mistreated, neglected, or abandoned (Slovenian animal welfare law).
• Owners must provide food, water, a safe place, exercise, and veterinary care.
• If an animal appears ill, undernourished, or obviously poorly kept, do not proceed with the purchase and consider reporting the case.

2. Mandatory Identification and Registration (Dog)

• Dogs must be identified with a microchip.
• For travel within the EU, an EU pet passport with the recorded microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination is required.
• After microchipping, the dog should be registered in a recognised database. The microchip alone is not sufficient; it must be linked to the owner.
• When buying, request at least:
  • Microchip number
  • Vaccination booklet or EU pet passport
  • Proof of a valid rabies vaccination
• When selling, it is recommended to:
  • Hand over all original documents
  • Update the owner details in the register

3. Age and Handover

• Puppies and young animals must not be handed over before 8 weeks of age.
• Very young animals or missing documentation are warning signs of illegal trade.

FAQ on Travelling, Buying, and Selling Animals in Slovenia

Which documents do I need to enter Slovenia with a dog or cat?

You need a valid EU pet passport, microchip identification, and a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccination is only valid for travel 21 days after the first vaccination.

Is it allowed to buy or sell animals privately in Slovenia?

Yes, private buying and selling is allowed. However, animal welfare and health regulations must be complied with. Animals must be healthy, correctly identified, and properly documented.

Are there special rules for certain dog breeds?

Additional keeping requirements may apply to certain breeds classified as dangerous. These rules can vary by municipality.

What happens if I buy an animal without valid documents?

Buying an animal without valid identification or documentation can lead to legal issues, such as fines, official measures, or difficulties when travelling to other EU countries.

Who can I contact if I suspect illegal animal trade?

If you suspect illegal animal trade, you should contact the competent veterinary or animal welfare authority in Slovenia. Local animal welfare organisations may also be able to assist.