Traveling with Animals

Anyone traveling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal must observe a number of regulations in Romania. Whether dog, cat, horse or livestock, each species has its own requirements regarding transport, registration and documentation. At the same time, many pet owners ask themselves how they can move their four-legged companions safely and with as little stress as possible through Romania, whether on vacation, during a relocation, or when transporting an animal to its new owner.

To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty and a smooth trip, it is important to familiarize yourself in advance with Romanian regulations. This includes, for example, the required documents, transport requirements, reporting obligations and possible restrictions. Good preparation not only ensures relaxed processes, but also protects you from unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.

Entering the country with pets (dogs, cats and ferrets…)

The most important documents and requirements

• Identification: The animal must be clearly identified with a microchip.
• Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is required and is only valid 21 days after the primary vaccination. In addition, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old in order to be vaccinated.
• EU Pet Passport: The EU Pet Passport must be carried for the respective animal. It must contain all data of the animal and owner as well as the vaccinations.
• Means of transport: Before traveling, inform yourself about the specific rules for your pets for the respective means of transport.

Rules during your stay

• Swimming lakes: Especially during the bathing season, dogs are often only allowed in heavily frequented areas at certain times or in designated zones. Therefore, pay attention to local rules.
• Muzzle or leash requirement and poop bags: In many cities, dogs must be kept on a leash. Outside cities there is usually no leash or muzzle requirement, but you should not leave your animal unattended.
• Road safety: While driving, you are required to secure your animal with a special travel crate or a safety belt.
• Accommodation: Before traveling, you should check which accommodations allow animals and whether there are related restrictions or additional costs.

Entering the country with horses

The most important documents and requirements

• Health documents: An official veterinary health certificate must be carried for transport abroad.
• Horse passport (Equine passport): A valid horse passport must be carried.
• Vaccinations: A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory.
• Transport: The accompanying person must carry a written declaration stating that the transport is not for sale or a change of ownership.
• Contact: You should check in advance with the competent veterinary authority in your home country about the exact requirements and any additional steps that may be necessary—especially when transporting horses to sporting or leisure events. There can be contacts between animals there, so you should take appropriate precautionary measures.

Vignette for the (horse) trailer?

If you want to travel to Romania with your car and a trailer, you only need one digital vignette for your car, regardless of the total weight, and none for your trailer. You can find more information about the vehicle classes in our guide.

Staying with a horse

Romania is considered a true insider tip among riders. Especially in Transylvania and along the Carpathians, you’ll find vast riding areas with forests, meadows, hills and little traffic—ideal for long rides or multi-day trekking tours. Many regions are still very rural, and horses are simply part of everyday life there. This makes riding holidays feel authentic and unhurried: you ride through small villages, past pastures and old fortified churches, and experience a landscape that in parts still feels “like it used to.”

The infrastructure for equestrian tourism has also grown in recent years—there are now several well-organized riding stables and providers offering rides for different levels (from relaxed day rides to sporty trails with plenty of trot/canter). Most tours run in the warm season from around May to October, when trails and weather are most stable.

The key is simply to plan realistically: some rides require solid basic fitness and confident riding in open terrain, as conditions can be rougher depending on the route. And if you were to travel with your own horse, it’s worth taking a close look beforehand at health and entry requirements as well as on-site animal welfare standards. With a good, reputable provider, Romania is a great mix of adventure, nature and horse time.

Tolls in Romania

To use Romanian national roads with a motor vehicle, an electronic vignette is generally required. Motorcycles are exempt from this requirement. Motorhomes are tolled regardless of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) like passenger cars. In total, there are eight vehicle classes (categories A–H). You can find more information about toll regulations in Romania and the vehicle classes in our guide.

Buying/selling animals

In Romania, the Animal Welfare Act Legea 205/2004 primarily governs how animals must be treated. It prohibits abuse, neglect and abandonment, and obliges keepers to provide food, water, shelter, medical care and species-appropriate husbandry. For trade, this means: animals may only be transported or handed over in a healthy condition, with appropriate care and without suffering; violations can be criminally relevant.

Dogs must generally be microchipped and registered in the national RECS register (Registrul de Evidență a Câinilor cu Stăpân). The chip alone is not enough. Registration is mandatory and is carried out by a veterinarian. If you buy a dog, you should ask to see the chip number + RECS proof as well as the correctly completed health booklet/Carnet de sănătate. Without these documents, you may later face problems with ownership, resale or leaving the country.

Important regarding age: Puppies/kittens may not be separated from the mother and sold earlier than at 8 weeks. Reputable breeders comply with this. An earlier offer is a real red flag for illegal or poor-quality trade.

Additional rules apply to certain “dangerous”/aggressive dog breeds (e.g., mandatory sterilization and special keeping requirements). If such a dog is sold, the sterilization must be confirmed in the vaccination record.

