MOVING PETS TO FINLAND
Moving Pets to Finland Made Simple, Safe, and Seamless with Anvis
Why Finland is a Pet-Friendly Destination
Finland is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine lakes, and peaceful environment but also for being one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. Whether you’re relocating to Helsinki, Espoo, or Tampere, you’ll find that Finnish cities and countryside alike welcome pets with open arms. Wide green spaces, dog-friendly parks, pet-friendly public transport, and a culture that values animal welfare make Finland an ideal destination for families relocating with their beloved cats or dogs.
Finnish regulations prioritize the safety and well-being of animals, ensuring high standards in veterinary care and pet amenities. If you’re planning to move your pet to Finland, understanding the country’s import rules and processes is essential to ensure a stress-free relocation experience.
Everything You Need to Know for Exporting Your Pet from India to Finland – Step-by-Step
Relocating pet from India to Finland involves careful planning, preparation, and adherence to strict European Union (EU) import regulations. The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) enforces these rules to ensure the safety and health of both local animals and imported pets. Below is a step-by-step, in-depth guide for pet parents looking to export their furry family member from India to Finland.
STEP 1: Microchip Implantation
Your pet must be implanted with a microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards. The microchip must be inserted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination and should be scannable by international microchip readers.
STEP 2: Rabies Vaccination
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A valid rabies vaccination must be administered after the microchip is implanted.
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Pets must be at least 12 weeks old for vaccination.
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A waiting period of 21 days after the vaccination is mandatory before travel.
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Booster doses must be current depending on vaccine validity.
STEP 3: Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)
For pets coming from countries like India (considered high-rabies risk regions by the EU), a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) is mandatory. This ensures that the vaccine provided effective immunity.
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Blood sample should be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination.
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Testing must be done at an EU-approved laboratory.
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The test result must show a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or higher.
STEP 4: Parasite Treatment
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Your pet requires internal and external parasite treatment (for ticks and tapeworms) administered by a licensed vet 24 to 120 hours before entering Finland.
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Treatment details must be recorded in the pet’s health certificate or passport.
STEP 5: Measure Your Pet and Select the Right Travel Crate
Accurate measurement of your pet is essential to choose an IATA-specified crate that complies with airline and EU import regulations:
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The crate should allow your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
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Recommended trusted brands: Petmate, Varipet, SkyKennel.
A correctly sized crate ensures both your pet’s safety and airline approval for transport to Finland.
STEP 6: Crate Training
Proper crate training helps reduce your pet’s stress during the journey:
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Introduce your pet to the crate well in advance of the travel date.
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Gradually increase the duration your pet spends inside the crate.
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Make the crate a positive and familiar space using bedding, toys, or treats.
Refer to our detailed crate training guide for step-by-step tips.
STEP 7: Decide on the Mode of Relocation
For moving pets to Finland, the relocation method must suit your pet’s size, breed, and comfort:
1. Accompanied Baggage / In-Cabin:
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Small pets may travel with the pet parent in the cabin (depending on airline and Finnish import regulations).
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Some pets may travel as checked-in accompanied baggage (in-hold) on the same flight as the owner.
2. Manifest Cargo:
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Pets may be transported alone as manifest cargo in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
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This is the most common method for medium to large-sized pets or if airline policies require it.
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Only EU-approved points of entry, like Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, can accept manifest cargo shipments.
3. Premium Relocation Service:
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An Anvis Pet Relocation Specialist accompanies your pet from door to door, either In-Cabin or In-Hold depending on size, breed, crate, and airline regulations.
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This ensures maximum supervision, comfort, and care throughout the journey.
Our team will help you choose the best relocation type based on your pet’s needs, breed restrictions, and destination regulations in Finland.
STEP 8: Obtain the EU Health Certificate (Annex IV)
Your pet requires a valid EU Veterinary Health Certificate (Annex IV) issued by an official government veterinarian (India’s AQCS):
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Issued within 10 days of travel.
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Must include: microchip details, rabies vaccine information, RNATT result, parasite treatments, and travel details.
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Must be accompanied by supporting documents: vaccination records, titer test reports, microchip certificates, etc.
STEP 9: Customs Clearance & Arrival in Finland
Upon arrival at an EU-approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) such as Helsinki Airport:
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Customs (Tulli) and veterinary authorities will inspect the documents and may check the pet physically.
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If documents are incomplete or requirements are unmet, your pet may be quarantined, returned, or denied entry.
Pet-Friendly Places to Explore in Finland
Helsinki Dog Parks
Helsinki boasts over 80 fenced dog parks (“koirapuisto”) where your pet can socialize and play off-leash. Must-visit parks include Hesperia Park and Viiskulma Dog Park.
Nuuksio National Park
Just outside Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is a perfect escape for pet owners who love hiking and nature walks. Dogs are welcome on trails as long as they are leashed.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Cities like Helsinki and Tampere have several pet-welcoming cafés and restaurants, such as Café Regatta and Doghill Fairytale Farm Café, where pets can accompany you while you enjoy a meal.
Coastal Trails and Beaches
Finland’s coastal towns offer stunning seaside walking routes that are pet-friendly, such as Hanko’s coastline and Espoo’s Rantaraitti trail.
Why Choose Anvis Pet Relocation for Moving Pets to Finland?
With years of experience in handling pet exports from India to Finland, Anvis Pet Relocation ensures every regulation is meticulously followed for a seamless process. From titer tests to customs clearance, we take care of the details so your pet’s move is safe, comfortable, and hassle-free.
Our team also provides customized crate training sessions, airline booking assistance, and comprehensive travel advice tailored to your pet’s needs.
Contact Us for Stress-Free Pet Relocation to Finland
Planning your move to Finland with your pet? Let the experts at Anvis Pet Relocation guide you every step of the way.
Reach out today for a personalized consultation and make your pet’s relocation journey safe, simple, and worry-free.
Take your pet along on your next international travel! We can make it happen!
