Dogs in Bulgaria: rules, tax and travel
Not confirmed: only the EU pet travel rules are covered. National keeping rules still need research.
Not confirmed.
Breed rules
The Zakon za zashtita na zhivotnite has no breed list; owners of any dog must prevent unprovoked aggression in public and breeding or training for aggression is prohibited (checked against a 2015 municipal copy of the act). [1]
Travelling to Bulgaria with a dog
Dog or cat needs an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older and valid from 21 days after the primary course, and an EU pet passport. Up to 5 animals per owner.[2]
Needs a microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, a rabies vaccination (12 weeks or older, valid from 21 days after the primary course), an animal health certificate valid 10 days from issue until entry checks, and an owner declaration. Pets enter through a travellers' point of entry. Older-model certificates stay valid if issued before 1 October 2026.[3]
Required for entry from non-EU countries not on the EU exemption list: blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the certificate is issued, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, tested at a designated laboratory. Not needed when moving between EU countries.[3]
Tapeworm treatment for dogs is only required when entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, so it is not required on entry to Bulgaria. Cats are exempt.[3]
Not confirmed yet: Registration, Microchip, Dog tax, Licence or owner test, Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle, 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.
Sources
- ecity.veliko-tarnovo.bg/media//filer/2015/10/30/zakon-za-zashita-na-zhivotnite.pdf (secondary source)
- food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-within-eu_e (official)
- food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/non-commercial-movement-non-eu-coun (official)