For transport and (cross-border) trade, EU rules apply: dogs, cats and ferrets traveling within/from the EU need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an EU Pet Passport. Anyone transporting animals commercially also needs veterinary authorizations and must comply with animal-welfare transport standards.

In addition, EU-wide rules for breeding/sales (including online) are being significantly tightened, including mandatory identification, registration of breeders/traders, and improved traceability. This was decided at EU level in 2025, and implementation is being rolled out step by step in the member states. For Romania, this means: stricter controls are to be expected in the coming years, especially for online offers.

Checklist: buying/selling animals in Romania

1. Basic rules

• Animals must not be abused, neglected or abandoned.
• Keepers must ensure food, water, a safe place, exercise and veterinary care. If an animal looks sick/underfed or the housing is obviously poor: hands off / report it.

2. Mandatory identification & registration (dog)

• Every dog must be microchipped.
• After microchipping, the dog MUST be entered in the RECS register (done by the veterinarian). When buying, be sure to ask for:

• Chip number (sticker in the health booklet)
• RECS proof / entry
• Correctly completed Carnet de sănătate (health booklet)

• When selling: make sure the chip + RECS entry is transferred to the new owner.

3. Age & handover

• Do not adopt/buy puppies/kittens before 8 weeks. “Too young” offers are often illegal trade or poor breeding (risk to health/socialization).

4. “Dangerous”/aggressive breeds

Extra obligations apply to certain breeds (or crosses):

• Sterilization is mandatory; must be confirmed in the passport.
• Additional keeping/safety requirements (e.g., leash/muzzle in certain situations).

5. Transport & exit / EU travel

If the animal is to leave Romania (e.g., to Germany):

• Microchip
• Valid rabies vaccination
• EU Pet Passport (Pet Passport) These EU requirements also apply in Romania.

Important: For travel, the rabies vaccination is only valid 21 days after the first vaccination (EU standard).

For commercial transport/trade, additional veterinary authorizations are required.

6. Purchase contract (highly recommended)

Even privately: a short written contract including:

• Buyer/seller details (ID number)
• Animal details: species, breed/mix, color, date of birth (or approx.), chip number
• Price, date, place of handover
• Assurance: the animal is not stolen / origin known. This makes later disputes and border crossings much easier.

7. Red flags (warning signs)

• No chip / “chip will be added later”
• No RECS entry (dog)
• Handover “quickly somewhere outside” (parking lot/highway, etc.)
• Animal looks too young, sick, apathetic
• Seller avoids questions about the mother animal/origin. Very high risk of illegal trade.

What penalties apply for illegal animal trade?

In Romania, “illegal animal trade” is mainly sanctioned under two legal frameworks: the Animal Welfare Act Legea 205/2004 and OUG 155/2001 (among other things regarding microchip/registration obligations for dogs). If dogs are sold/handed over without a microchip or without an entry in the national RECS register, this is an offense under OUG 155/2001; fines of 2,000 to 5,000 lei may apply. If additional violations occur, such as lack of basic care, poor keeping conditions, medically concerning condition or similar animal welfare violations in connection with breeding/sales/transport, the contraventions under Legea 205/2004 apply, typically with a fine of 1,000 to 3,000 lei.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant trip!

We wish you and your animals a pleasant trip to Romania. 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 general travel information or traffic rules in Romania, feel free to take a look at our guide as well. You can also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us anytime via email.

FAQ about traveling, selling and buying animals in Romania

What counts as an “illegally offered animal”?

An animal may be offered illegally if, for example, proper documentation is missing, there is no valid identification (microchip/tattoo), the minimum age has not been met, or the animal is offered for sale without authorization.

Can you buy/sell animals privately just like that?

Yes, private handovers/sales are allowed. However, they must comply with animal welfare and veterinary rules: animals may only be handed over if healthy/fit for transport and must be kept in a species-appropriate manner. The basis is the Romanian Animal Welfare Act Legea 205/2004.

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

It is possible that you, as the buyer, may be held responsible, for example through official 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 should be considered for “dangerous” dog breeds?

Additional keeping requirements apply to certain breeds/mixes classified as dangerous/aggressive; sterilization is often also required. Buyers should ask to see proof in the passport.

What penalties apply in Romania for illegal trade in pets (e.g., dogs/cats)?

Illegal sales that do not comply with mandatory rules (e.g., dog without microchip/RECS registration, animals that are too young, lack of basic care) are usually treated as an administrative offense in Romania and can result in significant fines. However, if the trade is connected with animal cruelty, severe neglect, brutal transport or abuse, it becomes criminal: then prison sentences of 3 months to 1 year or a criminal fine may apply; the animals may also be confiscated and a ban on keeping animals may be imposed. If an animal dies as a result of such actions, the penalty may increase further.

What should I do if I have identified an illegal animal sale?

Contact the competent authority (e.g., veterinary office or animal welfare authority) and report your suspicion. If possible, provide supporting information (provider, listing, condition of the animal). This also helps animal welfare.