Importing Our Dogs to Poland from the U.S.

This week has been a busy one as we gather all the necessary requirements to import our two dogs (Fry and Molly) to Poland. Hopefully this article will help others who are looking to do the same 🙂

Please note: this article is meant to be used as a guide and will not be updated in the future as pet importation laws change. The information found on this post pertain to rules and regulations effective as of August 15th, 2014. For the most up to date information please visit the website of The Embassy of the Republic of Poland. You may also find the assistance of PetRelocation.com and PetTravel.com useful.

Dog Requirements

• ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted BEFORE vaccinations are done. If vaccinations are done prior to the dogs being microchipped then vaccinations must be redone. If the dog’s microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant you must bring your own microchip scanner. If your dog(s) will be travelling in Europe it is recommended to have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips.
• Rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to entry into Poland.
• (optional but recommended) DA2PPL (Distemper, Adenovirus type 2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis) or DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccinations. They are both the same thing…
• EU Vet Health Certificate (EC Form #998) filled and signed by accredited veterinarian.
• EU Vet Health Certificate stamped and endorsed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) within 10 days of travel). Requirements for endorsement:
  • Microchip implantation record
  • Rabies certificate
  • Vet letter
  • EU Vet Health Certificate (EC Form #998)
• International Health Certificate (your vet should have these in stock)

Personal Tips

• Take copies of proof of vaccinations with you when you travel. You never know with Customs…
• Have your vet sign vaccination certificates in BLUE ink. This shows it is an original copy.
• If your pet’s microchip is 15 digits long it is 11784/11785 compliant 😉

Two days ago Fry and Molly were implanted with the correct microchips. The microchips that were originally implanted by the ASPCA where we adopted them were not ISO 11784/11785 compliant. The process of implanting the microchips only took a few minutes and costs $60 per dog which included a lifetime subscription with the microchip subscription company.

The following day we returned to the vet in order to get their rabies and DA2PPL vaccinations. DA2PPL costs about $40 and the rabies vaccination $20 for one year ($35 if you want it for 3 years). The vet discovered Molly had a bacterial and yeast overgrowth in her ears so she her ears were fully cleaned and the vet subscribed her with proper medication.

Now we simply have to get EC Form #998 and the International Health Certificate filled and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of our departure to Poland. We also have to make sure our flights are booked for at least 21 days from yesterday in order to meet requirements.

If you have any questions feel free to post them below! 🙂