Prohibiotion of importation of puppies and kittens
According to the Animal Welfare Act (693/2023), the import conditions for puppies and kittens have been tightened. It is prohibited to import dogs or cats under six months of age into Finland if the purpose is to sell or otherwise transfer the animal within four months of importation. This prohibition applies to animals imported from both EU Member States and non-EU countries.
The import ban does not prevent a private individual from acquiring a puppy or kitten under six months of age from abroad for personal ownership. The purchase or pass on agreement must be concluded outside the borders of Finland before the animal crosses the Finnish border. The agreement may also be made electronically. Upon request, the agreement must be presented to Finnish Customs at the border.
The owner may personally bring the animal into Finland or arrange for its transport by other means. If the owner does not travel with the animal, the import must comply with the requirements for commercial importation. Detailed information on commercial import requirements is available on the Finnish Food Authority’s website under Animals / Import, export and internal market transfers.
- The purchase or pass on agreement must be made between a Finnish buyer and a foreign seller
- The agreement must clearly indicate the parties involved and the subject of the transaction
- The new owner must be recorded in the pet passport and, if applicable, in the health certificate
- The owner may bring the puppy or kitten into Finland personally as a pet or arrange the transportation by other means, in which case the animal travels without the owner and the import conditions must be followed. Note that the applicable import requirements differ depending on wheter the animal travels with its owner or another person.
If an animal is imported in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, Customs may return it to the country of origin at the Finnish border. If returning the animal is not possible or appropriate, the competetnt authority may seize and euthanize the animal or order it to be euthanized. Alternatively, the animal may be rehomed, provided that no animal health regulations were violated during import.