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Moldova (MD)

Moldova is Eastern Europe's hidden gem — an EU candidate country since June 2022 and one of the continent's most affordable destinations, with a thriving wine culture, warm hospitality and a rapidly modernising capital.

Capital: Chișinău
Region: Europe
Language: Romanian
Currency: MDL (L)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 22)
Emergency: 112
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Bringing Pets to Moldova

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination (antirabic) — mandatory, administered at least 21 days before entry and not more than 12 months before entry Core dog vaccines: distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (DHPPi) Core cat vaccines: feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus (FHVCPi) Leptospirosis (dogs) — recommended Rabies antibody titre test (FAVN) — required for pets from non-EU countries. Blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and a minimum 3-month waiting period from the blood-draw date must elapse before entry to Moldova. EU-origin pets with valid EU pet passport or EU-standard health certificate are exempt.

Restricted Breeds

Pitbull TerrierAmerican Staffordshire TerrierStaffordshire Bull Terrier (in certain contexts)Rottweiler (special handling requirements in public)Breeds classified as "dangerous" under Moldovan law require a special permit and muzzle/leash in public spaces

💰 Costs

Veterinary health certificate: EUR 50–150 (depending on country of origin and vet). Import permit at IMSF: MDL 200–400. Microchipping (if not already done): EUR 30–60 at vet. Rabies vaccine: EUR 20–50. EU Pet Passport (if from EU): already covers most requirements. Airlines typically charge EUR 50–200 per pet in cabin/hold depending on airline and route.

🐕 Dog Tax / Registration

Annual dog registration fee (taxă pentru câini): MDL 50–200 at the local Primărie. Required for dogs in apartment buildings in Chișinău. Failure to register may result in fines from the building administrator or Primărie.

Register at a licensed veterinary clinic (clinică veterinară) within 5 days of arrival. Get a Moldovan veterinary passport/booklet. Major veterinary clinics in Chișinău: Clinica Veterinară Sanus (24h), VetMed Moldova, Clinica Doctor Vet. Vets speak primarily Romanian/Russian — bring translation apps for first visits.

📋 Relocation Process

For pets entering Moldova from the EU or countries with equivalent veterinary standards: (1) Ensure microchip is implanted and registered before any vaccinations. (2) Administer rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel and within the 12-month validity. (3) Obtain a veterinary health certificate (certificat de sănătate veterinar) from an official vet in the country of origin — valid for 10 days from issue for EU certificates, or per Moldova IMSF requirements. (4) At the Moldovan border, present the health certificate to the IMSF border inspector (Inspectoratul de Stat pentru Supravegherea Sanitară Veterinară de Stat). (5) Within 5 days of arrival in Moldova, register your pet at a licensed veterinary clinic — they will add your pet to the national veterinary registry and issue a Moldovan vaccination booklet (carnet veterinar). (6) For dogs: register with the local Primărie — some districts require dog registration and payment of a nominal annual fee.

Moldova is not in the EU pet passport system but accepts EU pet passports as supporting documentation alongside a border health certificate. Flying into Chișinău KIV airport: notify the airline in advance of pet carriage — most airlines require booking confirmation. For driving through Romania (EU) into Moldova: your pet must also meet EU entry standards (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate per EU Regulation 576/2013). Pets transiting Romania to Moldova need EU-compliant documentation. Ensure rabies vaccination timing: at least 21 days before entry, not more than 12 months validity — this is the most common reason for pet border delays. Moldova is not considered a high-risk rabies country for outbound travel to the EU.