Importing Pets Into Monaco

Overview

Importing pets into Monaco requires advance planning and compliance with EU and Monaco-specific health regulations. All pets must be properly vaccinated, microchipped, and documented.

Eligible Pets

Allowed

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits
• Rodents (limited)
• Birds (limited)

Not Allowed

• Exotic animals
• Reptiles (most)
• Large primates
• Dangerous species
• Endangered species

Requirements Overview

Documentation

• Valid health certificate
• Vaccination record (proof)
• Microchip documentation
• Travel permits
• Airline health form
• Import authorization

Health Requirements

• Rabies vaccination (mandatory)
• DHPP or FVRCP (dogs/cats)
• Microchip implanted
• Health exam within 10 days of travel
• No infectious diseases

Timing

• Microchip implantation: Anytime
• Vaccinations: Per schedule
• Health certificate: Within 10 days of travel
• Customs clearance: Before travel
• Allow 6-8 weeks total

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Microchip (8+ weeks before)

• Get ISO 11784/11785 microchip
• Veterinarian implants chip
• Get chip number and documentation
• Record in pet's passport
• Cost: €50-100

Step 2: Vaccinations (6-8 weeks before)

• Rabies vaccination (essential)
• DHPP (dogs) or FVRCP (cats)
• Other vaccines as recommended
• Record on pet passport
• Keep proof certificates

Step 3: Health Certificate (Within 10 days before)

• Schedule vet exam
• Vet examines pet
• Certifies good health
• Completes official form
• Costs: €50-150
• Valid for 10 days

Step 4: Arrange Transport

• Book pet-friendly airline or transport
• Research carrier regulations
• Reserve pet space
• Provide health certificate to carrier
• Arrange timing

Step 5: Clear Customs

• Present documents at border
• Microchip scan verification
• Health certificate review
• Vet inspection possible
• Usually approved same day

Step 6: Register in Monaco

• Contact local veterinary authority
• Register pet
• Obtain Monaco pet registration
• Update insurance

Required Documents

Health Documentation

• Pet Passport:

• Issued by home country vet

• Records vaccinations

• Records health history

• Microchip info

• Required for all travel

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate:

• Original copy required

• Must be within validity period

• EU form if from EU

• Non-EU form if from outside

• Health Certificate:

• Official form completed

• Veterinarian signed

• Dated within 10 days

• Describes good health

• No infectious diseases

Identification

• Microchip:

• ISO standard chip

• Implanted before travel

• Number documented

• Scanned at border

• Pet Passport:

• Microchip number recorded

• Photo of pet (sometimes)

• Owner information

Administrative

• Travel Authorization:

• May be required for non-EU

• From customs authority

• Issued before travel

• Airline Documentation:

• Airline health form

• Pet transportation rules

• Booking confirmation

• Carrier requirements met

Vaccination Schedule

Dogs

Essential:

• Rabies (1-3 year duration)
• DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza)
• Booster shots as recommended

Optional:

• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme disease

Cats

Essential:

• Rabies (1-3 years duration)
• FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)

Optional:

• Feline leukemia (FeLV)
• Feline immunodeficiency (FIV)

Health Examination

Required Before Travel

• Physical examination
• Health assessment
• Temperature check
• Parasite check
• Vaccination verification
• Certificate completion
• Must be within 10 days of travel

Veterinarian Checklist

• Pet appears healthy
• No signs of illness
• Vaccines current
• Microchip functional
• No contagious conditions
• Fit for travel

Transport Options

By Air

• Pet in cargo or cabin (airline dependent)
• Health certificate required
• Travel crate specification required
• Cost: €200-800+
• Timing: Usually 24-48 hours

By Car/Eurotunnel

• Pet in well-ventilated crate
• Health certificate required
• Regular breaks required
• Cost: €50-200+ (transport fee)
• Timing: Variable

Pet Transport Services

• Specialized pet movers
• Handle all documentation
• Door-to-door service
• Higher cost: €500-2000+
• Professional handling

Costs Summary

After Arrival in Monaco

Registration

• Contact veterinary authority
• Register pet in Monaco
• Obtain Monaco registration ID
• Update microchip database
• May have costs

Local Veterinarian

• Find local vet
• Transfer medical records
• Schedule check-up
• Register with practice

Insurance & ID

• Pet liability insurance recommended
• Update identification
• ID tag with Monaco phone
• Update microchip database with Monaco address

Local Regulations

• Learn Monaco pet laws
• Licensing requirements
• On-leash requirements
• Public space rules
• Veterinary care availability

Common Issues

Missing Documents

If documents incomplete:

• Pet may be held at border
• Travel delayed
• Return to origin possible
• Expensive resolution

Health Certificate Expired

• Must be within 10 days of travel
• Cannot be used if expired
• New certificate required
• May delay travel

Vaccination Not Valid

• Rabies vaccine must be current
• DHPP/FVRCP must be recent enough
• Check expiration dates
• Booster shots may be needed

Prohibited Items

• Don't bring plants (quarantine risk)
• Don't bring food products (perishable)
• Check quarantine restrictions
• Declare all items

Useful Contacts

• Home Country Vet: For health certificate
• Airline: For transport rules
• Monaco Customs: For regulations
• Local Vet: For Monaco registration
• Insurance: For pet coverage

Next Steps

1. Schedule microchip implantation (8 weeks before)
2. Begin vaccination schedule (6-8 weeks before)
3. Obtain pet passport
4. Research transport options
5. Schedule health exam (within 10 days before)
6. Obtain health certificate
7. Book transport
8. Prepare travel crate
9. Travel to Monaco
10. Register with local vet

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Official Sources & Verification

This guide is based on EU pet import regulations and Monaco-specific requirements as detailed on MonServicePublic.gouv.mc.

Last Verified: 2026-04-06 Status: Active and operational