Travelling with Animals

Anyone travelling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal must comply with a number of regulations in Austria. Whether it’s a dog, cat, horse or livestock – each type of animal has its own requirements for transport, registration and documentation. At the same time, many pet owners wonder how they can move their animals safely and with as little stress as possible through Austria—whether on holiday, during a move, or when transporting an animal to a new owner.

To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty and a smooth journey, it is important to inform yourself in advance about Austrian regulations. These include the required documents, transport requirements, reporting obligations and possible restrictions. Good preparation not only ensures a more relaxed trip, but also protects you from unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.

Entering Austria with Pets (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets…)

The most important documents and regulations

• Identification: The animal must be clearly identified either by a microchip or a tattoo.
• Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory and is only considered valid 21 days after the primary vaccination. In addition, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old to be vaccinated.
• EU Pet Passport: The EU pet passport must be carried for the respective animal.
• Minimum age: Due to the waiting period after the rabies vaccination, puppies may enter Austria at the earliest at 15 weeks of age.
• Entry from non-EU countries: A veterinary health certificate may be required in addition to the passport and rabies vaccination.
• Maximum number: A maximum of 5 animals may enter with you. Important: These animals must not be intended to change owner. However, if they are brought for the purpose of participating in competitions, exhibitions or sporting events—or training for such events—this number may be exceeded. The animals must be at least 6 months old and written proof must be provided that they are registered for one of the events mentioned.
• Species protection: If you want to take animals that fall under the Washington Convention (CITES), additional documents may be required.
• Means of transport: Before travelling, inform yourself about the specific rules for your pets depending on the chosen means of transport.

Rules during your stay

• Swimming lakes: Especially during the bathing season, dogs are often only allowed in highly frequented areas at certain times or in designated zones. Always check local rules.
• Muzzle or leash requirement and poop bags: In many regions, dogs must be kept on a leash. You must also carry poop bags. In some municipalities or on public transport, a muzzle requirement may apply in addition to the leash requirement.
• Road safety: While driving, you are required to secure your animal using a special travel crate or a safety harness.
• Accommodation: Before travelling, find out which accommodations allow animals and whether there are any related restrictions or additional costs.

Entering Austria with Horses

The most important documents and regulations

• Health certificate: According to Directive 90424, a health certificate must be issued for the animal by the German official veterinarian.
• Vaccination certificate: A valid vaccination certificate must be carried. In addition, horses born in 1998 require an equine passport.
• Notification to the Austrian official veterinarian: A notification must be transmitted by the German official veterinarian to the Austrian official veterinarian responsible for the destination.

Transit of horses

• Health certificate: According to Directive 90424, a health certificate must be issued for the animal by the German official veterinarian.
• Vaccination certificate: A valid vaccination certificate must be carried. In addition, horses born in 1998 require an equine passport.
• ANIMO notification: This is the notification from the German official veterinarian to the Austrian official veterinarian responsible for the area where the border exit takes place.
• Notification to the central veterinary authority: This is the notification from the German official veterinarian to the central authority: Veterinary Administration (A-1030 Vienna, Radetzkystr. 2).

Vignette for the (horse) trailer?

Trailers are not subject to the vignette requirement in Austria.

However, the weight of your towing vehicle (e.g. a passenger car) is decisive. As a car driver, you need a vignette for your vehicle and do not have to pay distance-based tolls—provided your car does not weigh more than 3.5 t tzGm. If your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 t tzGm, the vignette requirement no longer applies and you must obtain a GO-Box for the collection of distance-based tolls. This GO-Box must remain active even on toll-free routes (vignette-free/not distance-based). If you have questions about tolls in Austria, feel free to check our guide.

Staying in Austria with a horse

Austria offers many opportunities to enjoy a relaxing or sport-focused break together with your horse. The combination of idyllic nature, well-developed riding trails and specialised accommodations makes Austria a popular destination for riding holidays.

To ensure your holiday with a horse runs smoothly, it’s worth organising a few things in advance. First, clarify the horse’s accommodation: whether a box stall, open stable or paddock is available, what feed is provided and whether sufficient turnout is possible. A secure tack room or a wash area can also be important—depending on how intensively you plan to ride.

