Traveling with animals, buying and selling animals

Anyone travelling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal must observe a number of regulations in Slovenia. Whether dog, cat, horse, or farm animal: specific requirements apply to transport, registration, and documentation for each type of animal. At the same time, many pet owners wonder how to transport their four-legged companions safely and as stress-free as possible through Slovenia – whether on holiday, during a move, or when handing the animal over to a new owner.

To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty, and a smooth journey, it is important to find out about Slovenian regulations in advance. These include, in particular, the required travel documents, vaccination requirements, transport requirements, as well as possible reporting obligations and restrictions. Careful preparation ensures clear procedures and protects against unpleasant surprises en route or at the border.

As an EU member state, Slovenia applies the EU-wide rules for travelling with pets and supplements these with national requirements, for example regarding the registration of dogs, veterinary controls, and the purchase and sale of animals. Anyone familiar with these requirements can plan their trip reliably and ensure that the transport, keeping, and transfer of animals comply with the applicable animal welfare standards.

Entry with pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets)

The most important documents and regulations

The EU-wide uniform rules for pets apply when entering Slovenia. 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 is properly documented. A valid rabies vaccination is also mandatory. The first vaccination may be given at the earliest at 12 weeks of age and is only considered valid for travel 21 days after the primary immunisation.

In addition, an EU pet passport must be carried, in which the chip number, owner details, and all relevant vaccinations are recorded. These requirements are consistently checked by the Slovenian authorities and comply with the applicable EU standards.

Rules during your stay

• Public areas and bathing spots: At many public bathing lakes, beaches, and natural bodies of water, dogs are only allowed with restrictions – especially during the main season. There are often designated dog zones or time restrictions. Find out about local regulations on site.

• Leash requirement and poop bags: In towns and municipalities, there is generally a leash requirement, especially in parks, residential areas, and busy areas. In the open countryside, dogs may sometimes run free, but must be under control at all times. Carrying and using poop 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 the journey, animals must be secured so that they neither distract nor endanger the driver. Transport boxes, dividing grilles, or special safety harnesses are recommended.

• Accommodation: Not all accommodations allow pets. Therefore, check before starting your trip whether animals are permitted and whether additional conditions or costs apply.

Entry with horses

The most important documents and regulations

AI generated

• Equine passport: A valid horse passport (equine passport) is required for each horse. The animal must be clearly identifiable by microchip. The passport must be carried during inspections.

• Health documents: For private, non-commercial travel within the EU, an additional official veterinary health certificate is generally not required. However, organisers of tournaments, breeding, or sporting events may require a current health certificate.

• Vaccinations: A rabies vaccination is not required for entry with horses. However, a valid influenza vaccination (equine influenza) is often required, especially for sporting events or when stabling.

• Transport: The transport of horses must comply with EU animal welfare transport regulations. For private, non-commercial journeys, no additional declarations are usually required. For commercial transport, further requirements apply, such as transport permits, journey logs, and special animal welfare conditions.

• Preparation: Clarify in advance with your responsible veterinary authority or the respective organiser or stable operator whether special requirements, vaccinations, or proof are required for your specific purpose of stay (e.g. tournament, longer stay, sale).

Staying with a horse

AI generated

Among riders, Slovenia is considered a natural and horse-friendly travel destination. Within a relatively small area, the country offers great landscape diversity: from the Alps and karst to forests and hills to river and meadow landscapes. Many regions have a well-developed network of field and forest paths suitable for rides and multi-day trail rides.

Popular riding regions include Gorenjska (Upper Carniola), the region around Triglav National Park, Notranjska, the Karst region, and parts of Štajerska. These areas have numerous riding stables, guesthouses, and tour operators offering both guided trail rides and day rides. The riding season generally runs from spring to autumn, depending on weather and altitude. There are also numerous hiking opportunities. For more information, see our guide to hiking areas.

The tourist infrastructure for riders is well developed, but often deliberately kept close to nature. Many operators place value on species-appropriate care, sufficient pasture time, and small groups. Anyone travelling with their own horse should clarify in advance what stabling conditions are offered and whether vaccination or health certificates are required when stabling.

Realistic planning is crucial: depending on the region, the terrain can be challenging, for example due to steep paths, gravel tracks, or alpine conditions. For longer rides, solid basic fitness for both rider and horse, as well as surefootedness, are recommended. With appropriate preparation, Slovenia offers an ideal combination of nature experience, relaxation, and intensive time with the horse.

Toll and vignette in Slovenia

A vignette requirement applies to the use of Slovenian motorways and expressways. The toll is not charged per route, but via a time-limited digital vignette (e-vignette), which must be purchased before starting the journey. Validity depends on the chosen duration, for example 7 days, 1 month, or 1 year.

