I recently embarked on a journey that many people find a bit scary. I took my dog to Eastern Europe. My destination was the capital of Moldova. I want to share my experience because Dog Friendly Travel in Chişinău, Moldova is much easier than you might think. Many friends asked me, “is chisinau safe?” before I left. I can tell you right now that I felt very secure. To those wondering is chisinau safe now, the answer is a big yes. The city is a peaceful, leafy place where people love their pets. I wrote this chisinau travel guide to help you plan your own adventure with your best friend.
First of all, the legal preparation
I learned very early that you cannot just hop on a plane with a dog. You must follow strict rules to enter the country. Moldova is not in the European Union. However, the government has adopted many EU rules for pet imports. This makes it easier for people coming from places like Romania or Germany. If you come from a non-EU country, you must be careful.
Your pet must have an identification system. A 15-digit microchip is the standard. You must ensure the chip is ISO 11784 or 11785 compliant. I made sure my vet implanted the chip before any other steps. This is a vital rule. A rabies vaccine must happen after the microchip is in place. Later, I found out that tattoos are only okay if the vet gave them before July 2011.
The rabies vaccine is the most important part of the health record. You must get this done at least 30 days before you travel. Moldova honors a three-year vaccine, but only as a booster. Additionally, some countries require a rabies titer test. This test measures antibodies in the blood. You must have the test done more than 30 days after the vaccine. On top of that, you must wait three full months after the test before you enter Moldova. I suggest you start this process six months before your trip.
You also need a health certificate. A licensed vet must sign this within 10 days of your travel. If you are from the United States, a USDA vet must endorse the form. I carried the original hard copy with me at all times. A digital copy is not enough.
How to get there by air
I looked at several airlines for my chisinau travel plans. Two main companies operate out of the local airport. Fly One is a low-cost option. They allow small pets in the cabin. Your dog and the carrier together must not weigh more than 8 kg. The carrier dimensions must be 25 x 40 x 50 cm. The fee is 70 EUR. I found these rules very clear.
Air Moldova is another choice. They also allow dogs in the cabin. Their weight limit is also 8 kg. They charge 60 EUR per segment. However, they have some restrictions. They do not fly pets to or from Great Britain, Ireland, or Portugal. You must book your pet at least 24 hours before the flight.
I suggest you call the airline before you buy your ticket. Chisinau International Airport is small. Sometimes the planes are tiny. They might only allow one or two pets per flight. First, I made a reservation online. Then, I called to confirm space for my dog. Finally, I paid for the ticket.
Finding a place to stay
You might worry about accommodation. Chișinău has many options. I used websites to find the best spots. Some hotels are very welcoming. Villa Arus is an exceptional choice. They actually allow pets to stay for free. It has a lovely terrace and a garden. City Park Hotel is another great spot in the center. They have a 4-star rating and welcome pets with open arms.
Bristol Central Park Hotel and Aria Hotel Chisinau are also top-tier. Aria Hotel even provides food and water bowls. If you want luxury, look at Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel. It has a 5-star rating. Most of these hotels are near the main street, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard.
I also looked at apartments. Renting an apartment can be cheaper. I found that transparency is key. I told the landlords about my dog’s size and breed immediately. Some owners are worried about damage. I offered a larger security deposit to make them feel safe. Many newer buildings are more pet-friendly than old Soviet blocks. Ground-floor units are best because they offer easy access to the street for walks.
The green side of Chișinău
Chișinău is known as a very green city. It is often called a “leafy” capital. I loved the parks there. They are the heart of local life. Chisinau safety is evident in these public spaces. Families and couples walk there all the time.
Ștefan cel Mare si Sfint Public Garden is the oldest park. It has a classic French feel with flower gardens and fountains. It is a great place for a slow walk. Valea Morilor Park is my favorite. It has a huge artificial lake. I saw many locals jogging and walking dogs there. There is even a hidden statue of The Little Prince.
Dendrarium Park is another gem. It covers 78 hectares and has plants from all over the world. It is very calm. Valea Trandafirilor, or Rose Valley, has natural lakes and rose gardens. It even has a Ferris wheel. Cathedral Park is right in the center. It is home to the Nativity Cathedral and a version of the Arc de Triomphe.
I found that most parks are free to enter. They are open all year. Gradually, I realized that these parks are the best part of the city for a dog owner.
Local rules and regulations
You must know the local laws for pet owners. The municipality has specific regulations. First of all, you must carry cleaning tools. I always had a brush, a dustpan, a bag, and gloves with me. This is required by law for walking pets in public.
Dogs must be on a leash in public spaces. This includes streets and parks. Chișinău has some stray dogs. The city catches them and takes them to shelters. They sterilize the ones that are not claimed. I kept my dog close to me to avoid any trouble with strays.
