LATVIA

Pets

Requirements regarding the import of dogs, cats and pet skunks into the European Union territory from the USA, if the number of animals does not exceed five:

1. Identification

Dogs, cats and pet skunks must be identified with a clearly legible tattoo OR electronic identification system or microchip. If this microchip does not comply with requirements of the International Standardization Organization (standards 11784 or ISO standard 11785 Annex A), the person responsible for this animal must have personal scanner of the microchip on hand.

* As of October 1, 2012 electronic identification (microchips) will be considered the only means of identification for dogs, cats and pet skunks.

2. Vaccination against rabies

Dogs, cats and pet skunks must be vaccinated against rabies. The animal must be vaccinated at least 30 days before movement.

3. Health certificate

Upon bringing animals into Latvia, it is necessary to have a health certificate on hand, issued by an official veterinarian of the respective country. Upon bringing the animals into Latvia, the health certificate must be completed in Latvian, Russian or English. If your destination country is not Latvia, this certificate may be completed in English or the country's official language.

If the number of animals exceeds five, then the animals must be presented for official veterinary control at the approved veterinary border control posts. For further information please contact Sanitary Border Inspection of Latvia, phone 011-371-6702-7282, e-mail office@sr.gov.lv or Food and Veterinary Service, phone 011-371-6709-5230, e-mail pvd@pvd.gov.lv or visit http://www.pvd.gov.lv

General Information

Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe.The capital and largest city is Riga.

The Latvian climate is humid, continental and temperate owing to the maritime influence of the Baltic Sea. Summers are warm, and the weather in spring and autumn fairly mild; however, the winters can be extreme due to the northern location. Precipitation is common throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. During severe spells of winter weather, Latvia is dominated by cold winds from the interior of Russia, and severe snowfalls are very common.