The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (GVW). Cars generally fall into toll class 2A. Two-axle vehicles with a height of 1.30 m or more above the front axle (e.g. many vans) require the more expensive class 2B; vehicles registered as motorhomes up to 3.5 t (body type “SA” or “So.-Kfz Wohnmobil” in the registration certificate, living equipment permanently installed) remain in class 2A regardless of height. Motorcycles also require an e-vignette (toll class 1, available as a weekly, half-yearly, or annual vignette).

Does the vignette also apply to the horse trailer?

If you are travelling with a car and a horse trailer, you do not need a separate vignette for the trailer. Only the towing vehicle is relevant. The prerequisite is that it is subject to the vignette requirement, i.e. does not exceed 3.5 t GVW.

If the towing vehicle exceeds the 3.5 t GVW limit, no vignette is required. In this case, a distance-based toll must be paid, which is billed electronically via the corresponding toll system. This regulation particularly affects heavy motorhomes, trucks, or larger transport vehicles.

Control in Slovenia is carried out electronically via the licence plate. Since it is a digital vignette, no sticker on the windscreen is required. Nevertheless, it is advisable to keep the purchase confirmation on hand.

To avoid fines, the appropriate vignette must be purchased before entering toll roads. For vehicle combinations with a horse trailer, it is advisable to carefully check the vehicle category and the permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle in advance.

Buying animals in Slovenia

Anyone wishing to buy an animal in Slovenia should find out about the applicable animal welfare and veterinary regulations in advance. As an EU member state, Slovenia applies the common EU regulations, but supplements these with national requirements, particularly in the area of identification, registration, and keeping. Carefully checking the documents and the animal's origin helps to avoid dubious offers.

Important documents and health requirements

• Microchip: Dogs must be identified with a microchip. The chip must be clearly assigned and registered.

• Health documents: Have the vaccination status (especially the rabies vaccination for dogs) and the veterinary vaccination record or health documents shown to you. An EU pet passport is required for travel within the EU.

• Minimum age: Puppies and young animals may not be given away before the age of 8 weeks. Reputable breeders often only give animals away from 10 to 12 weeks.

• Proof of origin: The origin should be traceable. Reputable providers allow you to see the mother animal and provide information about rearing and keeping conditions.

Special notes

• Breed-specific regulations: Additional keeping requirements may apply to dog breeds classified as dangerous, which may vary depending on the municipality.

• Departure to other EU countries: A microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport are mandatory for taking an animal to another EU country. The rabies vaccination is only valid for travel 21 days after the initial vaccination.

• Caution with dubious offers: Missing information about origin, age, or health status, as well as handovers at public places, may indicate illegal trade.

Selling animals in Slovenia

Binding legal requirements also apply in Slovenia when selling or giving away an animal. These serve animal welfare as well as the traceability of origin and ownership. Sellers, whether private or commercial, must comply with minimum requirements for identification, health status, and documentation.

Obligations for sellers

• Microchip and registration: Dogs must be identified with a microchip and registered in an appropriate register before being given away. Registration is usually carried out by a veterinarian.

• Health status: Animals may only be given away in a healthy and transportable condition. Sick or severely malnourished animals may not be passed on.

• Minimum age: Giving away puppies or young animals before the age of 8 weeks is not permitted.

• Documents: Vaccination record, health documents, and – if required – EU pet passport must be handed over to the new owner fully and correctly completed.

Purchase agreement (recommended, even for private sales)

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

• Details of buyer and seller

• Details about the animal (species, breed/mix, colour, date of birth, microchip number)

• Price, date, and place of handover

• Confirmation that the animal has not been stolen and that the origin is known

Commercial trade

• Permits: Anyone selling or transporting animals commercially needs appropriate registrations and permits under Slovenian and EU law.

• Transport, accommodation, and handover must comply with the applicable animal welfare regulations.

Penalties for illegal animal trade in Slovenia

The control of animal keeping, breeding, and trade in Slovenia is carried out by the responsible veterinary and animal welfare authorities. Violations of identification, vaccination, or keeping requirements can result in significant legal consequences.

• Selling unchipped dogs: fines

• Giving away puppies under 8 weeks: administrative offence

• Inadequate keeping or giving away sick animals: fine or removal of the animal

• Commercial trade without a permit: heavy fines and possible confiscation of the animals

In the case 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 may 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 sick, malnourished, or obviously poorly kept, you should refrain from buying it and consider reporting it if necessary.

2. Mandatory identification and registration (dog)

• Dogs must be identified with a microchip.

• An EU pet passport with the registered chip number and valid rabies vaccination is required for travel within the EU.

• After chipping, the dog should be registered in a recognised register. The microchip alone is not sufficient; it must be linked to the owner.

• When buying, at least the following information and proof should be available:

  • Microchip number

  • Vaccination record or EU pet passport

  • Proof of 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 may not be given away before 8 weeks.

• Very young animals or missing documents are a warning sign of illegal trade.