I am sitting here in my cozy apartment in the heart of the Baltics, and I must tell you that life is quite a journey. If you love travel and tours, the idea of a new home in a beautiful place probably excites you. I felt that same spark when I decided on Moving Pets to Riga, Latvia. It was a massive step. A scary one? Absolutely. But the rewards for me and my furry companion have been endless. Riga is a city that blends history with deep green spaces. First of all, you should know that Latvia is one of the best places to stay with pets in Europe. Statistics show that 27% of households here own at least one dog. Additionally, about 38% of households have a cat, which is the second highest number in the European Union. My goal today is to share my full guide on how I navigated this move. I want your journey to be as smooth as a walk on the sandy Baltic beach.
The Preparation Phase for Your Big Move
The dream of a new life begins with a pile of papers. I remember the stress I felt when I first looked at the list of entry requirements. Travel to Latvia with a dog is not impossible, but you must follow the rules perfectly. First, your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip. This chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is given. I learned that Latvia also accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 chips. However, the ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785 is the main requirement.
Vaccinations are the next big hurdle. Your dog or cat must be over 12 weeks old to enter the country. They need a valid rabies vaccination given by a licensed vet. Additionally, you must wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before you travel. If you are coming from the European Union, you should obtain an EU Pet Passport. People coming from “third countries” need a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian. On top of that, if you travel from a high-risk rabies country, your pet needs an antibody titration test. This test must happen at least 30 days after the vaccine and three months before you leave. A long wait? Yes. A necessary one? Definitely.
The Flight to the Baltics
I chose to fly with airBaltic because they have very clear rules for riga pets. A small dog or cat can travel in the cabin with you if the total weight of the pet and the carrier is no more than 8 kilograms. The carrier must be leakproof and breathable. I had to place my carrier under the seat in front of me. The fee for this service was 70 euros per crate per direction. Similarly, larger pets can travel in the cargo hold. They allow animals up to 75 kilograms in the cargo area. The price for larger pets ranges from 110 euros to 220 euros depending on the weight.
The pilot of the plane can see that a pet is on board and will ensure the temperature is correct. Therefore, I felt a bit more at ease. Though I was worried about the noise, my vet suggested a calming spray. I also learned that airlines have restrictions during record-breaking heat waves. Most US-based carriers will not fly pets if the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Gradually, I realized that booking early is vital because flights have a limit on the number of pets allowed.
Finding a Place to Call Home
Search for housing in a new country is always a challenge. I used websites like ss.com and city24.lv to find my apartment. Later, I also joined Facebook groups like Dzīvokļi Rīgā – Pārdod – Izīrē to find hidden gems. How much does it cost to travel to latvia and live there? On average, apartment rental prices in Riga range from EUR 300 to EUR 800 a month. Plus, landlords often require the first and last month of rent upfront as a guarantee.
I found that landlords can be picky about traveling to latvia with dog. Some may refuse because they worry about damage. I recommend asking for written consent in your rental contract. On the contrary, Riga has great housing affordability compared to other Baltic capitals because wage growth has been higher than price growth. I decided to live near the Quiet Center, where rent for a two-room apartment can be around 500 to 2000 EUR. If you want something cheaper, areas like Kengarags offer rents between 250 and 500 EUR.
Exploring Riga with Your Dog
Life in riga with dog is a delight once you know the rules. You can transport your dog for free on public transport in Riga. However, the dog must be on a leash and wear a muzzle or sit in a container. I love taking the tram to different parks. The city streets require a leash at all times. In green areas like parks and gardens, you must use a leash from 7:00 to 23:00. Finally, at night, your dog can run off-leash in these areas.
First of all, you must visit the dog park in Lucavsala. This is the largest dog walking park in the city, covering more than 5,600 square meters. It cost the city over 75,000 euros to build. The park has four zones for different dog sizes. It even has a special place for dogs to swim because they are not allowed on official human beaches. On top of that, I enjoy the Vērmaņdārzs Garden. It is located in the center and has a witty two-level drinking fountain for people and their pets.
Rules for the Responsible Owner
A move to Riga comes with a few duties. You must register your pet at the Agricultural Data Centre after you arrive. Also, every dog owner in Riga must pay an annual tax of 10 euros for each dog over six months old. This money helps the city develop more pet infrastructure. Though some people ignore this, I believe it is important to follow the law.
