Moving to Austria with Pets: What You Need to Know in 2026

If you are moving to Austria with a dog, cat or ferret, there are several compulsory steps to complete before and after your move. The main requirements concern travel documents, dog registration, dog tax, local leash and muzzle rules, and certain dog breeds.

Who do these rules apply to?

These rules apply to EU citizens, as well as citizens of the EEA countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway—and Swiss citizens.

There is separate guidance for people arriving from a third country (Drittstaat) with a pet. The topics are largely the same, but people arriving from a third country should find out about the entry requirements in advance. Further information is available from the Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF).

What document does your pet need?

The pet passport

The most important document is the pet passport (Heimtierausweis, or Pet Passport). This is an official veterinary document required for travel between European Union and European Economic Area member states for:

• dogs,
• cats, and
• ferrets (Frettchen).

If you are moving to Austria from another EU country, the pet passport is not optional. It must accompany your dog, cat or ferret during the journey.

What must you do after arriving with a dog?

Three requirements are particularly important for dogs:

• Dog tax (Hundeabgabe, Hundesteuer): as a general rule, dog ownership is subject to tax.
• Identification and registration (Registrierung): every dog kept in Austria must be identified and registered.
• Muzzle and leash rules (Maulkorb- und Leinenzwang): most Austrian municipalities have rules on when dogs must wear a muzzle or be kept on a leash.

Dog tax

Dog ownership in Austria is generally taxable. The term “grundsätzlich” means that paying dog tax is the general rule. The amount of the tax is not specified here.

Identification and registration

Every dog kept in Austria must be identified (gekennzeichnet) and registered. The rule does not distinguish between dogs based on size or breed.

Muzzles and leashes

Muzzle and leash requirements are regulated locally. Most Austrian municipalities have rules on this subject, and the requirements may differ from one municipality to another.

What is a “Listenhund”?

Special legal rules apply to certain dog breeds. The guidance for EU citizens refers to these as Listenhunde (“listed dogs”), while guidance for people arriving from third countries uses the term Kampfhunde (“fighting dogs”).

Compliance with these rules is mandatory. If you own a listed dog, this is an especially important issue to clarify when planning your move.

When does each requirement apply?

• For travel: a pet passport for dogs, cats and ferrets.
• As a dog owner in Austria: identification and registration of the dog, as well as dog tax.
• In everyday life: local muzzle and leash rules.
• Depending on the breed: additional requirements for listed dogs.

How recent is this information?

Both sets of guidance were updated in January 2026: the guidance for EU citizens on 13 January 2026, and the guidance for people arriving from third countries on 12 January 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Does my cat need a pet passport when travelling to Austria?

Yes. A pet passport (Heimtierausweis) is required for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling within the EU and EEA.

Do I have to pay dog tax in Austria?

As a general rule, yes. Dog ownership in Austria is subject to dog tax (Hundeabgabe).

Does every dog have to be registered?

Yes. Every dog kept in Austria must be identified and registered.

Are leashes and muzzles compulsory everywhere?

No. The rules are not uniform. Most Austrian municipalities have requirements, but the details are decided locally.

Practical steps before and after your move

1. Check that your dog, cat or ferret has a valid pet passport (Heimtierausweis).
2. If you are arriving from a third country, check the entry requirements in advance using the information provided by BMF.
3. After arrival, arrange identification and registration for your dog.
4. Find out whether dog tax (Hundeabgabe) applies and complete the required local steps.
5. Check the rules of your Austrian municipality for leashes and muzzles.
6. If you own a listed dog, clarify the additional requirements before moving.

This information is based on online sources and does not constitute professional advice. Use it at your own responsibility and contact a relevant professional if you need specific guidance.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at