Last updated: 18.12.2025
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Anyone traveling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal in the Czech Republic must comply with a number of regulations. Whether dogs, cats, horses, or livestock, each species is subject to specific requirements regarding transport, registration, and documentation. At the same time, many animal owners wonder how to move their pets safely and with as little stress as possible through the Czech Republic—whether on holiday, during relocation, or when transporting an animal to a new owner.
To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty, and a smooth journey, it is important to familiarize yourself in advance with the Czech regulations. These include in particular the required travel documents, vaccination requirements, transport regulations, as well as possible reporting obligations and restrictions. Proper preparation not only ensures a more relaxed trip, but also helps avoid unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.
The Czech Republic follows EU-wide rules for traveling with pets, supplemented by national requirements, for example regarding the registration of dogs, animal welfare inspections, and the buying and selling of animals. Anyone familiar with these regulations can plan their trip safely while ensuring that transport and keeping of animals comply with applicable animal welfare standards.
Entering the country with pets (dogs, cats and ferrets…)
The most important documents and regulations
For entry into the Czech Republic, the EU standard rules for pets apply. The animal must be clearly identified by a microchip (older tattoos are only accepted if they were correctly documented before the microchip deadline). In addition, a valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The first vaccination may be administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age and is only considered valid for travel 21 days after primary vaccination. An EU pet passport must be carried, documenting the microchip number, owner details, and vaccinations. These requirements are enforced by Czech authorities in the same way as in other EU countries.
Rules during your stay
- Bathing lakes: Especially during the bathing season, dogs are often only allowed in busy areas at certain times or in designated zones. Always observe local regulations.
- Leash or muzzle requirements and waste bags: In many cities, dogs must be kept on a leash. In natural areas, dogs may generally run free, but must remain under control and must not show aggressive behavior. A muzzle is rarely required, but it is mandatory on public transport, especially in Prague (bus, train, tram, metro).
- Road safety: While driving, you are required to secure your animal using a suitable transport crate or safety harness.
- Accommodation: Before traveling, check whether your accommodation allows pets and whether there are any related restrictions or additional costs.
Entering the country with horses
The most important documents and regulations
- Equine passport: A valid horse passport (equine passport) is mandatory for every horse. The animal must be clearly identifiable by microchip.
- Health documents: For private travel within the EU, including to the Czech Republic, an additional official veterinary health certificate is generally not required. However, organizers of competitions or breeding events may require specific health documentation.
- Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is not mandatory for entry into the Czech Republic. However, many sports and leisure events require a valid equine influenza vaccination.
- Transport: Transport must comply with EU animal welfare transport regulations. No additional written declaration is required for private, non-commercial journeys. Commercial transport is subject to further documentation and authorization requirements.
- Preparation: Before traveling, check with your local veterinary authority or the Czech event organizer whether additional requirements, vaccinations, or health certificates apply for your specific purpose (e.g. competitions or longer stays).
Vignette for the (horse) trailer?
There is no difference whether you travel with or without a trailer. You only need a digital vignette for your passenger car. However, the towing vehicle must not exceed 3.5 t GVW; otherwise, the vignette requirement does not apply and distance-based tolls must be paid instead. Further information on vehicle classes can be found in our guide.
Staying in the Czech Republic with a horse
The Czech Republic is a very horse-friendly travel destination. Many regions—such as South Bohemia, Šumava/Bohemian Forest, Saxon Switzerland/Elbe Sandstone Mountains, or the Beskids—offer long forest and field trails, little traffic, and numerous riding stables. Tourist infrastructure is well developed, with guided trekking rides as well as relaxed day rides, especially between spring and autumn. Those traveling with their own horse should check stable conditions and required health and transport documents in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly on site.
Toll
Due to the vignette requirement, toll fees are charged as a flat rate rather than per kilometer and vary depending on the duration of validity. You purchase a digital vignette before your trip and choose from different validity periods. Depending on the vehicle class, the price of the vignette may vary. In the Czech Republic, vehicle classes are differentiated based on fuel type.
By purchasing the vignette, you make a one-time payment allowing you to use all toll roads (excluding special toll sections). The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. There are exceptions: motorcycles do not require a vignette in the Czech Republic.
The distance-based toll applies to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (trucks, buses, motorhomes). Unlike the vignette, this toll is not a flat rate and varies based on road category, distance traveled, vehicle class (weight and axle count), CO₂ emission class, and time of day (higher rates may apply between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Toll collection is carried out using a transponder.
There are no special toll roads in the Czech Republic. Further information on tolls can be found in our guide.
Buying animals in the Czech Republic
Anyone wishing to buy an animal in the Czech Republic should familiarize themselves with applicable animal welfare and health regulations. Although the Czech Republic applies the same basic EU rules as other member states, there are important points to consider in order to identify reputable sellers and avoid problems during later border crossings.
Important documents and health requirements
- Microchip: Dogs must be microchipped in the Czech Republic. The chip must be linked to the animal’s health documentation.
- Health documents: Buyers should review the vaccination status (especially rabies vaccination) as well as the health booklet. For travel within the EU, an EU pet passport is required.
- Minimum age: Puppies may not be handed over before 8 weeks of age. Reputable breeders often wait until 10–12 weeks.
- Proof of origin: Buyers should be able to see the mother animal and receive information about origin and upbringing.
Additional notes
- Breed-specific rules: Some cities, especially Prague, may impose additional requirements such as leash or muzzle obligations for certain breeds.
- EU travel: For later departure from the Czech Republic, a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport are mandatory.
- Warning against dubious offers: Buyers should avoid offers where origin, age, or health status is unclear.
