Dogs in Slovakia: rules, tax and travel

A dog kept for more than 90 days must be registered with the municipality within 30 days and the owner receives a registration tag. Changes must be reported within 30 days.[1]

Chipping of all dogs was reintroduced by the veterinary care act amendment of 1 September 2018: puppies within 12 weeks, vets may not treat unchipped dogs, fine up to 3,500 EUR.[2]

Dog tax (daň za psa) is set by each municipality, so there is no national amount.[3]

The dog act does not mention liability insurance for dogs.[1]

Keepers must prevent free movement (off leash) of dogs except in areas set aside for it, and municipalities can ban dogs or free movement in marked places. A dog that has bitten without provocation (a dangerous dog) must be muzzled in public.[1]

Dog waste must be removed immediately from public spaces. Fines go up to 165 EUR for registration and keeper breaches and up to 65 EUR for other breaches.[1]

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.[4]

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.[5]

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.[5]

Tapeworm treatment for dogs is only required when entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, so it is not required on entry to Slovakia. Cats are exempt.[5]