If you live in an apartment, you need consent from your neighbors. A majority of neighbors must agree in writing if you want to keep a pet in a flat. For private homes, you can keep up to two dogs and two cats. These rules help maintain chisinau safety for everyone.
Exploring with a guide
I took a walking tour to learn the history. I found a great one called “Discover Chișinău: Past and Present in One Walk!”. The guide’s name was Anastasia. She is very knowledgeable and friendly. The best part? She sometimes brings her own dog! The dog is well-behaved and friendly.
We walked for about two hours and thirty minutes. We saw the main highlights of the city. We learned about the Soviet history and the present culture. Later, we stopped at a coffee shop called Coffemolka to warm up. It was more like a walk with a friend than a formal tour. I highly recommend her if you want a chisinau travel guide that understands pet owners.
Transportation within the city
Getting around the city is quite simple. Taxis are very affordable. The start fare is usually 25 to 30 MDL. Each kilometer costs about 4 to 6 MDL. I used apps like Yandex Go, Letz, and Teleport. Most drivers allow dogs if you use a seat cover or a carrier. I always checked with the driver through the app first.
Public transport is another option. The city has buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses. Generally, pets are allowed if they are on a leash or in a carrier. However, the vehicles can get very crowded. I found that trolleybuses are often more spacious than small minibuses. The city is working to renew the bus fleet. Currently, the average age of buses is high. The speed is also slow, around 16.9 km/h on major roads. Therefore, I preferred walking or taking a taxi for comfort.
Pet services and supplies
I was happy to find good services for my dog. Chișinău has several vet clinics. Ciavdar Grup Vet Clinic is a top choice. It is open 24/7. This gave me peace of mind in case of an emergency.
If you need supplies, look for Planeta Zoo K9. They have locations on Lev Tolstoi street and Alba-Iulia street. They have the best variety of crates and food. Other shops like Mister Dog and Zooexpert are also available. I found that pet stores are a bit smaller than in the west, but they have all the essentials.
Grooming services are also available. I saw a few shops where dogs can get a haircut. This is helpful if you stay for a long time.
Local events for dogs
I was lucky enough to see a dog show during my visit. These events often happen at Moldexpo. This is a large exhibition center near Valea Morilor Park. I saw more than 120 different breeds there. It was a beauty contest for dogs. Many people brought their families to see the animals.
I noticed that the space can get very crowded and hot inside. Some dogs stay in cages or tents. Similarly, the atmosphere is very busy with many handlers. If you go, I suggest arriving early. It is a great way to see how much the locals love their pets.
General safety and culture
So, is the city truly safe? I found that it is. Chisinau safety is not a major issue for travelers. The streets are generally well-lit in the center, though the city is working to improve street lighting in other areas. I walked my dog in the evening without any fear.
The local people can be a bit reserved at first. Some might seem suspicious or indifferent. A few people on Reddit mentioned that Moldovans can be defensive. However, I found that most young people speak English and are very chill. If you are polite, they are usually helpful.
The food is another highlight. I loved the local wine and traditional dishes. You can find dumplings called vareniki for about 50 to 60 MDL. Savory pastries called placinda cost around 30 MDL. I sat at outdoor cafes with my dog and enjoyed the local flavors.
Leaving Moldova with your pet
When your trip ends, you must prepare to leave. This is also a process. Moldova is considered a high-rabies country by some nations like the US and UK. You should start the export process six months early.
You must visit your vet a day or two before you go. They will sign your pet’s passport to show the dog is healthy. Then, you must go to the State Vet at 48 Vasile Lupu. You will ask for the IATA Pet Health Certificate and a form called Formularul 1. The health certificate is valid for 10 days. The Formularul 1 is only valid for 72 hours.
On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport three hours early. An airport vet must stamp your papers near passport control. You will pay a small fee in cash. Then, you check in with your airline and pay their pet fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I bring into the country?
You can bring a maximum of five pets for non-commercial travel. You must follow commercial rules if you bring more than five animals.
Are certain dog breeds banned in Moldova?
Moldova does not publish a list of banned breeds. You are responsible for the behavior of your pet at all times.
Do I need an import permit?
You do not need an import permit for dogs or cats that enter the country with their owners.
Can I bring a pet that is not a dog or cat?
Pets like birds or reptiles do not need rabies shots. You still need a health certificate to enter the country with them.
Are there restrictions on hybrid animals?
You cannot bring Wolf hybrids or Savannah cats into the country. These animals are only allowed if they are five generations removed from the original pedigree.
Concluding words
Your trip to Bălţi is simple if you follow the national rules for Moldova. You must have a 15-digit microchip and a rabies shot for your pet. Taxis are an affordable way to travel between local spots with your dog.
You should start the paperwork six months early to avoid any stress. This guide helps you navigate the health certificates and local laws with ease. Take your best friend to Bălţi and enjoy a safe journey together.
