Pet Travel Expert

If you are moving to pet friendly Austria but are in a quagmire about whether or not you should take your pets along, then my advice to you would be to do it. Especially if it is a dog, since Austria is a very dog friendly country and tolerance towards pets is much more than in most European states. In fact, you might end up making a lot of friends when you go out with your dog, because Austrians are dog lovers and will come chat you up if they like your four legged friend. The procedures for taking pets into Austria are also fairly simple and easy, and you would not be required to bother with loads of paperwork or certificates.

Apart from this, dogs are welcome in most places in Austria, be it public transport, parks or streets. There are a number of dog parks in Vienna and other parts of the country where you can take your dog out for exercising and let it off the leash. As a rule, dogs have to be muzzled and leashed when they are outside the house, except in places which specify that either muzzling or leashing is not required.

Your dog can travel with you on public transport. If it is small and can sit on your lap, then you can carry it in a carrier without charge. Otherwise, you can pay for a childs ticket and take your dog on a leash with you on buses, trams and trains.
It is unlawful to let your pet defecate in public places like pedestrian areas, steps, sidewalks and residential streets and children playgrounds etcetera. So make sure that you clean up after your pet whenever your dog fouls up a public place. As it is, the government provides free supplies for cleaning up after your dogs through Automats installed throughout the city. A number of dog parking areas are also designated where you can tie up your dog while you do your shopping or get your post.

For taking your pet to Austria with you, you will need at least a Vaccination Certificate. This should be issued and signed by a licensed vet in your country. The vaccination should have taken place at least 30 days and not more than one year before traveling to Austria. This certificate should be in German or should have a certified German translation attached. Unlike some other European countries, you will not be required to put your pet into quarantine upon entry into Austria. For more information on the requirements and exact procedures, we suggest you contact us directly for the updated information.

Once in Austria, you will have to get your dog licensed by registering it with your local District office. The license will need to be renewed yearly and you will be required to pay ATS 43,60 EU for a single dog per year. People living or based in Vienna can register their dogs on line. A cat does not need a license.