Bringing Your Pet to Georgia: Import Rules for Dogs and Cats

Microchip, rabies, the right vaccinations and a vet certificate — what it takes to move a dog or cat to Georgia, and what to keep in order once you arrive.

At a glance

Microchip first, then the rabies shot — the order matters.
Rabies vaccination done at least 21 days before travel and still valid.
Core vaccinations for dogs and cats on top of rabies.
An international veterinary certificate issued shortly before you fly.
No import permit for personal pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) in normal numbers.

Georgia is one of the easier countries to relocate to with a pet — there is no quarantine for a healthy, properly documented animal, and personal pets do not need an import permit. What the border does want is proof that your dog or cat is identifiable, vaccinated and healthy. Get the paperwork in the right order and the crossing is routine. If you are planning the wider move, our moving to Georgia guide covers the rest of the first-month checklist.

Microchip comes first

Your pet needs an ISO-standard microchip, and it must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. This order is important: the rabies certificate has to reference the chip number, so a shot given before the chip existed will not be accepted. Make sure the exact chip number is written identically on every document — the vaccination record, the health certificate and the pet passport.

Rabies and the other vaccinations

After the chip, your pet needs a rabies vaccination. It should be given at least 21 days before you travel and still be within its validity window on the day of entry. On top of rabies, plan for the standard core vaccinations: for dogs, typically distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza; for cats, feline rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and (commonly) feline leukaemia. Your vet will record all of these in the passport.

The veterinary health certificate

Shortly before travel, an official veterinarian issues an international veterinary (health) certificate confirming the microchip, the vaccinations and that the animal is healthy and fit to travel. It is time-sensitive — usually valid for a short window of days — so it is the last thing you arrange before you fly. Keep the original with you; do not pack it in checked luggage.

At the border

For a healthy, documented personal pet there is no permit and no quarantine. Officials check that the chip scans, matches the paperwork, and that the vaccinations are in order. Problems only arise when documents are missing, expired or inconsistent — so the golden rule is chip → rabies → other shots → certificate, in that order, with the chip number identical everywhere. If your route transits another country, check that country’s rules too, as some transit points have stricter requirements than Georgia itself.

Keeping your pet in Georgia

Once you are settled, keep the rabies vaccination current and your microchip details up to date — it is the single best way to recover a lost pet. Register with a local vet (Tbilisi and Batumi have modern clinics and English-speaking staff), and follow municipal rules on leashing in public spaces. If you later plan to travel back to the EU or elsewhere with your pet, start early: some destinations require a rabies antibody (titer) blood test taken months in advance, so build that into your timeline. Sorting out your own status? See the residence permit options.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an import permit to bring my pet?

Not for a personal pet in normal numbers — dogs, cats and ferrets travelling with their owner do not require an import permit. Commercial imports or large numbers are treated differently.

Does the microchip really have to come before the rabies shot?

Yes. The rabies certificate must reference the chip number, so the chip has to exist first. A rabies vaccination given before the microchip is generally not accepted.

Is there a quarantine on arrival?

No — a healthy pet with correct, in-date documents is not quarantined. Quarantine only comes into play if paperwork is missing or an animal appears unwell.

Which vaccinations besides rabies does my pet need?

Dogs: typically distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Cats: feline rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and commonly feline leukaemia. Your vet records them in the passport.