My journey to the heart of the Baltic region began with a dream of cobblestone streets and forest paths. I decided to pack my life and relocate to a charming town. This is the story of Moving Pets to Cēsis, Latvia. A big task? Yes. Hard to handle? Not if you have the right map. I want to share my personal experience to help you navigate this process.
Why I Chose Cēsis for My Furry Friend
Cēsis is a town of around 18,000 residents. It sits about 1.5 hours away from the capital city of Riga by car or train. I found that it offers a perfect balance between history and nature. The town is over 800 years old. It has ancient ruins and a very active cultural life. On top of that, it is incredibly walkable. I rarely needed a car because everything was so close. For a pet owner, this is heaven. You are never more than 10 minutes from a lush forest.
The town feels very safe and quiet. I read in the local newspaper, Druva, about tiny crimes like stolen garden shears. It made me laugh. This is the kind of peace I wanted for my dog. Additionally, the town has a famous pair of black swans in Maija Parks (May Park). The whole town watches them. People here truly care about animals. Therefore, I knew my dog would be welcome.
The First Step: Understanding the Rules for Pets Moving to Another Country
The process of pets moving to another country starts with a lot of paperwork. First of all, you must know if you are coming from an EU country or from outside of it. I learned that rules differ based on your origin.
If You Are Moving from Within the EU
The rules are quite simple for those already moving pets in europe. Your pet needs a microchip. It also needs a valid rabies vaccine. You must get this vaccine at least 21 days before you cross the border. Later, you must ensure this is all recorded in an EU pet passport.
If You Are Moving from Outside the EU (The Third Countries)
My friend Twililord on Reddit mentioned how stressful this can be. You still need the microchip and the rabies vaccine. However, some countries also require a rabies antibody test. You must get a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the vaccine. Plus, you must wait three months after the test before you can travel.
You also need an EU animal health certificate. An authorized vet must issue this within 10 days of your arrival. Additionally, if you are in the USA, you need a USDA endorsement. This is a stamp of approval on your documents. The documents you need stamped include the microchip record, the rabies certificate, and the health certificate. Gradually, you will see the pile of papers grow. Finally, you will be ready to fly.
Choosing a Way to Travel
I found that flying is the quickest way to get to Latvia. The national airline, airBaltic, is very pet-friendly. They allow pets in the cabin and the hold.
Cabin Travel Details
If your pet is small, it can stay with you. The total weight of the pet and the carrier must be less than 8kg. I paid a fee of €70 for a one-way flight. My cat fit in a soft bag under the seat. At the Riga Airport, pets must stay in their carriers. They are not allowed to walk on a leash inside the terminal.
The Shipping Container: Technical Needs
If your dog is larger, it must go in the hold. I spent hours reading about IATA Container Requirements. The container must be strong. The interior must be smooth with no parts the animal can bite.
Here are some specific numbers I noted:
- Ventilation: At least 16% of the total surface area of the four sides.
- Mesh Size: Maximum 25 mm x 25 mm for dogs. For cats, it is 19 mm x 19 mm.
- Wire Thickness: At least 2.5 mm for dogs.
- Height: The animal must be able to stand, sit, and lie down naturally.
- Length Formula: Animal length (A) + half the height to the elbow (B).
- Width Formula: Shoulder width (C) multiplied by 2.
The floor must be solid and leak-proof. On top of that, you must provide absorbent bedding. A water container must be fixed inside the crate with access from the outside for filling. I marked my dog’s name on the container. It helps the handlers be more friendly.
Other Transport Options
Trains are another choice. There is a slow train from Tallinn to Riga. Dogs of all sizes can go on Latvian trains. However, larger dogs need a muzzle and a leash. You must buy a ticket for your dog based on the distance. On the contrary, buses are a bad idea. I found that almost no long-distance bus companies in the region allow pets. Even small ones in carriers are often a “no”.
Finding a Home: Moving Cats to a New Home
When I was moving cats to a new home, I worried about finding a rental. Cēsis has high demand for housing. However, there are great spots. I looked at the Calm Stay Apartment on Apšu iela. It is a very spacious place, about 990 ft². The best part? It is pet friendly with no extra charges.
It is close to the rail station and a grocery store. Communication with the staff was excellent. Another option is the Garden House Apartments on Gaujas iela. They have a private garden and a BBQ area. For a more luxury stay, the Villa Santa Hotel is in the Gauja valley. It is refined and historic.
