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Latvia
Dog, Cat & Ferret Regulations
Vaccinations
Non-commercial entry of dogs, cats, and ferrets to Latvia must comply with EU rules as implemented by Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service (PVD). A valid rabies vaccination is required. Additional steps apply depending on the country of origin.
- A valid rabies vaccination administered by a veterinarian is required.
- For a primary (first) rabies vaccination, a minimum waiting period of 21 days must elapse before entry.
- Booster vaccinations maintain continuity if administered within the vaccine’s validity; if a booster is given after validity has lapsed, the 21‑day waiting period for a primary vaccination applies again.
- The microchip must be implanted before, or on the same day as, the rabies vaccination.
- Pets under 12 weeks that are unvaccinated, or aged 12–16 weeks whose rabies vaccination is not yet valid, are not permitted to enter Latvia under non‑commercial movement.
- From ‘unlisted’ third countries, a rabies antibody titration test at an EU‑approved laboratory is required, with sampling at least 30 days after vaccination and a 3‑month waiting period after sampling before entry.
- Identity and document checks are performed at designated travellers’ points of entry in Latvia.
Certifications
Documents depend on origin. From non‑EU countries, an EU model health certificate for non‑commercial movement is required. Within the EU/EEA, a valid EU Pet Passport is used.
- From non‑EU countries: An EU model veterinary health certificate for non‑commercial movement of dogs, cats or ferrets must be issued by the competent authority/official veterinarian of the country of departure. An owner or authorised person declaration must accompany the animal.
- The health certificate must be issued within the EU‑prescribed timeframe before entry (generally within 10 days of arrival for non‑commercial movement).
- For pets originating in the United States, the health certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS before travel.
- From EU/EEA/CH: A valid EU Pet Passport issued by an authorised veterinarian is accepted.
- The pet must travel with the owner or an authorised person, and the movement must be within 5 days of the owner’s movement to remain ‘non‑commercial’.
Microchip
An ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15‑digit microchip is required and must be implanted before, or on the same day as, the rabies vaccination. If the microchip is not ISO‑compatible, the traveller should provide a compatible reader at entry.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Number of Pets and Entry Points
Non‑commercial movement is limited to a maximum of five pets. If more than five pets travel and the specific competition/exhibition derogation is not met, the movement is treated as commercial and must enter via designated veterinary border inspection posts. Document and identity checks for travellers are performed at designated points of entry in Latvia (confirm current locations with PVD or Customs).
- Maximum five pets for non‑commercial movement, unless qualifying under the competition/exhibition derogation.
- Customs performs checks of documents and identification at designated travellers’ points of entry.
Special Origin Conditions
Additional safeguards may apply for animals originating from certain countries (e.g., dogs/cats from Australia regarding Hendra virus, and from Malaysia regarding Nipah virus). Check PVD guidance before travel.
