Taking your pets to Bulgaria
Relocating or travelling with a pet requires careful preparation, particularly when entering the European Union. Bulgaria applies strict but clearly defined pet import rules designed to protect animal and public health. Understanding these rules in advance will help you avoid delays, quarantine, or refusal of entry for your pet. This guide explains in detail what a “pet passport” means in the context of Bulgaria, which animals are eligible, and every step required to lawfully import dogs, cats, and ferrets.
What Is a Pet Passport for Bulgaria?
A pet passport, when bringing animals into Bulgaria, is a set of official veterinary documents that show compliance with Bulgarian and EU animal health rules.
It is important to note that this term does not always mean an official EU Pet Passport. Pets that live in the EU may have an EU Pet Passport, but pets coming into Bulgaria from non-EU countries need different documents.
Depending on your pet’s country of origin, your pet’s “passport” to Bulgaria may consist of:
- An official EU or Northern Ireland Pet Passport (for EU-resident or NI-resident pets)
- An EU Health Certificate (for non-EU-resident pets)
- A government-issued Pet Passport from a Part 1 listed third country
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) when entering Bulgaria from Great Britain (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales)
Regardless of format, the documentation must confirm:
- A compliant microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination
- A rabies antibody (titer) test where required
- The pet’s identity and health status
Animals Covered by Bulgaria’s Pet Import Rules
These regulations apply to:
- Domestic dogs
- Domestic cats
- Ferrets
- Assistance and service animals
Hybrid animals such as wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be imported unless they are at least 5 generations removed from their wild ancestors.
Owners of other animals - such as reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents, amphibians, and exotic pets - must follow separate import rules, which are explained later in this guide.
Choosing a Licensed Veterinarian
Before beginning any pet export procedure, your pet must be examined and treated by a licensed veterinarian approved by the official veterinary authority in the country of origin.
The veterinarian must be authorised to issue certificates recognised by EU border authorities and must follow vaccination and testing timelines precisely. Failure to use an authorised veterinarian is a common reason for document rejection at the Bulgarian border.
Quarantine Rules for Pets Entering Bulgaria
Bulgaria does not impose quarantine if all import requirements are met precisely.
However, if your pet arrives with incomplete, incorrect, or invalid documentation, authorities may:
- Place your pet in quarantine (if facilities are available)
- Return the pet to the country of origin
- Euthanise the animal in extreme cases
All associated costs are borne by the importer.
Bulgaria Pet Import Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide
All steps must be completed in the country of origin, and in the correct order.
Step 1: EU Country Classification
The European Union does not recognise any country as rabies-free. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must therefore meet rabies vaccination requirements.
Your country of origin will fall into one of the following categories:
- EU Member State
- Part 1 listed third country
- Part 2 listed third country
- Unlisted country
Your pet’s requirements depend on:
- The classification of the origin country
- Whether your pet has entered an unlisted country within the past four months
Identifying your country classification is the foundation of the entire process.
Step 2: Type of Transport (Non-Commercial vs Commercial)
The EU distinguishes between non-commercial and commercial pet transport.
Non-Commercial Transport Conditions
All conditions must be met:
- The pet travels with or within 5 days of the owner
- No more than 5 pets (unless attending a competition or show)
- No sale, adoption, or ownership transfer
- A signed Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport
If any condition is not met, the transport is considered commercial.
Commercial Transport Conditions
Commercial rules apply if:
- The pet does not travel with the owner
- More than 5 animals are transported
- There is any sale, adoption, or transfer of ownership
Commercial transport requires registered exporters, importers, and additional certification systems.
Step 3: Microchip Identification
Your pet needs to be implanted with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compatible microchip.
Key requirements:
- The microchip needs to be implanted prior to or at the same time as rabies vaccination
- If the microchip is not ISO, the owner needs to have a compatible scanner
- The microchip information needs to be reflected on all certificates
Step 4: Rabies Vaccination
All pets over 12 weeks of age need to have a valid rabies vaccination.
Waiting periods:
- 21 days after primary vaccination for EU, Part 1, and Part 2 countries
- 30 days, followed by a rabies titer test, for unlisted countries
The day of vaccination does not count toward the waiting period.
Additional vaccinations are recommended for overall health, and dogs travelling commercially must be vaccinated against distemper.
Step 5: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
Required only for pets coming from countries not listed.
Important regulations:
- Blood sample taken up to at least 30 days after rabies vaccination
- Sample analysed by an approved laboratory
- Entry allowed 3 calendar months from date of blood sample
- Test valid for life as long as rabies vaccinations are up to date
Step 7: Parasite Treatments
Parasite protection is not required for entry into Bulgaria but is highly advised for animal health.
Step 8: Health Certificate
Each pet traveling must have an original health certificate stating the following:
- Microchip number
- Ability to travel
- No contagious diseases
- Adherence to rabies regulations
The health certificate will depend on the mode of transport and country of origin.
Importing Puppies and Kittens
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens under 12 weeks may enter Bulgaria only from EU Member States under strict conditions, including documented rabies-free status of the birth area.
The minimum age for entry from unlisted countries is 7 months.
Entering Bulgaria with a Pet
Pets may enter Bulgaria:
- By air via Sofia Border Inspection Post
- By road from Serbia, Macedonia or Turkey
- In cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo
Commercial imports must be pre-registered in the TRACES system.
All animals are subject to inspection on arrival.
Exporting Resident Pets from Bulgaria
Pets leaving Bulgaria must:
- Be microchipped
- Be vaccinated against rabies
- Observe a 21-day waiting period after primary vaccination
Additional requirements may apply for non-EU destinations.
Importing Other Pet Animals
For small mammals, reptiles, birds, and exotic pets, there are other regulations that may necessitate health certificates, even if rabies vaccination is not relevant.
It is always important to check requirements for the destination.
Final Compliance Notice
The regulations can be enforced in different ways by different border control authorities. Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to quarantine, return, or euthanasia at the expense of the importer. The only way to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for your pet is to strictly comply with the Bulgarian pet import regulations.