Selling animals in the Czech Republic
When selling or handing over an animal in the Czech Republic, certain legal requirements must be observed to ensure animals are healthy, correctly identified, and kept in a species-appropriate manner.
Obligations for sellers
- Microchip and registration: Dogs must be microchipped and registered in an official database, usually by a veterinarian.
- Health condition: Animals may only be handed over in good, transportable health.
- Minimum age: Handing over animals before 8 weeks of age is prohibited.
- Documents: Vaccination records, health booklet, and if applicable EU pet passport must be correctly completed.
Purchase contract (recommended, even for private sales)
A short written contract facilitates proof of origin and ownership. Recommended contents include:
- Details of buyer and seller
- Animal details (species, breed/mix, color, date of birth, microchip number)
- Price, date, and place of handover
- Confirmation that the animal is not stolen and its origin is known
Commercial trade
- Permits: Anyone selling or transporting animals commercially requires appropriate registrations and permits under EU transport law.
- Animal welfare standards: Transport and keeping must comply with EU animal welfare regulations.
Penalties for illegal animal trade in the Czech Republic
The Czech Veterinary Administration (SVS) regularly inspects breeding operations and animal sales. Violations of animal welfare, identification, or transport regulations can result in significant penalties.
- Selling unchipped dogs: fines
- Handing over puppies under 8 weeks: administrative offense
- Poor keeping conditions or sick animals: fines or confiscation
- Commercial trade without authorization: high fines and possible seizure of animals
Checklist: Buying/selling animals in the Czech Republic
1. Basic rules
- Animals must not be abused, neglected, or abandoned (Animal Welfare Act).
- Owners must provide food, water, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care. If an animal appears sick or undernourished, or if keeping conditions are clearly poor: do not proceed and consider reporting it.
- Selling animals on the street or in public places is prohibited (avoid “car trunk sales” of dogs or cats).
2. Mandatory identification & registration (dog)
- Since 2020, all dogs in the Czech Republic must be microchipped (no later than 6 months of age). An unchipped dog is legally considered not properly vaccinated against rabies.
- For travel within the EU, an EU pet passport with recorded microchip number and valid rabies vaccination is mandatory.
- After microchipping, dogs should be registered in a database (e.g. Czech microchip registries). The chip alone is not sufficient. It must be linked to the owner.
- Dogs must also be registered with the local municipality (dog tax/registration), where a dog tag is usually issued.
- When buying, always request:
- Microchip number (sticker or entry in the pet passport/vaccination booklet)
- Proof that the chip is registered (e.g. registry printout or screenshot)
- Valid rabies vaccination and veterinary vaccination booklet/pet passport
- When selling: together with the new owner:
- Update owner details in the microchip registry
- Deregister or re-register the dog with the municipality (dog tax)
- Hand over a complete and correctly filled vaccination booklet/pet passport
What penalties apply for illegal animal trade?
In the Czech Republic, “illegal animal trade” is sanctioned under several legal frameworks—primarily the Animal Welfare Act (Zákon na ochranu zvířat proti týrání), animal health and disease control laws, and municipal regulations on dog identification and registration.
Selling or handing over dogs without a microchip or with missing or insufficient documentation (e.g. missing or invalid rabies vaccination, missing EU pet passport, missing chip registration) constitutes an administrative offense. Depending on the violation, fines of several thousand up to 50,000 CZK may be imposed; higher penalties may apply in commercial or repeated cases.
If additional violations occur such as inadequate care, poor or health-endangering keeping conditions, overcrowded breeding operations, lack of veterinary care, or transport violations the Animal Welfare Act applies. In serious cases, significantly higher fines and bans on keeping or breeding animals may be imposed.
In summary: missing identification or registration, incomplete documentation, unvaccinated animals, or animals kept under non-welfare-compliant conditions are clearly considered administrative offenses or, in severe cases, animal welfare violations in the Czech Republic and are sanctioned accordingly.
The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you and your animals a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the country’s toll regulations. Further information on tolls can be found in our guide. If you would like to learn more about general travel information or traffic regulations in the Czech Republic, feel free to consult our guide.
You can also use our route planner to better plan your journey and see the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will be happy to help. Contact us via our e-mail.
FAQ about traveling, buying, and selling animals in the Czech Republic
The digital toll system in the Czech Republic is linked to the vehicle’s license plate. You purchase the vignette online and select the desired validity period. Once the purchase is completed, the license plate is registered in the system and you may use toll roads. There is no physical sticker. The vignette is required for most motorways and expressways; only a few sections and city roads are exempt. Controls are carried out electronically.
Yes. A digital vignette is required for most motorways in the Czech Republic. Motorcycles are exempt. The vignette is purchased online and linked to the license plate, with electronic enforcement.
To enter the Czech Republic with a dog or cat, you need a valid EU pet passport, a rabies vaccination that meets EU requirements, and microchip identification. Additional vaccinations are not legally required but may be advisable for health reasons.
Yes. The Czech Republic has several specific traffic rules. Daytime running lights or dipped headlights are mandatory year-round, there is a strict zero-alcohol limit, and winter equipment may be required depending on conditions. Speed limits are frequently enforced.
Buying and selling animals is generally permitted, provided animal welfare and health regulations are followed. Dogs must be microchipped and have valid documentation. Selling animals without identification, proper papers, or under poor conditions may result in administrative penalties.
Veterinarians and animal clinics are available throughout the Czech Republic, with 24-hour emergency services in larger cities. The EU pet passport contains all relevant medical information, enabling veterinarians to treat your animal promptly. If you have pet insurance, costs can usually be reimbursed later.
