Last updated: 26.11.2025
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Anyone traveling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal must observe a number of regulations in Austria. Whether dog, cat, horse, or livestock—each species has its own requirements regarding transport, registration, and documentation. At the same time, many pet owners wonder how to move their four-legged companions safely and without stress through Austria—whether on vacation, during a move, or when transporting them to a new owner.
To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty, and a smooth journey, it is important to familiarize yourself with Austrian regulations in advance. These include, for example, the required documents, transport requirements, reporting obligations, and possible restrictions. Good preparation not only makes traveling more relaxed, but also protects you from unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.
Entry into 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 immunization. In addition, note that 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: An animal 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 for a change of ownership. However, if they are brought for participation in competitions, exhibitions and sporting events, or for training for such events, this number may be exceeded. In this case, 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 bring animals that fall under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), additional documents may be required.
- Means of transport: Before traveling, inform yourself about the specific rules for your pets for the relevant means of transport.
Rules during your stay
- Swimming lakes: Especially during the bathing season, dogs are often only permitted in heavily frequented areas at certain times or in designated zones. Therefore, pay attention to local rules.
- Muzzle/leash requirement and waste bags: In many regions there is a leash requirement. In addition, you must carry waste bags. In some municipalities or on public transport, there is also a muzzle requirement in addition to the leash requirement.
- Road safety: While driving, you are obliged to secure your animal with a special travel crate or a safety harness.
- Accommodation: Before traveling, you should check which accommodations allow animals and whether there are any related restrictions or additional costs.
Entry into 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 or later require an equine passport.
- Notification to the Austrian official veterinarian: The German official veterinarian must send a notification 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 or later 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, such as 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. This applies as long as your car does not weigh more than 3.5 t tzGm. If your vehicle weighs over 3.5 t tzGm, the vignette requirement no longer applies and you must purchase a GO-Box for the collection of distance-based tolls. This GO-Box must also remain activated on toll-free (vignette-free/not distance-based) routes. If you have questions on this topic, feel free to consult our guide on tolls in Austria.
Staying in Austria with a horse
Austria offers numerous opportunities to enjoy a relaxing or sport-focused getaway together with your horse. The combination of idyllic nature, well-developed riding trails, and specialized accommodations makes Austria a popular destination for riding holidays.
To ensure a smooth holiday with your horse, it is worth organizing a few things well in advance. First, clarify the horse’s accommodation: whether a box stall, open stable, or paddock is available, what feed is offered, and whether sufficient grazing is possible. A secure tack room or wash area may 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 is sensible to check in advance whether the accommodation requires certain vaccinations or preventive measures.
Before departure, you should also think through your transport planning. This includes enough breaks for the horse, a route that is as stress-free as possible, and checking the trailer before setting off. It also helps to look at toll and route regulations. Through our service, you can easily and stress-free buy the digital vignette for Austria online—ideal if you’re traveling with a horse trailer or transporter.
On site, it’s good to know where the veterinarian, farrier, or emergency contacts are located. You should also familiarize yourself with local riding rules, nature conservation areas, and permitted riding trails in advance to avoid surprises.
In short: good preparation, suitable accommodation, and observing regional regulations ensure that both rider and horse enjoy a relaxed and safe holiday.
Tolls
If you want to travel to Austria, you must observe the 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 traveled. To record the traveled distance (distance-based toll), you must purchase a GO-Box. Independently of the vignette requirement and distance-based toll, Austria also has special route tolls for special toll roads. Further information on Austria’s toll regulations 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 horrific conditions, there are new and stricter rules that affect not only sellers but also buyers. Please note that legal regulations may change. If in doubt, also consult the responsible authorities or a lawyer.
Online trade has further increased the problem of illegal animal trading. 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 able to better monitor and act against these abuses. Since then, individuals or organizations (e.g., animal welfare associations) need an official “permit for keeping animals” or a breeding notification in order to publicly offer animals. However, there are exceptions for private individuals rehoming single, individually specified animals.
The new amendment to the Animal Welfare Act introduced further measures against illegal puppy trading. What this means for you is explained below:
- The purchase of animals that are clearly offered illegally (e.g., from a car trunk or in public places) is now also punishable. This means: not only sellers, but also buyers will be fined, as they are likewise supporting animal suffering.
Who is allowed to offer animals for sale?
The following people and organizations are allowed to publicly offer animals (sell or give away):
- Private individuals: Private individuals who are looking for interested parties for single, individually specified animals. The following conditions must be met: 1. The animal may or cannot remain with its previous owners. 2. The animal must be older than 6 months—dogs and cats must have their permanent canine teeth. 3. Dogs must have been registered in the pet database for at least 16 weeks, with proof.
