Petme · Finland

Bringing a pet to Finland

Microchip, rabies, EU passport, Echinococcus rule for dogs, no quarantine. The full 2026 checklist.

A plain-English guide for expats, returnees, and tourists bringing a dog or cat to Finland. Based on the rules published by Ruokavirasto, the Finnish Food Authority. Always cross-check with your origin-country vet before travel.

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The five-step checklist

What to do before you fly

1. Microchip the pet first

A 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. Any rabies shot given before the chip is invalid for Finland.

2. Rabies vaccination

First shot valid 21 days after administration. Boosters per manufacturer schedule. Vaccination dates recorded in the EU passport or health certificate.

3. EU pet passport or health certificate

EU origin: pet passport issued by an authorised vet. Non-EU origin: a third-country EU veterinary health certificate, valid 10 days from issue.

4. Echinococcus treatment (dogs only)

A vet administers praziquantel or equivalent 24-120 hours before entry to Finland. Treatment is recorded in the EU passport or health certificate. Cats are not affected.

5. Customs and paperwork at entry

At Helsinki-Vantaa and other entry points, present the passport or certificate. Spot checks are common. No quarantine if paperwork is in order.

Bonus. Up to five pets

Non-commercial movement allows up to five pets per traveller. More than five or for resale triggers commercial import rules with a separate process.

Settling in

After you arrive

Register with a Finnish vet within a few weeks of arrival; many practices accept walk-ins. Dogs are widely welcome in Finnish daily life, including on HSL public transport (free, no muzzle, no carrier required) and in many cafes and restaurants. The nationwide leash law runs 1 March to 19 August. From there, browse Petme for verified local sitters in your new neighbourhood.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring a dog or cat to Finland?
A microchip identification, a valid rabies vaccination (after the microchip), an EU pet passport (for EU origin) or a third-country veterinary health certificate, and for dogs an Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry. Up to five pets per traveller for non-commercial movement.
What is the Echinococcus tapeworm rule?
Finland is one of a small number of EU territories that requires a tapeworm treatment for dogs against Echinococcus multilocularis. A vet must administer praziquantel or an equivalent treatment between 24 and 120 hours before entry, recorded in the EU passport or health certificate.
Does this rule apply to cats too?
No. The Echinococcus tapeworm treatment requirement applies only to dogs entering Finland. Cats need only the standard EU rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, and either an EU pet passport or a third-country health certificate.
How long is the rabies vaccination valid?
The first rabies vaccination is valid 21 days after administration (the animal must be microchipped first). Boosters extend the validity per the manufacturer's schedule, often three years. The dates must be in the passport or health certificate.
Is there a quarantine requirement?
No, provided all paperwork and treatments are in order. Pets travelling from non-EU countries with active rabies risk may face additional rules; check Ruokavirasto (the Finnish Food Authority) for the latest country lists.
I am moving to Finland with my pet. Where do I find a sitter for the first weeks?
Once your pet is settled in, Petme connects you with verified sitters across Finland. House sitting in your new home keeps your pet on its routine; drop-in visits cover short business trips. 20,000 € vet protection on every booking is included.

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Browse sitters in Finland · Dogs on Helsinki public transport