Import and export of animals

Travelling with a pet

It is the pet owner's responsibility to ensure that their pet meets the requirements of the destination country. In other words, before you bring an animal into Finland or take an animal abroad, find out what are the requirements for importing and exporting animals. Your pet may need specific vaccines, medications, tests and documentation.

Illegally imported animals

The import requirements must be considered even when you are planning to buy an imported animal in Finland.

If it is suspected that import regulations have been violated, meaning that the animal has been imported illegally, the animal and its documents are inspected at the Environment Centre. An illegally imported animal may be ordered to be isolated, returned to the country of origin or put down. The decision on possible provisions is made by the Regional State Administrative Agency or the Finnish Food Authority.

Obtaining an export certificate

Please find out whether your pet needs an export certificate or a health check certificate issued by a veterinarian. A health check can be performed at a private veterinary clinic or you can book an appointment at the veterinary clinic of the City of Vantaa.

If your pet needs an export certificate issued by a municipal veterinarian, contact the veterinary enforcement officers primarily by email to book the appointment. We recommend that you book the appointment at least 2 to 3 business days before travelling. The veterinary enforcement officers only issue export certificates on weekdays at a pre-booked time during office hours.

If the export inspection is carried out at the airport or, in the case of horses, at the animal facility, the inspection should be booked at least 3 days before travelling.