I have always believed that life is better with a tail wagging by your side. A few months ago, I decided to make a big change. I packed my bags and moved to Daugavpils, Latvia. This city is the hidden heart of the Latgale region. It is a place where history meets deep, green forests. However, the thought of Moving Pets to Daugavpils, Latvia, felt like a mountain to climb. I worried about the rules. I worried about the flight. I even worried if the locals would like my furry best friend.
First of all, let me tell you that the effort is worth it. Latvia is a “small but mighty” country. It has a population of about 1.88 million people, but the space for nature is huge. Imagine this. 51% of the country is covered by forest. There are 2,000 lakes and 12,000 rivers. For a dog, this is paradise. Pure heaven. A total dream.
The Big Paperwork Puzzle
I started my journey by looking at the official requirements. The rules change depending on where you come from. If you are within the European Union (EU), the process is simple. However, I was coming from a “third country.” This meant I had to be extra careful.
I sat at my desk and asked myself, “what is an eu animal health certificate?”. I learned that this document is the golden ticket for your pet. It proves your dog is healthy and safe to enter the country. I needed to find an eu pet health certificate pdf to see what the vet must sign. PVD Latvia, which is the Food and Veterinary Service, manages these rules. They are strict. They do not allow mistakes.
Your dog must be microchipped. This is the very first step. The chip must meet ISO Standard 11784. On top of that, the chip must go in before the rabies shot. If you do it the other way around, the shot does not count. I felt like a detective checking every date.
Vaccines and Timing
The rabies vaccine is the most important part of the european pet certificate. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to get the shot. After the injection, you must wait 21 days before you can travel. This wait time is non-negotiable. Plus, your vet must record everything in the vaccination record.
If you come from a country with high rabies risks, you need a rabies titre test. This test checks the level of antibodies in the blood. The result must be at least 0.5 I.U./ml. You must wait three months after the blood test before you fly. I marked my calendar with red ink. The wait felt like forever.
Later, I learned about the european health certificate dog requirements for entry. An authorized vet must issue this within 10 days of your arrival. This window is very tight. Additionally, a government official, like the USDA in the United States, must endorse it. The paperwork must be in Latvian or English.
Choosing the Best Flight
The easiest way to reach Latvia is by air. I chose airBaltic, the national airline. They are very pet-friendly. Though, they have specific rules you must follow. Small dogs can travel in the cabin. The total weight of the dog and the carrier cannot be more than 8 kg. The fee is €70 for a one-way flight.
My dog is a bit larger, so he had to go in the cargo hold. I felt nervous. However, the cargo area is pressurized and temperature-controlled. It is dark down there. This actually helps most animals stay calm. The crate must be escape-proof and leakproof. I put a blanket with my smell inside the crate to help him relax.
The cost for a larger pet in the hold is €110 if they weigh under 32 kg. If they are heavier, the price goes up to €220. I arrived at the airport two hours early to check everything. The staff was great. They checked his microchip and his european health certificate dog papers.
The Train Experience
Latvia is not perfectly connected to the rest of Europe by train. But there is hope! You can take a train from Tallinn, Estonia, or Vilnius, Lithuania, to Riga. From Riga, you can easily catch a local train to Daugavpils.
The Estonian trains are modern and new. On the contrary, the Latvian trains can feel a bit old-fashioned. I actually liked the vintage vibe. It felt like a movie. Dogs of all sizes can ride these trains. If your dog is large, they must wear a muzzle and a leash. You must buy a ticket for your dog on Latvian trains. The price depends on how far you go.
The ride from Riga to Daugavpils takes a few hours. The windows show endless green fields. Additionally, the trains usually have free Wi-Fi. I sat back and watched the world go by with my dog at my feet.
Settling in Daugavpils
Daugavpils is a very dog-friendly city. The locals might seem a bit distant at first. But do not be fooled. Once you say “Čau!” (which sounds like the Italian “ciao”), they open up. Most people here speak at least two or three languages.
Finding a home was my next task. I used the website ss.com, which is the most popular site for rentals in Latvia. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city can range from €250 to €500. I looked for a place near a park. Daugavpils has so many of them!
The Best Walking Spots
First of all, you must visit the Daugavpils Fortress. It covers 150 hectares. It is huge. You can walk for hours among the old stone walls. It is a favorite spot for dog owners. The history there is thick in the air.
Esplanade Park is another gem. It has a special fenced area just for dogs to run free. This was a lifesaver for me. Buddy made so many friends there.
Dubrovin Park is in the center of the city. It has rare trees and a beautiful fountain that lights up at night. There is even a monument to the former mayor, P. Dubrovin, and his dog!. It is clear that this city loves its animals.
Finally, the Bruģu Street promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll. You can see the Daugava River and enjoy the art on the walls. The views are magnificent. Pure peace.
