Pet travel route
Dog or cat from the Dominican Republic to Finland: the rules
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination and rabies antibody blood test (titer) and 3 more.
Rules checked up to 12 October 2026From 7 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- Finland puts the Dominican Republic in the group “Unlisted country”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed, tapeworm treatment before arrival and arrive at a set entry point.
- No import permit or quarantine on this route for a pet that meets the rules.
- Finland adds to the EU’s rules: tapeworm treatment (dogs).
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving the Dominican Republic publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. DIGEGA's page lists the steps and documents but gives no deadline before departure and doesn't say when the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) stamp or the VUCE single-window process is needed. Start early and ask DIGEGA (809-535-9689, ext. 307) what applies to your destination.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
about 4 months
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: EU animal health certificate (before departure; DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours: one day is our margin, not an official figure)
about 3 months
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: EU animal health certificate (before departure; DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours: one day is our margin, not an official figure)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- No import permit
- No quarantine
- Tapeworm treatment before arrival
- Arrive at a set entry point
How early to start (cats)
about 4 months
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: EU animal health certificate (before departure; DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours: one day is our margin, not an official figure)
about 3 months
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: EU animal health certificate (before departure; DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours: one day is our margin, not an official figure)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- No import permit
- No quarantine
- Arrive at a set entry point
Which rules apply to you
Finland puts the Dominican Republic in the group “Unlisted country”. See every group
Official name: Not listed — rabies antibody titration test needed
Rule-change alertsChecked daily
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Rule change for pets travelling from the Dominican Republic to Finland
Entering the EU by sea: the certificate's 10 days are extended by the voyage. Tap to see what changed.
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Dominican Republic → Finland
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether the Dominican Republic (leaving) or Finland (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Finland
Microchip
Your pet must be identified with a microchip, implanted (or read) no later than the day of its rabies vaccination.
Details and the official words
Travelling between EU countries, a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted instead of a microchip.
“must be identified by the implantation of a microchip”
“The date of administration of the vaccine does not precede the date of identification or reading of the microchip.”
“The pet animal (dog, cat or ferret) must be identified by the implantation of a microchip”
“a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011.”
VaccinationEntering Finland
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. The vaccination becomes valid 21 days after the primary course is completed; boosters must be given before the previous vaccination expires.
Details and the official words
“The pet animal was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered.”
“The period of validity of the vaccination starts not less than 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination”
“The animal was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered.”
“The period of validity of the vaccination starts not less than 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination, and any subsequent vaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.”
Blood testEntering Finland
Rabies antibody blood test (titer)
A vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the primary vaccination; a designated lab must measure at least 0.5 IU/ml. The health certificate can only be issued 90 days or more after the sample date.
Details and the official words
No need to repeat the test if the pet is revaccinated within the validity of the previous vaccination.
“at least 30 days after the date of the primary vaccination, or within a current valid vaccination series, and not less than 90 days before the date of issue of the animal health certificate”
“equal to or greater than 0,5 IU/ml”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic
Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record
Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.
Details and the official words
“Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”
“Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”
“Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”
“Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”
“Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”
TreatmentEntering Finland
Tapeworm treatment (dogs)
Dogs entering Finland, Ireland or Malta must be treated by a vet against Echinococcus multilocularis (praziquantel) between 24 and 120 hours before the scheduled entry, recorded on the certificate.
Details and the official words
“within a period of not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before the time of scheduled entry”
“Be administered by a veterinarian within a period of not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before the time of scheduled entry.”
“Be certified by the administering veterinarian in the relevant section of the passport.”
“Dogs moving directly between any EU country listed in Annex XIX to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/620, (Finland, Ireland, Malta, and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) or Norway are exempted from the treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis”
PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and Finland
EU animal health certificate
An official (or authorised) veterinarian completes the EU animal health certificate and the competent authority endorses it. It is valid for entry for 10 days from issue (longer by the length of a sea journey), then for onward EU travel for up to 6 months.
Details and the official words
DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.
“valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' points of entry”
“In the case of a transport by sea, that period of 10 days is extended by an additional period corresponding to the duration of the journey by sea.”
“remain valid for bringing pet dogs, cats or ferrets into the EU if issued before 1 October 2026”
“Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”
“Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”
“Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”
“Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”
“1-24 Horas”
“RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”
PaperworkEntering Finland
Non-commercial declaration
You (or the person you authorise) sign a written declaration that the movement is not commercial. If someone else travels with the pet, you must travel within 5 days before or after it.
Details and the official words
“a written declaration completed by the owner or an authorised person”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering Finland
Enter through a travellers' point of entry
Arrive through a travellers' point of entry designated by the EU country, and contact the authority there for the document and identity check.
Details and the official words
“must pass through a travellers' point of entry designated by each EU country”
Good to know
- Young pets that are not yet fully protected against rabies cannot enter the EU from a non-EU country — in practice your pet must be at least about 15 weeks old (12 weeks at vaccination + 21 days).
- Some EU countries have their own rules on certain dog breeds. Check the destination country's national pet travel page.
- Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.
Cats
Get ready
IdentificationEntering Finland
Microchip
Your pet must be identified with a microchip, implanted (or read) no later than the day of its rabies vaccination.
