Travelling with pets: FAQ
Entering Bosnia with a dog, accommodation and returning to the EU.
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Entering Bosnia with a dog, accommodation and returning to the EU. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
Can I bring my dog to Bosnia from the EU?
Yes, a dog from the EU can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina if it has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport. The same rules apply to cats and dogs from anywhere in the European Union. Check the dates in the passport before you travel, as border officers usually look at the rabies vaccination and the microchip number first.
What documents does my dog need to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A dog from the EU needs an EU pet passport showing its microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination. The animal must be microchipped before or on the same day as the vaccination. If you are coming from a country outside the EU, you will usually need a veterinary certificate issued by an official vet instead of a passport, so check the rules on the website of the BiH Veterinary Office (vet.gov.ba).
How long before travelling does my dog need its rabies vaccination?
At least 21 days must pass after the first rabies vaccination before a dog can travel. If boosters are given before the previous vaccination expires, there is no new waiting period. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated, so puppies younger than about 15 weeks generally cannot cross the border yet.
Does my dog need a rabies titre test to return to the EU from Bosnia?
According to the current EU list, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the countries from which no rabies antibody titre test is required for re-entry. For a dog from the EU, a microchip, a valid vaccination and an EU pet passport are therefore enough. Rules can change, so check the European Commission page on travelling with pets or ask your vet before you go.
Is it true my dog needs a blood test to come back from Bosnia?
No, that test is not currently required for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia is on the EU list of third countries for which a rabies antibody titre test is not needed. The test is only mandatory when returning from countries that are not on that list. Still, check with your vet or the European Commission website for any recent changes before you leave.
Which border crossing can I use with a dog to enter Croatia from Bihać?
Pets coming from outside the EU may only enter Croatia at designated crossings, and the nearest one to Bihać, Izačić – Ličko Petrovo Selo, is on that list. Maljevac near Velika Kladuša is also on it. The list is set by Croatia's regulation on entry points for pet movements, so check the current version before you travel.
How many pets can I bring into Bosnia?
You can bring a maximum of five dogs, cats or ferrets without special import rules. For more than five animals, the rules for commercial imports apply, with additional checks and documents. There are exceptions for competitions and shows, but you need proof of registration, so contact the BiH Veterinary Office in such cases.
Does my dog need tapeworm treatment to travel home from Bosnia?
Only if you are returning to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland. For those countries, the dog must be treated against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm between 24 and 120 hours before entry, and the vet records it in the passport. The treatment is not required for returning to Croatia, Germany, Austria or Slovenia.
Are there dog-friendly apartments in Bihać?
It depends on the property, as each owner decides whether to accept pets. Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) in Bihać accepts dogs, and for the other properties please ask when you send your enquiry, stating the type and size of your pet. You will usually get a reply within 12 hours, and you can also ask via WhatsApp or Viber on +387 61 591 320.
Is it better to stay in a town apartment or a house by the Una river with a dog?
A house by the Una is often more comfortable for a dog thanks to the space and quiet, but not every property accepts pets, so ask in your enquiry about the houses in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša. In town, Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) accepts dogs; it has two outdoor terraces and is close to the riverside promenade. Mention in your enquiry that you are travelling with a dog.
Is there an extra charge for dogs at holiday rentals in Bihać?
Some owners charge extra for a pet and some do not, so this should be agreed before you arrive. Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) accepts dogs, and the owner confirms the price and conditions for pets there and at the other properties in the reply to your enquiry. Send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com with your dates and details about your pet.
Can I travel to Bosnia with my cat on the same rules as a dog?
Yes, the same rules apply to cats as to dogs: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport. Cats usually cope less well with a change of place, so bring their bowl, litter and a carrier. For accommodation with a cat, ask in your enquiry, as for our properties it is only confirmed that Apartman M. Mahala accepts dogs.
Where can I find a vet in Bihać?
There are several veterinary clinics and a veterinary station in Bihać, both in the centre and the surrounding area. Check opening hours and out-of-hours services on Google Maps or by phone, as they change. In an emergency, your host can usually recommend the nearest clinic, so do ask.
What should I pack for my dog for a trip to Bosnia?
Bring your pet's EU passport, a lead, a water bowl, enough of the food it is used to and poo bags. Tick and flea protection is a good idea, as ticks are common in the grass along the river. On hot summer days always keep water in the car and take regular breaks.
Where can I walk my dog in Bihać?
The nicest dog walks are along the banks of the Una in the town itself, where there are footpaths and green spaces. Quieter walks can be found in riverside villages such as Pritoka and Lohovo. The centre is busier, so keeping your dog on a lead is expected and considerate towards other walkers.
