Traveling to Finland with your dog (or cat) is no longer the hassle it once was. As long as you keep in mind a few pet travel requirements, taking your dog to Finland will be quite easy. The rules for cats are the same.

Note that the completion of vaccinations and vet forms can take 3-4 months, so if you want to take your dog to Finland, plan early. Tattooed dogs and cats won't qualify after 2011 in favor of microchips.

The most important thing to know when taking your dog to Finland is that two types of pet regulations exist depending on whether you enter Finland from an EU country or from a non-EU country.

Bringing your dog to Finland from the EU: First of all, get a EU pet passport from your vet. Your licensed veterinarian will be able to fill out the EU pet passport as required. To take dogs to Finland from within the EU, the dog must be vaccinated for rabies (and tested for rabies antibodies by approved labs if traveling before 30 June 2010.)

The dog must also have been dewormed for tapeworm. Tapeworm treatment is not required if the animal is imported directly from Sweden, Norway, or the UK. Detailed guidelines for bringing dogs to Finland are available from the Finnish EVIRA department.

Do not forget to stop at the customs office when arriving in Finland so the customs personnel can check the dog into Finland as needed.

Bringing your dog to Finland from a non-EU country: Requirements for pet travel are slightly stricter.

Like travelers from the EU, you should also get your dog a pet passport if at all possible or have your vet complete the EU Veterinary certificate available on the Finnish animal import and export wensite(pdf).

Taking your dog to Finland from a non-EU country requires the dog (or cat) to be vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before traveling, and be dewormed against tapeworm max. 30 days before traveling to Finland.

Note that when flying with your dog, you must choose a flight to Helsinki-Vantaa airport for inspection. When you arrive in Finland with your dog, follow the 'Goods to Declare' line at customs. Finnish customs personnel will help you with the process and will check the dog's (or cat's) papers.

Tip for booking your dog's flight: When you book your flight to Finland, don't forget to notify your airline that you wish to take your cat or dog to Finland with you. They will check for room and there will be a one-way charge. (If you wish to sedate your pet for the trip, ask whether the airline's animal transportation rules allow this.)

Please note that Finland renews animal import regulations annually. By the time you travel, there may be slight procedural changes for dogs. Always check for official updates before taking your dog to Finland. For personal advice on traveling to Finland with dogs, cats and ferrets, travelers can also contact Evira’s Unit for Animal Health and Welfare by e-mail (ehyt@evira.fi).