Equally important: documents and health records. The equine passport must always be carried, and it’s advisable to check in advance whether the accommodation requires specific vaccinations or preventive measures.

Before travelling, you should also think through your transport planning. This includes enough breaks for the horse, the least stressful route possible and checking the trailer before departure. It also helps to review toll and route regulations. Through our service, you can purchase the digital vignette for Austria easily and stress-free online—ideal if you are travelling with a horse trailer or transporter.

On site, it’s useful to know where to find a vet, farrier or emergency contacts. You should also familiarise yourself with local riding rules, nature reserves and permitted riding trails to avoid surprises.

In short: good preparation, suitable accommodation and following regional regulations help ensure that both rider and horse enjoy a relaxed and safe holiday.

Tolls

If you want to travel to Austria, you must comply with toll regulations. In general: vehicles up to 3.5 t tzGm are subject to the vignette requirement, while vehicles over 3.5 t tzGm must pay distance-based tolls. The amount of the distance-based toll depends, among other things, on the length of the route driven. To record the distance travelled (distance-based toll), you must obtain a GO-Box. Independent of the vignette requirement and distance-based tolls, Austria also has route tolls for special toll roads. More information about toll regulations in Austria and vehicle classes can be found in our guide.

Selling Animals

Because Austria’s legal situation has changed significantly due to illegal animal trading carried out under terrible conditions, there are new and stricter rules that affect not only sellers but also buyers. Please note that legal provisions may change. If in doubt, also seek information from the competent authorities or a lawyer.

Due to online trading, the problem of illegal animal trade has spread even further. Animals are kept in unworthy conditions and are often too young, not chipped, not dewormed, unvaccinated and therefore frequently ill. In 2017, the Animal Welfare Act was finally amended and the sale of animals on the internet was newly regulated. Authorities are now better able to monitor and take action against abuses. Since then, individuals or organisations (e.g. animal welfare associations) require an official “permit to keep animals” or a breeding notification in order to offer animals publicly. However, exceptions also exist for private individuals placing single, specifically identified animals.

With the new amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, further measures against illegal puppy trading were introduced. Here’s what that means for you:

• Buying animals that are obviously offered illegally (e.g. from a car boot or in public places) is now punishable. This means: not only sellers, but also buyers can be fined, as they also support animal suffering.

Who is allowed to offer animals for sale?

The following persons and organisations are allowed to offer animals publicly (sell or give away):

• Private individuals: People looking for interested parties for individual, specifically identified animals. The following requirements must be met: 1. The animal may not or cannot remain with its current keepers. 2. The animal must be older than 6 months—dogs and cats must have their permanent canine teeth already developed. 3. Dogs must have been registered in the pet database for at least 16 weeks, with proof.
• Organisations and persons acting commercially: Organisations that operate commercially or otherwise economically and have a permit for keeping animals. This includes, for example, animal welfare associations, pet shops and shelters.
• Keepers of farm animals: This includes: horses and equids, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, hoofed game, llamas, rabbits, poultry, ostriches and farmed fish.
• Officially registered breeders
• Breeders exempt from official registration: Breeders exempt from registration who do not sell regularly and not for profit. Affected animals include ornamental fish, domesticated ornamental birds, domesticated poultry, small rodents and rabbits.

These are the points you should pay attention to if you bring animals to Austria to sell them there.

Buying Animals

As everywhere, when buying an animal in Austria it is crucial to inform yourself thoroughly in advance and think the decision through carefully. Pay close attention to the animal’s origin, health condition and of course compliance with legal requirements such as vaccinations and microchipping. In addition, buying an animal should be well considered in terms of responsibility and the costs of keeping and caring for it. Animals cannot choose where they end up—and it is your duty as the new keeper to provide the best possible life.

Before the purchase

• Take responsibility: Before buying an animal, consider the responsibility. A pet is a long-term commitment and under your protection.
• Costs: Not only the purchase price and initial costs must be considered. Ongoing costs for food, vet care, insurance and more can be higher than expected.
• Choose the right type of animal: Each species has individual needs. Inform yourself beforehand about time requirements, space needs and the care required.
• Avoid pity purchases: Even if it’s difficult, buying out of pity unfortunately makes mass breeding even worse.
• Observe legal requirements: In addition to the Animal Welfare Act, learn about specific regulations and bans on cruel breeding practices.

