Knowledge base / Living in Armenia
Bringing pets to Armenia
Documents you need
Basic set for a cat or dog
- Microchip to ISO 11784/11785. Implant it before the rabies shot so the number is in the pet passport.
- Rabies vaccination given no more than 11–12 months and no less than 20–21 days before entry. Boosters are given before the previous shot expires.
- Core vaccines: for dogs, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis; for cats, as scheduled by your vet.
- Pet passport with vaccination and parasite treatment records.
- Veterinary certificate from the state vet service of the departure country, with an exam no earlier than 5 days before travel.
Armenia is in the EAEU, so a pet from Russia travels under the rules for movement inside the Union. In Russia this means a Form No. 1 vet certificate from a state vet clinic. From outside the EAEU, the Union's certificate form for third countries applies. The authority in Armenia is the Food Safety Inspection Body. Check the requirements with it or with your vet service before you go: the rules change.
How many pets you can bring
According to Australia's Department of Agriculture, citing Armenian requirements, up to two dogs or cats for personal use enter without an import permit or quarantine. For more animals, pets travelling without the owner or animals for sale, you will need a permit and possibly quarantine. Arrange this in advance.
Getting there with a pet
- By air
Pets arrive through Zvartnots airport. Each airline has its own rules: cabin weight limit, carrier size, bans on snub-nosed breeds in the hold. Book the pet's place together with your ticket, as the number per flight is limited. - By car from Russia via Upper Lars
First you enter Georgia, then Armenia. Georgia requires a microchip, a rabies shot at least 21 days before travel, a pet passport and a Form No. 1 certificate issued no more than 5 days before departure. Documents are checked closely at Upper Lars. - Plan for the journey time
The queue at Upper Lars can take many hours. Make sure the certificate does not expire before you reach Armenia. Bring water, a bowl, pads and a carrier. - At the Armenian border
Show the pet passport and certificate to the veterinary inspector. If the documents are in order, there is no quarantine.
If you are also bringing a car, read our guide to bringing a car to Armenia.
After the move
In 2021 Yerevan introduced registration of dogs and cats kept in apartments or yards. According to Ecolur, you register at your district administration with a pet passport showing vaccinations and a microchip or tattoo. Check how this works today with your district administration. When renting an apartment, agree on the pet with the landlord in advance and put it in the lease.
Common mistakes
- Getting the rabies shot a week before the trip. You need at least 20–21 days.
- Implanting the chip after the rabies shot. The vaccination may not be accepted.
- Getting the certificate too early. It is valid for only a few days.
- Not checking the airline's rules on carriers and weight.
- Forgetting that on the road from Russia you enter Georgia, and its rules apply too.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to bring a cat or dog to Armenia?
A pet passport with a rabies shot given at least 20–21 days before travel, and a vet certificate from the state vet service with an exam no earlier than 5 days before departure. An ISO 11784/11785 microchip is strongly advised.
Which vet certificate is needed to take a pet from Russia to Armenia?
Armenia is in the EAEU, so in Russia you get a Form No. 1 vet certificate from a state vet clinic. It is valid for only a few days, so get it right before you leave.
How many pets can I bring to Armenia without a permit?
Up to two dogs or cats for personal use usually enter without an import permit or quarantine. More animals, or pets travelling without the owner, need a permit.
How do I drive a dog to Armenia via Upper Lars?
You first enter Georgia, and its rules apply: microchip, rabies shot at least 21 days before travel, pet passport and a Form No. 1 certificate no older than 5 days. Allow for queues so the certificate does not expire before Armenia.
Moving to Armenia with your whole family?
We will help with residence, a bank account and registering a sole proprietorship or LLC, so you can focus on your pet, not paperwork. We work in English and Russian.
Sources: Australian Department of Agriculture — Armenia import requirements for dogs; CatAbroad — bringing cats to Armenia; Madloba — bringing a pet to Georgia; vc.ru — to Georgia with a pet; Ecolur — pet registration in Yerevan.