Export Pet Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to Finland

1. Have your pet microchipped or tattoo

Your pet must be identified with a microchip or a clearly readable tattoo. If the microchip does not meet ISO 11784 or 11785 standards, the individual who is responsible for the pet will need to provide the microchip reader upon arrival.

Any microchip company can be used as long as the chip required by the importing country is met. It is up to the owner/veterinarian to ensure that the chip being used will conform.

For easy reference we have listed microchip companies that offer this service. You may choose a different provider so long as the above is met.

2. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies

The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies with an inactivated vaccine of at least one antigenic unit per dose (WHO standard). The rabies vaccination and revaccination, if necessary, must been carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturing laboratory.

As EC requires a valid rabies vaccination at the moment of entry of pet animals, this means a 21 days period should occur between a primary vaccination and the presentation of this animal at an EC border point; this period does not apply when pet animals are appropriately re-vaccinated (booster).

3. Before your pet enters Finland it must be treated for tapeworms (echinococcus)

Pets must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian showing that the animal has been given not more than 30 days before it arrives to Finland an appropriate dosage of medicine containing praziquantel against tapeworm causing echinococosis approved for the species concerned. The certificate must also show the name and dosage of the medicine as well as way of administration.  Please ensure that the veterinarian rescans the microchip to ensure the number is correct and the chip is still readable.

Products used for treatment against tapeworms must contain PRAZIQUANTEL as the active ingredient. To search for products which are registered and approved for use in Canada, please go to the Health Canada Drug Product Database. Please ensure you read the product label to ensure it can be used for dogs and/or cats.

4. Certification

A veterinarian authorised by the competent authority (licensed veterinarian) must provide all the pertinent information concerning identification and vaccination by completing the Veterinary Certificate.

Once all the steps above have been successfully completed, contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office to obtain an official endorsement by an official veterinarian (competent authority - CFIA veterinarian). The export certificate is available in PDF format only.

5. Fees for endorsement is $20.00

6. Puppies, kittens and young ferrets

No exemptions exist for puppies, kittens, and young ferrets; they have to be vaccinated as outlined above.

For further information or clarification on these procedures, please contact the relevant CFIA Office in the province in which you reside.