Registering Your Pet in Latvia
Once you arrive, you must deal with pets in latvia registration rules. This is a law for all dog owners. You must register your dog at the Agricultural Data Centre (LDC).
The Process
You can do this in person at a vet who has a contract with the LDC. Also, you can visit the local authority. I found it easy to do electronically via email. You need to send a completed form and a scanned copy of the pet passport. You also need your own identity document.
The cost for registration is €7.11. Additionally, if you are in Riga, you have to pay an annual fee for keeping a dog. Cēsis is smaller, but you should always check with the local council about fees. Your dog must have a microchip before this registration happens. A certified vet must perform the marking.
Life in Cēsis with a Dog
Living here is a joy. The town is very quiet. But it has everything you need.
Where to Walk
The Cīrulīši Nature Trails are a favorite for me and my dog. They are right on the edge of town. There are three routes: 2.7 km, 3.5 km, and 6.2 km. You can see the Spoguļklintis (Mirror Cliffs) and the Bride’s Cave. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead. In public parks, they might need a muzzle too.
Another great spot is the Cēsis Castle Park. It has beautiful gardens and ancient ruins. My dog loved the romantic landscape and the swans. May Park is also nearby with its own sculptures and swan pond.
Dog-Friendly Dining
I was surprised by how many places welcome four-legged friends.
- H.E. Vanadziņš – Northern Restaurant: This place is very dog-friendly. The food is Nordic and high quality.
- Vecpilsētas Kebabs: A cozy spot in the center that welcomes pets.
- MALA: This is a hipster meeting point in a former brewery. It has a creative vibe and a cafe.
- Jāņoga: A popular cafe where many vegetarians go.
Health and Supplies
If your pet gets sick, there are options. The Tedijs Veterinary Clinic is on Uzvaras bulvāris. They do surgery and laboratory exams. Plus, they have a zoo shop for food and goods. I also visited Anita’s Veterinary Pharmacy in the city center for supplies. They have a wide range of treats, vitamins, and toys.
Financial Considerations
A decent salary in a town like Cēsis is about €1,000 after tax. If your housing is provided, this goes much further. However, prices for food and gas have risen. Eating out can be pricey. Therefore, you must plan your budget well.
If you are moving from a place like Australia, the flight home will be very expensive. It is a long way. But the quality of life here is high. You have the River Gauja on your doorstep for boating. You have ski slopes for winter fun.
The Expert Touch: Using a Pet Moving Company
If the paperwork feels like too much, you can hire a pet moving company. Experts from places like PetRelocation can manage the logistics. They help with the EU Five Day Rule. This rule says you must fly within five days of your pet for the move to be “non-commercial”. If you miss this window, the move becomes commercial and costs more. A specialist can help you avoid these traps.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Latvia?
Yes. You can bring your dog if you follow the rules for microchips and rabies vaccines. A hard task? Perhaps. But it is possible with the right papers.
Does Air Baltic allow pets in cabin?
Yes. They allow small pets in the cabin if the total weight of the animal and carrier is under 8kg. The fee for this is €70 for a one-way flight. A good deal? Many travelers think so.
How to move pets from one country to another?
You must first get a microchip and a rabies vaccine. Additionally, you need an EU pet passport or a health certificate. You should choose a pet-friendly airline like airBaltic or a train for the actual travel.
Which airline allows dogs in the cabin?
airBaltic allows dogs under 8kg in the cabin. Air France also accepts pets in the cabin if they fit under the seat in a soft bag.
How much do airlines charge to fly a dog?
airBaltic charges a fee of €70 for each one-way flight. Other airlines may have different prices that depend on the country you are flying from.
How do I bring a dog to the EU?
First of all, the dog needs a microchip. Then, it needs a rabies vaccine. Finally, you must get an EU animal health certificate issued by an authorized vet within 10 days of arrival.
Do you need to declare a pet?
Yes. All pet animals must be presented to customs control at the points of entry when coming from a third country.
Concluding words
Cēsis is a fantastic place for people who love nature and history. The process of Moving Pets to Cēsis, Latvia requires many documents like the EU pet passport and microchip records, but the peace of the town makes the effort worth it. You can find pet-friendly stays like the Calm Stay Apartment on Apšu iela which offers 990 ft² of space for no extra pet fees.
Gauja National Park and Cēsis Castle Park provide the perfect backdrop for long walks with your dog. Therefore, you should prepare your budget and your paperwork early to ensure a smooth transition. Life in this quiet town is a gift for any furry friend.