Forests are everywhere in this country. Actually, 51% to 54% of the territory is covered by forest. I take my dog to the Šmerlis forest park, where the route is 5.5 kilometers long. Off-leash walking is allowed there. Other great spots include the Ķengaraga promenade and the Mangaļsala pier. Therefore, your dog will have plenty of space to run. Be careful about forest ticks from May to September. I always use repellant and check my dog after every hike.
Veterinary Care and Wellness
Health is wealth for our pets. Riga has many excellent 24-hour veterinary clinics. If you have an emergency, you can go to Dr. Beinerts at Ģertrūdes 101. Their phone number is +371 67288539. Similarly, the Ikaross clinic at Lilijas 28 provides great aid. I also visited Terion at Laboratorijas 2A. A standard vet visit might cost you between 20 and 60 euros. Vaccinations usually average around 25 euros.
Grooming is another part of the riga pets lifestyle. I take my dog to Aramis at Zolitūdes street 36/1. They have been in the market for 17 years. They offer grooming for all breeds, trimming, and even preparation for exhibitions. Their phone number is +371 29617049. My dog always comes back with a wagging tail. Plus, they use professional cosmetics that care for the fur and skin.
The Cost of Daily Life
Life in Latvia is relatively low-cost compared to other European cities. A cappuccino will cost you about 2.70 EUR. A three-course meal at a nice restaurant is around 52 EUR. How much does it cost to travel to latvia and maintain a dog? Pet food can be reasonable depending on the brand. Some locals suggest using online stores like Zooplus to save money. Gradually, you will find the best deals at local markets.
Monthly utility bills can be a surprise. They vary by season. In winter, heating costs can make the bills twice as high. My average monthly utility bill is around 320 EUR. However, some Reddit users report paying between 300 and 700 EUR for rent and utilities combined. On the contrary, I find that the high-speed internet is very cheap at about 18 EUR per month. Latvia ranks very high in the world for internet speed.
Cultural Insights and Nature
Latvians may seem a bit distant at first. But once you know them, you find true friendship. They love nature and foraging for mushrooms. Similarly, they are a singing nation. Over 40,000 performers participate in the Song and Dance Festival every five years. Additionally, they celebrate Name Days almost as much as birthdays.
Nature is the soul of this country. You can reach a white sandy beach in just 20 minutes from the center of Riga. The coastline is about 500 kilometers long. I often take my dog for a sunrise walk in a bog. Finally, the luxury of easy access to nature is a lifestyle that cannot be beat. Gradually, you will feel like a local.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring my dog to Latvia?
- Yes, you can bring your dog to Latvia provided they meet specific entry requirements, which include having an ISO-compliant microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Pets arriving from non-EU countries also need an EU animal health certificate, while those within the EU must have a European pet passport.
- Does airBaltic allow pets in the cabin?
- Yes, airBaltic allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin if the total weight of the pet and its carrier does not exceed 8 kg. The carrier must be leakproof, breathable, and fit within the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
- How much does it cost to move your pet overseas?
- Costs vary depending on the transport method and airline. For example, airBaltic charges €70 per crate for cabin travel and between €110 and €220 for pets in the cargo hold. Using a professional pet relocation company for larger animals can cost a few thousand dollars.
- Which country is the most pet-friendly?
- Latvia is frequently ranked among the best European countries for pet owners, alongside nations like Italy and Germany. It has one of the highest percentages of households with pets in Europe, with cats being particularly popular.
- Can pets fly on international flights?
- Yes, pets can fly on international flights via three main methods: in-cabin, as checked baggage in a temperature-controlled cargo hold, or as manifest cargo.
- Which airline is the cheapest for pets?
- Flying a pet in-cabin is generally the most affordable option, typically costing between $100 and $200. On airBaltic, this service is priced at €70.
- Is it better to ship or fly a dog?
- Flying a small dog in-cabin is recommended as the easiest and most affordable method. For larger dogs, shipping them as checked baggage or cargo is necessary, with cargo being a safe option when working with a pet relocation company that provides care during layovers.
Concluding words
Moving a pet to Riga, Latvia, is a straightforward process if you follow the mandatory requirements for microchipping, vaccinations, and proper documentation. The city offers a highly supportive environment for dogs, featuring extensive pet-friendly infrastructure such as specialized dog parks in Lucavsala, a wide range of 24-hour veterinary clinics, and numerous pet-friendly rental and hotel options. By choosing a pet-friendly airline like airBaltic and utilizing local resources, you can ensure a safe and comfortable transition for your furry friend to their new home in the Baltics.
