Austria (AT)
Austria is a landlocked Central European republic of nine federal states (Bundesländer), renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, imperial history, world-class classical music, and high standard of living.
Bringing Pets to Austria
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Check the specific regulations of the Bundesland you are moving to — rules differ significantly between states.
💰 Costs
EU pet travel (from an EU country): no import permit needed if all requirements met. Cost of health certificate from vet: €80–150. Microchip check and health check: €50–100. Airline pet fees: €50–300 depending on airline and size. Non-EU pet import: expect €200–500 in vet, documentation, and administrative costs. Specialist pet relocation services: €500–2,000+.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
Hundesteuer (dog tax) is levied by most Austrian municipalities. In Vienna: €72/year per dog (first dog), €85/year (second dog), higher for restricted breeds. Registration required within 2 weeks of moving in with your dog at the Magistrat (MA 60 in Vienna). You will receive a metal Hundesteuermarke (dog tax tag) — must be worn on the dog's collar at all times in public. Failure to register: fine up to €2,180 in Vienna.
Register your pet with a local vet (Tierarzt) within the first weeks. Austria has private veterinary practices — no NHS equivalent for pets. Veterinary fees are set by the Austrian Veterinary Association tariff (Tierärztekammer Honorartarif) but prices vary. Consider pet insurance (Tierkrankenversicherung) — several Austrian insurers offer it (Allianz, UNIQA, Merkur). Register microchip details with ÖSTERREICHISCHE HEIMTIERDATENBANK (österreich.gv.at) or TASSO equivalent. Vaccination records should be kept in the EU Pet Passport.
📋 Relocation Process
For pets from within the EU: ensure microchip (ISO 11784/11785), valid rabies vaccination (min. 21 days before travel, within validity period), and EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Pet must enter through an authorised entry point. Travel with the EU Pet Passport. For pets from outside the EU (e.g. UK, USA, Australia): obtain a non-EU Animal Health Certificate from an official vet in your home country. The certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority. Austria requires rabies titre testing for pets from certain non-EU countries (blood test at EU-approved lab, results must be at least 30 days old and at least 3 months after vaccination). Pets arriving at Vienna Airport: declared at Customs (AGES — Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety) at the border inspection post. AGES website: ages.at.
Cats, dogs, and ferrets are covered by EU pet travel rules. For other animals (birds, rodents, reptiles, exotic pets), separate CITES import rules may apply — check AGES and Austrian customs (Zoll) before travelling. Austria does not have a general breed ban at the federal level — regulations are at Bundesland (state) level and differ significantly. The biggest pitfall for Listenhunde owners: some apartment buildings and many landlords prohibit keeping restricted breeds — check your tenancy agreement and building rules (Hausordnung). Vienna's municipal housing (Gemeindebau / Wiener Wohnen) generally allows pets but may require permission.