Moving to Latvia does not prevent you from taking your furry companions with you but pet owners must first fulfill several restrictions before bringing their animals to Latvia. Before you leave, you must get a microchip implanted in your pets. Pets must receive a complete immunization within a year after moving to Latvia. Take your pet to the vet to get an EU health certificate within 10 days of your pet arriving in Latvia. The USDA endorsements for the microchip implantation record, the rabies certificate, the veterinarian’s letter, and the EU health certificate are required after that is finished.
Microchip
A microchip must be used to identify every pet. Nothing else will do as identification. It is recommended that the employed microchip adheres to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. AVID 9 and AVID 10 are currently accepted in Latvia in addition to ISO. Before the rabies vaccine is given, the microchip must be inserted.
Rabies vaccination and certificate
A veterinarian-signed original Rabies Certificate is required for every pet. At the time of the last health examination, the rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old. Pets are allowed to travel with a valid one-year vaccination A.K.A “primary” immunization. Pets can also travel if they received a 3-year vaccination within the past year. Additional vaccines that are specific to animals:
- Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella (DHLPP).
- Cats: FVRCP, which stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
For best effectiveness, these should be in effect at the time of import and administered no later than two weeks before the export date.
EU health certificate
This is the Health Certificate that must be completed by your licensed veterinarian and signed in a different color than the ink used to print the document (often blue ink). From the date the official veterinarian issues the certificate until the date that it is checked at the EU point of entry, it is valid for 10 days. This document will be valid for additional movements within the EU for four months from the date of issuance or until the date the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
USDA endorsements
The USDA in your area must receive the following documentation for approval.
- Rabies Certificate
- Microchip Implantation Record
- EU Vet Health Certificate
Certificate for airline health
These should be available from your vet. Calling and inquiring in advance is a good idea. Your veterinarian must complete this international health document within 10 days of departure.
The five-day rule in the EU
Flying must take place within five days of the pet’s relocation for it to be deemed “non-commercial.” The move may still be carried out if you are unable to adhere to the five-day rule, but it will be seen as a commercial move. This raises expenses and modifies the schedule and requirements for EU imports.
Additional details
The pets must travel with all original documents on the aforementioned list. Before the animal arrives in Latvia, the following paperwork must be provided for it to properly clear customs. A legible, signed letter of transfer on letterhead from your business; a copy of the pet owner’s passport. If this is a military relocation, move orders, APO address, rank, and office. A copy of your plane ticket, boarding pass, or e-ticket proving that you will arrive within five days of your pet.
Non-commercial pet transportation
Non-commercial movements are those that don’t involve the exchange of animal ownership or the selling of dogs, cats, or ferrets. The European Union model animal must be accompanied during non-commercial transit by the owner specified on the animal’s passport. The animal may be transferred for non-commercial purposes up to five days before or following the owner’s move. In this case, the dog, cat, or ferret may be moved for non-commercial purposes by a designated person who has the owner’s written approval. Five animals at most are permitted on a non-commercial transfer with their owner or another authorized person. The registration of any animals older than six months is required. There must be evidence that they are traveling to Latvia for competitions, exhibits, or sporting events.
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