Posts by Stanislawa

Stanislawa

24 Aug 2016

Law / Dog Import laws in Poland - Help! [10]

Hello all, I am planning to pursue graduate study in Poland. I have 2 dogs, one is a Chihuahua the other is a Dogo Argentino.

It's my understanding that Dogos are not illegal to possess in Poland, however I have just come across a couple websites (NOT official govt. sites) that claim that Dogos (and several other breeds) cannot be brought into Poland!!

The official pet import form found on the Polish Embassy website does not list any breed restrictions, and the website states that

European Union regulations concerning the import of pets apply to Poland./Regulation EC No. 998/2003

I have read through the EU pet import regulations and have not found any breed restrictions there. It doesn't make sense for a breed restriction to NOT be listed on an import form or within the EU regs.

Since only the completed form is necessary, I imagine such a situation would lead to people finding out once they have already arrived in Poland with their pet.

When I considered graduate study in the Caribbean and checked their pet import regulations, banned breeds were listed at the top of the import form.

Please no negative comments on my choice of dog; I have been raised with dogs since birth and I am a very responsible owner with well-trained dogs. My Dogo is great with small dogs, cats, senior citizens, and loves children. I detest dog fighting, and I'm not a criminal element.

I cannot imagine moving without my boo!!

TLDR: Can I bring my beloved Dogo Argentino??

Stanislawa

24 Aug 2016

Law / Dog Import laws in Poland - Help! [10]

The form to be completed by a veterinarian is what I was referring to as 'import form'; this is the only information listed on the Embassy website regarding import of pets, so I am pretty sure no other documents are required other than ones that support the form.

poland.visahq.com/customs/

This site lists regulations on what is allowed/not allowed to enter Poland; these are the only requirements listed regarding pets:

pets need to be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system), vaccinated against rabies and have a health certificate. For more information please refer to the nearest embassy.

Since I cannot find any official document that restricts certain breeds of dogs, I'm hoping the info spread by other websites is outdated.

I will give the Polish Embassy a call to find out for sure.

Stanislawa

24 Aug 2016

Law / Dog Import laws in Poland - Help! [10]

I'm very aware that some airlines do not allow Dogos - I've done extensive research regarding my travel and stay, which is why I was surprised about the information listed on the non-governmental website.

I have just called the Consulate in L.A. and the woman on the phone told me that all of the necessary information and restrictions regarding traveling with a pet to Poland is found on their website. If there are breed restrictions she said they would be found on their website.

To compare I looked up the information from other EU countries (UK and Germany) and it was easy to find official documentation of breed-specific legislation. UK outright bans entry, while Germany has 2 categories of 'dangerous dogs'; Dogos fall into the second category and are allowed entry provided they pass a temperament test. Interestingly, there are no restrictions on breed in Germany if the stay is less than 4 weeks.

I am going to contact someone from the pettravel website to ask them where they have found this information, and I will also call a lawyer or govt. official within Poland.

Stanislawa

25 Aug 2016

Law / Dog Import laws in Poland - Help! [10]

Thank you Atch and Chemikiem for your help! :)

I called the pettravel company, the man I spoke to did not know where the info specifically came from since he didn't write it, but he gave me the email address of the company president and said that she will know.

He mentioned that they usually get their info from the US Dept. of Agriculture website.

I checked the USDA website for pet entry requirements to Poland; no breed restrictions there.
The entry requirements to the UK did mention the Dangerous Dog Act prohibitions.

Thank you for the wetgiw.gov link! After I examine all documents there I will send an email, surely they will know.

If all else fails, I will directly ask customs when I go to visit the school in January. I will only bring my chihuahua on that trip (funny..as she is the one that can be mean, not my Dogo; many of the nastiest dogs I've worked with are chihuahuas!)

I will make an update when I have a definitive answer, thanks again!