Health and Shopping
I needed to find a good vet right away. Everyone recommended PetVet on Balvu iela. The doctors there have over 11 years of experience. They speak English very well. They were very kind to Buddy during his check-up. The clinic is open every day, even on weekends.
For supplies, I go to Dino Zoo in the Ditton nams shopping center. They have everything. If your dog needs a haircut, Birma PETS is the place to go. They have a grooming salon right in Daugavpils. They even offer free advice on how to keep your pet’s coat healthy.
The Local Lifestyle
Living in Latvia means living with nature. Autumn foraging is a national pastime here. Everyone has a “secret spot” for mushrooms. I take Buddy into the woods, and he helps me find chanterelles. Though, he is mostly there for the smells.
The food here is fresh and clean. You can find farmer’s markets in almost every neighborhood. There is no extra cost for fresh produce. Latvians love to eat seasonally. In the fall, prepare for your neighbors to offer you zucchinis and pumpkins. It is a sign of friendship.
On top of that, the cost of living is much lower than in big cities like London or Berlin. A 3-course meal at a nice restaurant might cost you €52. A coffee is about €2.70. This allows you to spend more on adventures with your dog.
Important Final Tips
Before you leave, you must register your dog at the Agricultural Data Centre. This is a local requirement once you move. Also, make sure your dog is treated for tapeworms. The vet must record this in the passport.
If you travel in the winter, remember that winter tires are mandatory from December 1st to March 1st. The snow can be deep. However, the locals love it! They pull out their skis and head to the parks.
Why Daugavpils?
I have found a true home here. Daugavpils is not just a city. It is a community. It is a place where you can take a sunrise walk in a bog and still be at work by 9 am. It is a place where your dog is welcomed with a smile.
The move was long. The paperwork was a headache. But seeing Buddy run through the Esplanade Park makes it all worth it. If you love travel and you love your pet, Daugavpils is waiting for you.
“The luxury of easy access to nature is a lifestyle that cannot be beat.”. This is the truth of Latvia.
Gradually, you will learn the language. You will learn the “spots” in the forest. Finally, you will feel like you belong. Daugavpils is a dog-friendly paradise. I am so glad I made the move. You should too.
Happy travels!
Key Statistics for Your Move:
- 8 kg: The maximum weight for a pet in the airBaltic cabin.
- €70: The fee for a small pet on airBaltic.
- 21 days: The mandatory wait time after a rabies shot.
- 51%: The amount of Latvian land covered by forests.
- 38%: The percentage of households in Latvia that own a cat (second highest in the EU!).
- 10 days: The validity of the health certificate before arrival.
Important Keywords to Remember:
- Moving Pets to Daugavpils, Latvia: Your new adventure!.
- European pet certificate: The document you need for travel.
- PVD Latvia: The government office for animal health.
- European health certificate dog: The official health proof.
- What is an eu animal health certificate: The required entry document for non-EU pets.
- EU pet health certificate pdf: The form your vet must fill out.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single paw print. Or a lot of paperwork. But mostly paw prints. Do not let the rules scare you. Daugavpils is worth every second of the effort. I will see you at the Fortress!.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Latvia?
Yes. You are more than welcome to bring your furry friends along. It is a very dog-friendly place. Total paradise.
How do I get a local transport permit for my pet?
You do not need a specific “permit” for local rides. However, you must carry a vaccination certificate when you use the train. After you move, you must also register your dog at the Agricultural Data Centre. This is a local rule.
Does Air Baltic allow pets in cabin?
Yes. Small dogs and cats can stay in the cabin. The total weight of the pet and carrier must be 8 kg or less.
How much does pet cargo typically cost?
On airBaltic, a crate that weighs between 1 and 32 kg costs €110 per direction. If the crate is between 33 and 75 kg, the fee is €220.
Can I bring pets on a plane?
Yes. Many airlines let pets travel in the cabin or the cargo hold. airBaltic is a popular choice for this.
How much does it cost to get a dog imported?
The price includes the airline fee of €70 to €220. You may also choose to buy a pet passport package for about $24.50 to help with the steps.
What to avoid in Latvia?
Avoid long-distance buses because most of them do not allow pets. Also, do not let your dog out of its carrier inside the Riga Airport.
Is Latvia a rich or a poor country?
Latvia is a stable Parliamentary Republic. It is part of the EU and NATO. The cost of living there is lower than in many other European capital cities. It is a great place for a balanced life.
Concluding words
My move to Daugavpils taught me that a little work leads to a lot of joy. You must handle the microchip and rabies shots well before you fly. You can use airBaltic or the local train for a smooth trip. This city is a true home with great spots like the Daugavpils Fortress and Esplanade Park. Your pet will love the Latvian nature and fresh air. It is a dream for any dog owner. Pure bliss.
