Do you want to go on holiday in Croatia without your faithful four-legged friend? Put him in a kennel or leave him in the care of relatives? That is out of the question for many dog owners – and it doesn’t have to be, because the small holiday country on the Adriatic is not only very dog-friendly, but also well prepared for the animal visitors.
General entry regulations for dogs
According to the Foreign Office, dogs and other pets can be brought into Croatia if their owners are on holiday there. The prerequisites are that the animals are microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Since proof of vaccination must be provided during a check, the vaccination certificate should be carried with you. Furthermore, dogs can only be brought in with a pet passport. Alternatively, a veterinary certificate is accepted. A further check by a veterinarian is not necessary, according to the Foreign Office.
Since each member state of the European Union can decide independently on further regulations, there are other points to consider when entering Croatia with a dog. According to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, a maximum of five pets are permitted and only if they are not imported for commercial purposes – for example, to be sold. Travelers coming from Germany are also allowed to import dogs if they are under three months old and unvaccinated. The prerequisite is that the dogs come directly from the care of the breeder, have not lived with wild animals, are microchipped and have a valid EU pet passport. At least 21 days must have passed between the vaccination and entry into Croatia.
Excluded dog breeds
Some dog breeds are generally not allowed to enter Croatia. According to the regulation on dangerous dog breeds, which is published in the Official Gazette NN 26/05, Pitbull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and all other crosses or breeds derived from these breeds are not allowed to enter the country. Furthermore, dogs, regardless of breed, are not allowed to enter the country if they pose a danger to people without any apparent reason, attack people or other dogs, have already attacked people or other dogs, or were bred/trained for dog fighting.
Basic rules of conduct during your stay
If you are travelling to Croatia with your dog, to the sea or inland, there are a few rules of conduct that must be followed when the animal is in restaurants, public places or various tourist attractions. As is customary in Germany, dog owners should always keep their four-legged friends on a leash – especially when they are out in public or around people. This is for the safety of the dog and other people – for example small children. You should also carry poop bags and muzzles, which dogs must wear on public transport. Breeds such as Great Danes, Dobermans, German Shepherds, St. Bernards and all dog breeds classified as dangerous must always wear a muzzle. Apart from these rules, Croatia is a very dog-friendly country with numerous restaurants and beaches (official and unofficial) where four-legged friends are welcome.
Visiting national parks, sights & other attractions
Special rules of conduct for bringing dogs apply to natural and cultural sights in Croatia. In particular, dogs may not be allowed in national and nature parks and other nature reserves. Four-legged friends are welcome in the Paklenica, Ucka and North Velebit national parks. The Krka National Park and the natural paradise of Cape Kamenjak also allow dogs – but always on a leash. Other sights for holidaymakers with dogs are castles or ruins. In the case of cathedrals, historical buildings or similar, you need to find out more in advance or consider whether the dog would be better off in a holiday home rather than in the city center among the crowds of people.
Checklist: What you need to take with you, what you should pay attention to!
Entry with dog:
- valid EU pet passport or alternatively veterinary certificate
- valid microchip (number must match passport)
- fresh rabies vaccination, proven by vaccination certificate
Recommended documents for entry:
- Copy of ownership certificate or breeding papers
- emergency numbers of local veterinarians
- insurance number of the dog liability insurance
Luggage and supplies for the dog:
- Collar, leash, muzzle or harness with dog tag and name tag
- water and food for the journey
- Safety harness for the car, travel box for the plane
- food & bowls
- dog blanket/basket
- dog toys & treats
- poop bags & dog whistle
- Care utensils such as towels, brushes or shampoo
- if required, swimming and sun protection (beach tent or similar)
Travel first aid kit for the dog:
- remedies for motion sickness, excitement or diarrhea
- First Aid Kit for Dogs / Bandages & Iodine
- tick spray, tick tweezers or similar
- disinfectant for wounds
- remedies against fleas and insects
- if necessary, special medications and remedies
Important numbers and addresses:
- Find local veterinarians & veterinary clinics
- Write down addresses and telephone numbers
- Contact details of the dog liability insurance in the home country
- Contact details of the dog health insurance in the home country
Final recommendations
It is generally advisable to find out about the documents required in good time. If you are travelling by car or train, you may also want to check the entry requirements of the countries you are travelling through. Ideally, you should visit the vet in your home country a few months before you go on holiday and have your pet thoroughly checked. Veterinarians usually know the information and documents required to enter an EU member state. Fortunately, holidaymakers with dogs are generally given a friendly welcome in Croatia. If you behave properly and do not let your four-legged friend run around unchecked, you should generally not have any problems with locals or authorities.