Dogs in Austria: rules, tax and travel

Dogs must be registered in the federal Heimtierdatenbank (Tierschutzgesetz section 24a), online with ID Austria. Report within one month after chipping, import or takeover, and in any case before the dog is first passed on.[5]

All dogs must be microchipped by a vet at the keeper's cost. Puppies must be chipped by the 12th week of life.[5]

Dog tax (Hundeabgabe) is set by each Land and municipality. For the first dog it ranges from nothing in Graz to EUR 120 in Vienna; Feldkirch charges EUR 90, Innsbruck about EUR 104, Linz EUR 54, Salzburg EUR 50.[6]

Since 1 July 2026 anyone taking on a dog must first hold a general Sachkunde certificate (theory course) and show a practical unit with the dog within 12 months. Exemptions include current registered dog keepers, vets and certified trainers.[7]

Set by the Länder. In Lower Austria insurance applies only to listed or conspicuous dogs (minimum EUR 500,000 personal injury, EUR 250,000 property). Upper Austria asks for proof of liability insurance at dog registration.[8]

Set by the Länder. In Lower Austria dogs must be leashed or muzzled in listed public places in built-up areas such as public transport, schools and parks; listed or conspicuous dogs need both.[8]

Vienna no longer issues dog tags; owner and tax status are read from the microchip.[6]

Upper Austria requires registration in the state dog register within 3 days for dogs older than 12 weeks and issues an official dog tag that must be visible in public.[9]

The pet travels with its owner and needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older and valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle.[10]

Austrian customs say pets must be declared at customs (red channel at airports) and need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate valid 10 days for up to 5 animals. Dogs, cats and ferrets must be at least 16 weeks old to enter. Pets may not be sold or handed on.[11]

Needed for pets from non-EU countries not on the EU list: blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination and at least three months before travel, at an approved laboratory, 0.5 IU/ml or more. Pets needing a titre must be at least 7 months old on entry.[11]

Tapeworm treatment for dogs is required only for entry into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland, given by a vet 24 to 120 hours before entry. It is not required to enter this country.[10]

The EU entry conditions list no quarantine for pets that meet them.[12]