When buying

• Find reputable providers: Only buy animals from shelters, reputable breeders or registered dealers. Avoid dubious providers—especially online.
• Health condition of the animals: Look closely at the animal’s appearance. Be cautious if there are signs of illness such as watery eyes or a runny nose. The housing conditions can also be revealing: is it clean, hygienic and appropriate—or dirty?
• Documents: Check that all necessary documents are available. These include a written purchase agreement, a pet passport (proof of vaccinations and microchip), and a veterinary certificate (proof of regular deworming and the first vaccination).
• The mother animal: Is it possible to see the mother? A reputable breeder will allow this. Also pay attention to the mother’s appearance.
• Origin: If animals come from abroad, be especially careful. Breeders often source them from terrible mass breeding facilities and the animals may be ill. In that case, it’s best to report the breeder.
• Seller’s behaviour: Does the seller ask many questions? A reputable breeder will ask many questions to ensure the animal goes to good, capable hands—and will remain available for questions even after the purchase.

What penalties apply for illegal animal trade?

In Austria, illegal trade in animals—especially dogs and cats—is prosecuted strictly. This affects both sellers and buyers. The goal is to prevent animal suffering and stop disreputable dealers.

Anyone who sells or buys an animal without legally required documents, too young, not properly identified or offered under unlawful conditions must expect substantial fines. The amount depends on the severity of the offence, the number of animals affected, whether it is a repeat offence and the risk to animal welfare. Fines are roughly in the range of €3,500 to €7,500.

If there is suspicion that an animal was imported, traded or sold illegally, authorities may: confiscate the animal, arrange a veterinary examination and place it in a suitable facility.

In particularly serious cases—for example if animals were deliberately neglected, abused or transported under life-threatening conditions—additional criminal proceedings may be initiated, which can lead to further sanctions, requirements or charges.

In cases of serious or repeated offences, authorities may: ban animal keeping, revoke a business licence or require future animal transports to be subject to mandatory controls.

Illegal animal trade is punished strictly in Austria. Not only sellers, but also buyers can be penalised if they knowingly or negligently acquire animals from illegal sources. These measures aim to:

• prevent animal suffering
• stop disreputable dealers
• minimise health risks
• strengthen legal, transparent animal trade

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you and your animals a wonderful trip to Austria. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information about tolls in our guide. If you would like to learn more about border crossings or vehicle classes in Austria, feel free to browse our guide as well. You can also use our route planner to plan your trip more effectively and see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us anytime via email.

FAQ about travelling, selling and buying animals in Austria

What counts as an “illegally offered animal”?

An animal may be offered illegally if, for example, proper documents are missing, there is no valid identification (microchip/tattoo), minimum age requirements are not met, or the animal is offered for sale without official authorisation.

Which documents should I check when buying a pet?

At a minimum: a pet passport, proof of microchip or tattoo identification, vaccination details (e.g. rabies), origin information, and for dogs possibly registration in the pet database. A reputable seller will also provide a written purchase contract.

What happens if I buy an animal and later find out the sale was illegal?

You may be held responsible as the buyer—for example through administrative measures, return of the animal or criminal proceedings. In addition, the animal may pose health risks, and your rights (e.g. return or compensation) may be limited.

What is the maximum penalty for illegal sale of animals in Austria?

For violations of sales bans (e.g. public offering), fines of up to around €3,750 may apply for a first offence; in repeat cases up to €7,500 or more. The exact amount depends on the individual case.

Can I give an animal away instead of selling it—does the ban not apply then?

Even free transfer can be illegal if it is used to circumvent regulations or is carried out systematically like a sale. The decisive factor is whether rules are being bypassed or whether a commercial activity exists.

What should I do if I discover an illegal animal sale?

Contact the competent authority (e.g. the veterinary office or animal welfare authority) and report your suspicion. Provide information if possible (provider, listing, condition of the animal). This helps protect animal welfare.