Cats in Ukraine: rules and travel

There is no national dog or cat tax and no national compulsory microchip rule, but a unified veterinary passport has been required since 1 March 2026 and big cities such as Kyiv and Lviv make dog registration compulsory. Under martial law the airspace is closed, so most travellers with pets arrive by land.

Dog registration is set by cities and communities (Kyiv, Lviv and others), not nationally. Wartime restrictions and curfews can change local rules and travel routes quickly.

Registration and microchip

Microchip

Not compulsory for cats under national law. A chip is needed to take a cat abroad.[1]

Cat tax

No tax on owning cats.[2]

Travelling to Ukraine with a cat

From an EU country

The state service publishes one set of rules without an EU split: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination after chipping at 12 weeks or older and at least 21 days before arrival, a rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken between 3 and 12 months before dispatch, and an international veterinary certificate from the sending country.[3]

From outside the EU

Same rules as from the EU: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older and 21 days before arrival, antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and an international veterinary certificate. A US source gives the same conditions for pets from the US.[3]

Rabies antibody test

Required for animals over 12 weeks: at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken no more than 12 months and no less than 3 months before dispatch. No retest if later vaccinations were given without a gap.[3]

Not confirmed yet: Registration, 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.

Cats in Ukraine: rules and travel

Registration and microchip

Cat tax

Travelling to Ukraine with a cat

Sources