Your dog or cat needs three things: an ISO 15-digit microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an official veterinary health certificate endorsed by your government authority and issued within 10 days of travel. Bring the printed originals and your own ID.
Albania's document requirements are not complicated, but the order and timing matter a great deal. Get the sequence right and entry is smooth. Get it wrong and a certificate can be rejected. Here is the full checklist, plus the country-specific endorsement step.
The three documents every pet needs
1. An ISO microchip
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip, the standard used across Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia. If your pet was chipped years ago or in another country, ask your vet to confirm the number is 15 digits.
2. A valid rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks old. It must be given after the microchip, and you must wait at least 21 days from the shot before travel. The vaccine also has to be within its validity period.
3. An endorsed health certificate
You need an official veterinary health certificate that is bilingual (Albanian and English), issued by a licensed vet, endorsed by your government authority, and issued within 10 days of travel. Carry the printed, signed original. A copy on your phone is not accepted.
The country-specific step: endorsement
Your health certificate has to be endorsed by the right authority for your country:
- United States: a USDA-accredited vet issues it through VEHCS, and USDA APHIS endorses it (usually within 1 to 3 business days). Print the endorsed copy.
- United Kingdom: an Official Veterinarian issues an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), endorsed by APHA, valid 10 days from the exam.
- EU countries: your vet issues an export health certificate through the TRACES NT system.
- Elsewhere (Canada, Australia, etc.): a licensed vet issues the certificate and a government authority endorses it. Confirm the format with the Albanian embassy in your country.
What to carry on travel day
- The endorsed, printed health certificate (original).
- Your pet's vaccination record or booklet.
- Microchip documentation.
- Your own passport or ID.
Frequently asked
Do puppies and kittens need the same documents?
Yes, once they are old enough. They must be at least 12 weeks to receive the rabies vaccine, then wait 21 days, so the minimum travel age is around 15 weeks.
Is a titer test one of the required documents?
No. Albania does not require a rabies titer test to enter. You would only need one in advance if you plan to re-enter the EU or UK later.
What if my flight is delayed past the 10-day window?
The health certificate is only valid for 10 days, so a long delay means you need a new one. Build a little buffer into your travel plans, especially on long journeys.
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📋 Get the GuideThis article is general information, not veterinary or legal advice. Pet import rules change. Always confirm current requirements with your vet, your government authority, and the Albanian State Veterinary Inspectorate before you travel.