Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina: rules, tax and travel
Rules come from the state level, the two entities and Brcko District, so they differ by place. At state level pit bull terriers and their mixes count as dangerous dogs and must be chipped, neutered, muzzled and leashed. Imported pets need a microchip meeting ISO standards.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is split into the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brcko District, plus cantons and municipalities in the Federation. Animal welfare and pet keeping rules are set at state, entity and local level, and the Republika Srpska has its own pet regulation.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Restricted | Pit Bull Terrier (and crosses) The state Rulebook on keeping dangerous animals treats pit bull terriers and their mixes as dangerous dogs. Such dogs must be microchipped, neutered, muzzled and leashed in public, and cannot be traded or shown. [1] |
| Whole country | Import banned | Pit bull types without FCI-recognised pedigree Importing pit bull type dogs that are not registered with an FCI member club is banned (Art. 11 as summarised). Summary of the FAOLEX copy of the Rulebook, Sl. glasnik BiH 27/10. Not verified against the gazette. [1] |
| Whole country | Permit required | Bull terrier breeds under control Controlled bull terrier breeds need a pedigree from the Kennel Club of BiH or an FCI member club (Art. 8). [1] |
Registration and microchip
Dogs classed as dangerous are entered in the Dog Registry as dangerous dogs (state Rulebook on keeping dangerous animals, Art. 4). A general national dog registration rule was not confirmed.[1]
Dogs classed as dangerous must be microchipped at any age (Art. 5). A general chip rule for all dogs was not confirmed.[1]
Dog tax and licence
Keepers of dangerous dogs must be over 21, have no relevant convictions, have safe housing and a certificate of legal capacity, and the dog must pass a socialisation test within 30 days (Art. 7 and 8).[1]
Leash and muzzle
Dangerous dogs may go out in public only with a muzzle and a lead, under the owner's control and following local communal rules (Art. 5(6)).[1]
Other rules
Dangerous dogs must be neutered within 14 days of being classed as dangerous, kept in an escape-proof enclosure with a locked door and an 'OPASAN PAS' sign, and cannot be traded, shown or given away (Art. 5 and 10).[1]
In Republika Srpska a separate entity Regulation on keeping and protection of pets (Sl. glasnik RS 117/2014) applies. Owners of animals on its Annex 2 list had to report them to the entity ministry.[2]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax, Liability insurance, From an EU country, From outside the EU, Rabies antibody test, Tapeworm treatment, Quarantine. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.