Is Romania affordable for pet owners?

Extremely. Romania has some of the lowest vet costs in the EU. Pet food and supplies are also significantly cheaper than Western Europe.

Is Romania safe for outdoor cats?

Generally yes in urban areas. Be aware of stray dogs in some neighborhoods. Rural areas may have wildlife concerns. Many owners keep cats indoors in apartments.

Is Cluj-Napoca a good base?

Yes, increasingly popular with digital nomads and expats. Good vet care, affordable living, vibrant culture, and cat-friendly apartments.

Low Difficulty

CatAbroad

Complete Cat Import Guide · 2026

Romania

Vet requirements, airline rules & what to expect at the border

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Import Rules Step-by-Step Cost Quarantine City & Housing Vets & Health Exit Rules Videos FAQ Community Tips

Verified February 2026 · Checked against official government sources

Official Import Rules

Romania follows EU pet regulations. From EU countries: EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination.

From listed third countries: health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. From non-listed third countries: FAVN titer test with 3-month wait.

Entry through Bucharest (OTP), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), or any international airport. ANSVSA conducts border inspections.

Official ANSVSA (National Sanitary Veterinary Authority) Website

Medical Roadmap

Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rabies vaccination (21-day wait)

EU Pet Passport or third-country veterinary certificate

Tapeworm treatment NOT required for cats

Enter via any point of entry

Cost Breakdown

MicrochipRON 50–100 (~€10–20)

Rabies VaxRON 80–150 (~€16–30)

Eu Pet PassportRON 200–500 (~€40–100)

Health CertRON 400–800 (non-EU)

Flight€50–200 (cabin EU) / €800–2,500 (cargo intercontinental)

Crate€40–250

Total EstimateRON 500–1,500 (from EU) / RON 4,000–12,000 (from non-EU)

Quarantine Information

None for EU/listed countries

City & Housing Tips

Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Brașov are popular expat destinations. Romania is very affordable with improving vet care. Cluj-Napoca in particular has a growing tech-expat community. Many apartments allow cats.

Vets & Common Parasites

Good and improving veterinary care, especially in cities. Very affordable by EU standards. A vet visit costs RON 80–200 (~€16–40). Bucharest and Cluj have 24-hour emergency clinics. Many younger vets speak English.

Find Vets in Romania

Exit Rules — Leaving Romania

EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate from an Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations. ANSVSA regional offices can endorse export certificates.

Helpful Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Tips

Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.

Have you moved to Romania with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.

CatAbroad Editorial

Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.

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