Rabies is a lethal disease in unvaccinated people and animals. We are very lucky in this country to be rabies free – and it is very much in the interests of humans and animals here that we protect our disease-free status and therefore the population.
Ukraine officially reports around 1,800 cases of rabies every year in companion animals, domestic animals and wildlife. It is likely that many more cases, particularly in wildlife or stray dog populations, go unreported. We also know, due to the current situation in Ukraine, that many animals have been displaced to neighbouring countries.
In addition to rabies, there are other diseases of concern in animals from these countries, including Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm that poses a serious disease risk to humans following contact with infected dog faeces. Great Britain is currently free of this tapeworm.
As a government, we are doing everything we can to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing to this country, including those who wish to travel with their family pets. That means we’ve put testing, quarantine, and support in place to help refugees bring their own pets with them.
At the same time, we know commercial consignments of pet animals from Ukraine are being moved into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania, and Belarus. These consignments include strays, rescue and abandoned animals. Unlike genuine household pets accompanying Ukrainian refugees, these animals often have an unknown history and disease status, which increases their risk of disease spread. There is also a history of non-compliant movements of such rescue animals into Great Britain from this region, which further increases the biosecurity risk.
The Government appreciates the work of rescue and rehoming organisations who work to ensure that unwanted and abandoned animals are given the opportunity to find a forever home whilst complying with our animal health and welfare legislation. That is why this is only a temporary measure, to ensure that we protect our biosecurity at this challenging time. Given the consequences of getting this wrong, I hope you will understand why we are being cautious. We would encourage organisations which are temporarily unable to import rescue dogs, cats, and ferrets into Great Britain to provide help and assistance to animals in situ.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
FAQs
In addition to rabies, there are other diseases of concern in animals from these countries, including Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm that poses a serious disease risk to humans following contact with infected dog faeces.
Is it safe to rescue a dog from Romania? ›
Though there is an element of truth in this it is a key understanding that Romanian puppies come with their own quirks, such as hyperactivity, lack of focus, high sensitivity to change and a potential for reactivity which must be curbed with positive training and consistency in routine, and will need the same patient, ...
Can I import a dog from Romania? ›
To commercially import dogs, cats and ferrets from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland or Romania, you must have Approved Importer status. Updated the suspension date for commercially importing dogs, cats and ferrets from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland or Romania to 29 October 2022.
Why are Romanian dogs so scared? ›
Romanian dogs tend to be a little bit different to our UK dogs, they can have stronger natural instincts, be a bit more cautious and sensitive and don't always respond the way you would expect them to with the usual teaching methods, which can present some challenges for their guardians.
What dog breeds are banned in Romania? ›
Banned Breeds
The following breeds of dog are not permitted to enter Romania: American Pitt Bull Terrier, Boerboel and Ban Dog. The following breeds of dogs are required to wear a muzzle: German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, Dogo Canario, Komondor, Kuvasz and Riesenschnauzer.
In which country dogs are not allowed? ›
Yes, my country, Maldives is an Islamic country that prohibits bringing in or owning dogs by law. The country is made up of a chain of about 1190 separate islands and there is not a single dog in sight in the whole country, on the some 200 or so islands that are inhabited by people.
What do they do to dogs in Romania? ›
Dogs are seen very differently in Romania to how they are seen in the UK. Dog catchers are paid to find dogs and catch them in any way they can... usually this involves the use of catch-poles, beatings, abuse and manhandling. Understandibly, the dogs are terrified and most have never encountered a loving human touch.
How much does it cost to rescue a dog from Romania? ›
Adopting a dog from our Shelter in Romania – £525
For our dogs coming from Romania these costs are quite extensive and are necessary in order that we fulfil our responsibilities as a responsible rescue. In addition we can offer a blood chemistry screen and a full blood count at £43 if an adopter wishes.
Can you take pets to Romania? ›
Each pet shall be identified using a microchip.
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered. All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. During the final health exam, the Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old.
Can dogs be imported from Ukraine? ›
Dogs from Ukraine can be imported in the U.S. only with permission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because Ukraine is considered a country with high risk of rabies.
California Entrance Requirements for Dogs
Dogs imported into California for the purpose of being sold or changing ownership require a health certificate issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within 10 days prior to importation.
What is the main breed of dog in Romania? ›
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog origins come from near the Carpathian Mountains. The breed is very impressive in size and character. Used for centuries to guard livestock in its homeland of Romania, the Mioritic Sheepdog is a typical Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD).
What is the national dog of Romania? ›
The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd Dog (Romanian: Ciobănesc Românesc Carpatin) is a large breed of livestock guardian dogs that originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.
Are Romanian dogs aggressive? ›
Reactivity can look aggressive, but a lot of the reaction is due to fear. Romanian rescues can become reactive to things whilst settling in due to their backgrounds. Lack of early socialisation - exposure to people, other dogs, postmen and more can lead a dog to be fearful when seeing these out and about.
What is the problem with Romanian dogs? ›
The Romanian dog problem
As people were forced out of the countryside and their traditional cottages in the city were demolished, they had to leave their pets behind. Animals were abandoned in vast numbers. Dogs bred unchecked, leading to thousands of strays in the streets.
Why are dogs tagged in Romania? ›
neutered. They are awful things and make the dogs. ear very sore.
Why are dogs being banned from entering the US? ›
The Reason Behind the CDC Dog Travel Ban
This ban is necessary to protect both the health of imported dogs and public safety, as rabies can be fatal if left untreated.
