Dogs in Latvia: rules, tax and travel
Dogs, cats and ferrets are microchipped by a vet and registered in the state pet database, with exemptions for some indoor cats. Dogs born after 31 August 2023 may not be chained, and Riga charges a yearly dog fee.
Municipalities set local fees and leash rules, for example Riga's dog fee.
Breed rules
No breed list: a dog is declared dangerous only after it attacks a person or animal (MK noteikumi Nr. 552 of 15 Sept 2026, in force 19 Sept 2026), after which muzzle, adult handler, sterilisation and owner training apply. [1]
Registration and microchip
Dogs, cats and ferrets must be registered in the State database after a vet microchips them. The vet registers the animal within 72 hours. Vet service fee is EUR 5.50 plus the register fee.[2]
Compulsory for dogs, done by a practising vet on the left side of the neck or shoulder area.[2]
Dog tax and licence
Riga charges a yearly dog fee of EUR 10 for dogs aged six months or older, due by 1 March. It is halved for pensioners and for sterilised dogs, and disabled owners are exempt.[3]
typical 10 EUR, 5 to 10 EUR a year
Other rules
Dogs born after 31 August 2023 may not be chained, with exceptions such as hunts, shows and short supervised tethering. Minimum space is 4 m2 up to 10 kg, 6 m2 for 10 to 20 kg, 8 m2 for 20 to 29 kg and 10 m2 above 30 kg. Permanent keeping in a cage, balcony or loggia is banned.[4]
Travelling to Latvia with a dog
Latvia applies Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 since 22 April 2026. Unvaccinated animals under 12 weeks are not allowed in, and animals aged 12 to 16 weeks are refused if the rabies vaccination does not yet meet the validity rules.[5]
Not confirmed yet: Licence or owner test, Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle, 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.
Sources
- lvportals.lv/skaidrojumi/394698-stajas-speka-bistamu-sunu-turesanas-noteikumi-2026 (official)
- likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/333571 (official)
- riga.lv/en/article/city-residents-have-pay-fee-keeping-dog-1-march (official)
- eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/26.06.2024-stricter-pet-keeping-rules-in-force-as-o (secondary source)
- pvd.gov.lv/en/non-commercial-movement-pets-latvia-dogs-cats-and-ferrets (official)