- Organizations and individuals acting commercially: Organizations that operate commercially or otherwise economically and have a permit for keeping animals. These include, for example, animal welfare associations, pet shops, and animal 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 who are exempt from official registration and who do not sell regularly or for profit. Animals concerned include ornamental fish, domesticated ornamental birds, domesticated poultry, small rodents, and rabbits.
These are the things you should pay attention to if you bring animals to Austria in order to sell them there.
Buying animals
As anywhere else, when buying an animal in Austria it is crucial to inform yourself thoroughly beforehand and to think the decision through carefully. Pay close attention to the animal’s origin, its 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 go, and it is your duty as the new owner to provide them with the best possible life.
Before buying
- Take responsibility: Before buying an animal, consider the responsibility. A pet is a long-term commitment and is under your protection.
- Costs: Not only the purchase price and initial costs must be considered. Ongoing costs for food, vet visits, insurance, and other expenses may be higher than you expect.
- Choose the right species: Every species has individual needs, and you should find out beforehand about the time required, space needs, and care the animal will need.
- Avoid pity purchases: Even if it’s hard, buying out of pity only makes mass breeding worse.
- Observe legal regulations: In addition to the Animal Welfare Act, you should also inform yourself about special rules or bans on extreme breeding.
When buying
- Find reputable providers: You should only buy animals from shelters, reputable breeders, or registered dealers. Avoid disreputable providers—especially online—at all costs.
- Health condition of the animals: Take a close look at the animal’s outward appearance. Be cautious of signs of illness such as watery eyes or a runny nose. Housing conditions can also provide important clues. Is it clean, hygienic, and appropriate—or dirty?
- Documents: Make sure all required documents are available. This includes a written purchase contract, a pet passport (containing 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 check the mother’s outward appearance.
- Origin: If the animals come from abroad, you should be especially careful. Breeders often source them from terrible mass-breeding facilities and the animals could be ill. It’s best to report such breeders.
- Seller’s behavior: Does the seller ask many questions? A reputable breeder will ask you plenty of questions to ensure the animal goes to good, capable hands. They will also be available for further questions even after you’ve bought the animal.
What penalties apply to illegal animal trading?
In Austria, illegal trading in animals—especially dogs and cats—is strictly prosecuted. This applies to both sellers and buyers. The goal is to prevent animal suffering and stop disreputable dealers.
Anyone who sells or buys an animal that is without legally required documents, too young, not identified, or offered under unlawful conditions must expect substantial fines. The amount depends on the severity of the offense, the number of affected animals, whether it is a repeat offense, and the risk to animal welfare. Fines are usually around 3,500 to 7,500 euros.
If there is suspicion that an animal has been illegally imported, traded, or sold, authorities may: confiscate it, have it examined by a veterinarian, and place it in a suitable facility.
In particularly severe cases—such as when animals were deliberately neglected, abused, or transported under life-threatening conditions—authorities may also initiate criminal proceedings, which can lead to further sanctions, conditions, or charges.
In cases of serious or repeated violations, authorities may: ban the keeping of animals, withdraw a business license, or require future animal transports to be monitored.
Illegal animal trading is strictly penalized in Austria.
Not only sellers, but also buyers can be punished if they knowingly or negligently acquire animals from illegal sources. These measures are intended to:
- prevent animal suffering
- stop disreputable dealers
- minimize health risks
- strengthen legal, transparent animal trading
The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you and your animals a pleasant trip to Austria. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. More information about tolls can be found in our guide. If you would like to learn more about border crossings or vehicle classes in Austria, feel free to check our guide as well. You can also use our route planner to plan your trip better and see relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Contact us via our e-mail.
FAQ about traveling, selling, and buying animals in Austria
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 the necessary permit.
At minimum: pet passport, proof of microchip or tattoo identification, vaccination records (e.g., rabies), origin information, and for dogs possibly registration in the pet database. A reputable seller will also provide a written purchase contract.
You may be held responsible as the buyer—for example through official measures, having to return the animal, or criminal proceedings. In addition, the animal may pose health risks, and your rights—such as return or compensation—may be limited.
For violations of sales bans (e.g., publicly offering animals), fines of up to around €3,750 may apply for a first offense; for repeat offenses up to €7,500 or more. The exact amount depends on the individual case.
Even giving an animal away free of charge can be illegal if it is used to circumvent the rules or carried out systematically like a sale. What matters is whether regulations are being bypassed or whether a commercial activity is involved.
Contact the responsible authority (e.g., veterinary office or animal welfare authority) and report your suspicion. Provide any relevant information (provider, listing, animal’s condition). This helps protect animals.
