Dogs in Georgia: rules, tax and travel

Owners must identify and register dogs in a unified database run by the National Food Agency. Registered owners must be at least 16 with no criminal record. Existing owners must register by 1 January 2027.[2]

Identification is by microchip or ear tag as part of registration; a lost or damaged chip must be redone. The law sets no separate chip date beyond the registration deadline of 1 January 2027.[2]

No dog tax was found in the Law on Pet Animals.[2]

Owners of a potentially dangerous dog must submit a mental health certificate. There is no general dog licence.[2]

The law does not require liability insurance. Owners must compensate damage caused by their animal under the Civil Code.[2]

In public places such as parks and boulevards dogs must be leashed or muzzled, except in designated areas, and the same applies on public transport. Keeping a dog permanently on a leash is prohibited. Municipalities may set further rules.[2]

Sterilisation or castration is compulsory under government-set rules, with exceptions such as registered exhibition animals. Pedigree breeders must sterilise animals they bred.[2]

Ear and tail cropping, abandonment, combat training (other than service dogs) and animal fights are prohibited.[2]

The law provisions take effect in stages: 1 January 2026, 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2028.[2]

A pet needs a 15-digit ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination given 30 days to 12 months before entry, and a veterinary certificate for Georgia endorsed by the origin country's authority. Pets must enter at Tbilisi airport.[3]

Same as from the EU: microchip, rabies vaccination 30 days to 12 months before entry, endorsed veterinary certificate; no permit for an accompanied personal pet.[3]

Not required to enter Georgia. (Titre tests are needed when taking a pet from Georgia to the EU.)[3]

Not required.[3]

No quarantine if the requirements are met.[3]