Details and the official words
Travelling between EU countries, a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted instead of a microchip.
“must be identified by the implantation of a microchip”
“The date of administration of the vaccine does not precede the date of identification or reading of the microchip.”
“The pet animal (dog, cat or ferret) must be identified by the implantation of a microchip”
“a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011.”
VaccinationEntering Finland
Rabies vaccination
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. The vaccination becomes valid 21 days after the primary course is completed; boosters must be given before the previous vaccination expires.
Details and the official words
“The pet animal was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered.”
“The period of validity of the vaccination starts not less than 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination”
“The animal was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered.”
“The period of validity of the vaccination starts not less than 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination, and any subsequent vaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.”
Blood testEntering Finland
Rabies antibody blood test (titer)
A vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the primary vaccination; a designated lab must measure at least 0.5 IU/ml. The health certificate can only be issued 90 days or more after the sample date.
Details and the official words
No need to repeat the test if the pet is revaccinated within the validity of the previous vaccination.
“at least 30 days after the date of the primary vaccination, or within a current valid vaccination series, and not less than 90 days before the date of issue of the animal health certificate”
“equal to or greater than 0,5 IU/ml”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic
Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record
Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.
Details and the official words
“Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”
“Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”
“Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”
“Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”
“Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”
PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and Finland
EU animal health certificate
An official (or authorised) veterinarian completes the EU animal health certificate and the competent authority endorses it. It is valid for entry for 10 days from issue (longer by the length of a sea journey), then for onward EU travel for up to 6 months.
Details and the official words
DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.
“valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' points of entry”
“In the case of a transport by sea, that period of 10 days is extended by an additional period corresponding to the duration of the journey by sea.”
“remain valid for bringing pet dogs, cats or ferrets into the EU if issued before 1 October 2026”
“Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”
“Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”
“Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”
“Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”
“1-24 Horas”
“RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”
PaperworkEntering Finland
Non-commercial declaration
You (or the person you authorise) sign a written declaration that the movement is not commercial. If someone else travels with the pet, you must travel within 5 days before or after it.
Details and the official words
“a written declaration completed by the owner or an authorised person”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering Finland
Enter through a travellers' point of entry
Arrive through a travellers' point of entry designated by the EU country, and contact the authority there for the document and identity check.
Details and the official words
“must pass through a travellers' point of entry designated by each EU country”
Good to know
- Young pets that are not yet fully protected against rabies cannot enter the EU from a non-EU country — in practice your pet must be at least about 15 weeks old (12 weeks at vaccination + 21 days).
- Some EU countries have their own rules on certain dog breeds. Check the destination country's national pet travel page.
- Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in the Dominican Republic publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
DIGEGA validation of the export documentsLeaving Dominican Republic500 DOP
“RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA”
Permisología para la Importación / Exportación de Perros y Gatos (DIGEGA) · as of 2026-10-12
Government fees in total: 500 DOP (each currency separately)
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies antibody blood test (titer)Prices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for the Dominican Republic: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate (vet’s fee), parasite treatment, vet examination.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to the Dominican Republic
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves the Dominican Republic.
The trip back asks for 5 steps: vet examination within 72 hours before departure, internal and external parasite treatment before the vet examination, rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine) from 90 days old, at least 30 days before departure and rabies vaccination within the 12 months before departure and more.
Only on this route
About Finland in particular
Finland applies the European Union’s pet rules shown above.
Tapeworm treatment (dogs)
Dogs entering Finland, Ireland or Malta must be treated by a vet against Echinococcus multilocularis (praziquantel) between 24 and 120 hours before the scheduled entry, recorded on the certificate.
Applies when: your pet is a dog and you travel to Finland, Ireland or Malta, unless you travel from Northern Ireland (UK) or Norway and your route is direct
Good to know
Dogs moving directly between Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway don't need the tapeworm treatment. Your route stops in another country, and the EU page doesn't say whether that still counts as moving directly, so the plan shows the treatment to be safe (our reading, not an official one). Ask the destination's veterinary authority if you'd rather skip it.
Applies when: your pet is a dog and you travel from Northern Ireland (UK) or Norway and you travel to Finland, Ireland or Malta and your route passes through another country
Finland’s own official pages: Lemmikkien vienti EU:n ulkopuolelle (Ruokavirasto) · EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU (Your Europe) · Eläinten vientitodistukset
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country
- Travelling with a pet within the EU
- Dogs, cats and ferrets: frequently asked questions
- Listing of territories and non-EU countries
- Young dogs, cats and ferrets
- Regulations (EU) 2026/131, 2026/636 and 2026/705: consolidated versions and corrections (EUR-Lex)
- Permisología para la Importación / Exportación de Perros y Gatos (DIGEGA)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-12.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from the Dominican Republic to Finland?
Yes: A vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the primary vaccination; a designated lab must measure at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Finland?
No. The official rules we have verified for this route don't ask for an import permit.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Finland?
Not on the routes we have verified: the official rules list no quarantine for a pet that meets the requirements.
How early should I start preparing my pet for the Dominican Republic to Finland?
With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination and rabies antibody blood test (titer) and 3 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
Read next
Turn this into dates for your pet
Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.