I’d like to get a pet. What do I need to bear in mind?
Before you decide to get a pet, you should ask yourself a few questions:
- Have all entry requirements been met for animals from abroad? (see“What do I need to bear in mind regarding animals from abroad?”)
- Do I have enough space, time and financial resources (ongoing food costs, vet bills, etc.) to ensure that the animal is cared for in accordance with the law over a long period of time (several years or decades, depending on the species)?
- Who will look after my pet when I’m on holiday and/or if I’m ill?
- Do all family members agree to getting a pet?
- Does any family member have an allergy?
- Does my landlord agree to this?
What do I need to bear in mind when it comes to animals from abroad?
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for at local animal shelters or from local breeders and are considering getting a pet from abroad, please check in advance with Service Unit Veterinary services to find out what you need for a legal import. Depending on the country of origin, different requirements apply, including:
- A declaration from the owner regarding the animal’s movement
- Regulations on the commercial import of animals from the Federal Office for Consumer Health (BAVG)
- Regulations on the private import of animals from the Federal Office for Consumer Health (BAVG)
What is the specificity of acquiring a dog?
Even before you acquire a dog, you must attend a course to prove your expertise. You must be able to prove this when you register your dog. There are also other regulations and deadlines to observe.
Which animals are subject to compulsory registration?
- Reptiles/Amphibians: Notification form
- Mammals: Registration form
- Birds: registration form
- Poultry keeping: registration form
- Pig keeping: registration form
- Sheep/goat keeping: registration form
I would like to travel with my pet - what do I have to consider?
Please obtain information from the embassy/consulate of the destination country in good time before starting your journey.
The following requirements are generally to be observed:
- Chip obligation
- EU pet passport
- valid rabies vaccination
If you need a health certificate, please make an appointment in advance by phone at Service Unit Veterinary services.
To enter certain countries, you need examinations with a lead time of at least three months.
How do I keep my animals in a species-appropriate manner?
The basis for any lawful animal husbandry is the Austrian Federal Animal Protection Act.
Find out here about the minimum requirements for keeping animals in accordance with the Federal Animal Protection Act.
Do you suspect a breach of the Animal Welfare Act?
The Service Unit Veterinary services is only responsible for cases within the city of Innsbruck . If the case concerns another district, please contact the district veterinary officer for that district.
Please report your concerns to Service Unit Veterinary services and provide the following information:
- Location
- Time
- Description of the incident
- Details of the person who has breached the law
- Person reporting the incident
- Contact details
The name of the person making the report will not be disclosed during the on-site inspection by the veterinary authorities.
Emergency Veterinary Service
If your pet needs help outside your vet’s opening hours, you’ll find a list of on-call vets in Tyrol here, updated monthly.
Animal Disease Control
What is the Animal Disease Fund?
The Animal Disease Fund makes compensation payments in the event of animal diseases and animal losses (e.g. due to culling for diagnostic purposes) and covers the costs of measures to prevent or control animal diseases and animal illnesses.
Who is required to pay the animal disease levy?
The animal disease levy is collected by the local authority on behalf of the Province of Tyrol for the benefit of the Animal Disease Fund. In the city of Innsbruck, the Service Unit Municipal levies - advance payment - Dog tax is responsible for this.
Farmers who keep horses, cattle, goats, pigs or sheep are liable to pay the levy.