Bringing a dog into Slovenia

For the purposes of entry and re-entry into Slovenia with a dog, countries are divided into 3 groups depending on participation in the EU Pet Passport scheme and conforming with certain requirements regarding rabies. A full list is available on the website of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. You should check this list carefully as the country you are travelling from dictates which border crossing you may use.

If you’re bringing a dog or dogs into Slovenia from an EU country (or one that participates in the EU Pet Passport scheme), your dog will need:

• an EU Pet Passport issued by an authorised vet
• up-to-date rabies vaccination
• a microchip with a number that matches the number in the Pet Passport.

For dogs coming into Slovenia from outside the EU (a so-called third country), your dog will need:

• a veterinary certificate attesting to the dog’s health. The certificate contains information about the type of dog and its physical appearance as well as information about the microchip number and information about vaccinations.
• a microchip, the number of which matches the number on the veterinary certificate.

If you’re coming from a third country, you may bring up to 5 dogs per owner or authorised person (e.g. if someone else is bringing your dog because you are already in Slovenia). The rules state that if you have more than 5 dogs in one apartment or house, you must register as a breeder, which brings additional requirements and responsibilities.

Registering your dog in Slovenia

For safety and security, it is a good idea to have your dog’s microchip number added to the Slovenian Dog Registry as soon as possible after arrival. If your dog goes missing, it will then be easier to be reunited with it if someone finds it. (Centralni register hišnih živali (CRHŽ))

Dogs entered in the registry also have their rabies vaccinations tracked, and you will receive a letter reminding you when your dog needs a booster. You can be fined if the vaccinations are not current and if you do not get the dog vaccinated in time, you will have to restart the schedule of rabies vaccinations, which is costlier than doing everything on time.

Getting a dog in Slovenia

After settling in, you may decide to get a dog if you don’t already have one. There are numerous municipal and charitable dog shelters and rehoming charities, as well as breeders.

If you acquire a puppy or your own dog has puppies, you must register the dog before it reaches 3 months of age. If you acquire a dog that has already been registered, you must notify the registry of the change within 7 days of taking ownership.

Updating the authorities

Every dog must have a Pet Passport, even if you don’t intend to travel outside of Slovenia with it. The document is used to record vaccinations and worming treatments as well as the physical description of the dog. In the sad event that your dog dies, you must return the passport to an authorised vet who will update the information in the registry.

If your dog goes missing, you are obliged to report the matter to registry within 72 hours. However, it is best to report this as soon as possible, You have 8 days to collect a dog that has been taken in by the shelter.After that, the shelter has the right to rehome it.

Should find a dog and do not know who owns it, you should notify the nearest municipal shelter, who will arrange to come and collect it, or arrange that you look after the dog until they have a place for it. If you find a dog that has been abandoned and decided to keep it without informing the shelter, after 8 days, you are deemed to be the dog’s owner which makes your liable for all costs and responsibilities of ownership.

In the event that you see a loose dog endangering traffic, call 113 to report it.

Taking dogs on public transport

You can take dogs on trains in Slovenia. If it is a small dog that you can carry on your lap, there is no charge. For larger dogs you pay half the price of a standard ticket and the dog must wear a muzzle (nagopčnik).

You are allowed to take dogs on local buses in Ljubljana outside of peak times. The dog must wear a muzzle. Carry the dog’s Pet Passport with you if you take your dog on the bus as rabies vaccination is a condition of carriage of dogs.

In other towns and cities, the rules vary so check with the local bus company. If you need to move a dog and don’t have private transport, some taxi companies will accept passengers with a well-behaved dog (for example, Cammeo).

Where can I take my dog?

Most bars and cafés allow you to sit outdoors with your dog and will provide a bowl of water if you ask. However, it’s good to take your own water bowl in case the bar doesn’t have one. Some establishments will also let you go inside with your dog, as long as no other customers object.

Quite a few towns have dedicated “dog parks” now – fenced areas where you can let your dog go off the lead and run around. In nature reserves and other parks, you should keep your dog on the lead at all times. The only “dog beach” in Slovenia is in Izola, about ten minutes’ walk from the former Delmaris plant. There is fresh drinking water available there and a shaded area.

If you want to enjoy a bit of culture in the company of your dog, look out for the “Dog-Friendly Museum” (Psom prijazen muzej) and “Dogs Welcome Museum” (Psom dostopen muzej) logos. The former have dedicated places where you dog can wait safely while you look at the exhibitions  The latter allow your dog to tour the museum with you.

Slovenia is a nation of dog lovers. Pet food and pet accessories stores are easy to find, and there are plenty of services for dog training, grooming and “doggy day care” or accommodation for dogs whose owners need to travel. Having a dog is a good way of meeting people in your local community. Dog lovers are sociable people who will want to talk to you about your dog. In the event that your dog goes missing, local communities spring into action, sharing photos on social media and keeping an eye out for your four-legged friend.

Images: Wiki (Creative Commons License)