Can dogs swim in the Una river?
Dogs can swim in the Una at calmer spots, but the water is cold and the current is strong on many stretches. Choose shallow areas with a gentle flow and never let your dog near waterfalls, rapids or the pools below them. Dry your dog well afterwards, especially if it has a short coat.
Is the Una river dangerous for dogs?
The Una is not dangerous at calm spots, but rapids and waterfalls can pull in even a strong swimmer, and that includes dogs. The risk is higher in spring when the water level is high. Only let your dog swim where you can see the bottom and the flow is gentle, and keep it on a lead where the current is strong.
Are dogs allowed in Una National Park?
Under the rules of Una National Park, dogs may enter only with their owner and on a lead, and they are not allowed on the walkways at Štrbački buk and in Martin Brod or in religious buildings. Dogs must not disturb wildlife. Letting a dog swim near the waterfalls is not a good idea because of the strong current. Check the rules on the park's official website, npuna.com, before your visit.
Are there stray dogs in Bihać?
In Bihać, as in other towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may sometimes see stray dogs, especially on the edge of town. They are mostly calm, but walk around a group with your own dog and keep it on the lead. If you feel uneasy, cross to the other side of the street and do not run.
Does my dog need a muzzle in Bosnia?
A muzzle is generally not required for ordinary dogs on walks, but a lead in public places is usual and expected. Stricter rules may apply to breeds classed as dangerous, so check these before you travel. On public transport and coaches, the operator may ask for a muzzle or a carrier.
Can I take my dog on a bus to Bihać?
It depends on the operator, as each bus company has its own rules for pets. Small pets in a carrier are usually accepted more easily than large dogs. Travelling by car is the simplest option, and if you go by bus, check the rules with the operator before buying a ticket.
Are there ticks along the Una and how do I protect my dog?
Yes, ticks are common in the grass and woods along the Una, especially from spring to autumn. Protect your dog before the trip with a collar, tablet or spot-on treatment, as advised by your vet. After every walk, check the ears, neck, armpits and between the toes. Remove ticks with tweezers as close to the skin as possible.
Can I buy dog food in Bihać?
Yes, you can buy dog and cat food in larger supermarkets and pet shops in Bihać. Special or prescription diets are harder to find, so bring enough from home for your whole stay. The same applies to any medication your pet takes regularly.
Is a holiday house in Grmuša good for a break with a dog?
Grmuša is a quiet village on the Una about 20 km north-east of Bihać, so it is more pleasant for a dog than the town. There is plenty of nature and room to walk by the river, with little traffic. To find out whether a particular house accepts pets, ask in your enquiry on apartmanibihac.com or via WhatsApp on +387 61 591 320. In town, Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) accepts dogs.
Is Lohovo a good place to stay with a dog?
Lohovo is a quiet village on the Una, about 10 km south of Bihać centre, with lots of greenery and little traffic. For a dog it is a nicer setting than a town apartment, and the entrance to Una National Park is about 15 minutes' drive away. Ask in your enquiry whether a particular house accepts dogs; in town, Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) does.
Can I leave my dog alone in the apartment while we go rafting?
You need to agree this with the owner in advance, as many do not allow pets to be left alone. A dog in an unfamiliar place may bark or damage furniture. If you are planning rafting or a longer day trip, mention it in your enquiry and the owner will tell you what is possible.
Can I take my dog rafting on the Una?
Dogs do not usually go rafting, as it involves rapids and a boat with passengers in safety gear. For rafting with Una Olympic Rafting, check the rules with the organiser, but expect your pet to stay on dry land. It is better to leave your dog with someone staying at the accommodation or to plan that part of the day without it.
What if my dog gets ill on holiday in Bihać?
Contact a veterinary clinic in Bihać, and outside opening hours look for the on-call service. Take your pet's EU passport with you, as it shows the vaccination history. Your host can usually help with contacts, and bring medication for any chronic condition from home.
Is the summer heat in Bihać a problem for dogs?
In July and August daytime temperatures in Bihać often exceed 25 to 30 °C, so walk your dog early in the morning and in the evening. In the middle of the day the tarmac can be too hot for paws. Shade by the Una and fresh water help a lot, and never leave your dog in a closed car.
What happens at the border when travelling with a dog to Bosnia?
At the border the dog usually stays in the car while the officer checks the pet passport and may scan the microchip. Have the pet passport ready together with your own documents so the check is quick. In summer there can be queues at Izačić, so bring water and keep the car ventilated.
Do I have to declare my dog at the border when entering Bosnia?
Yes, when entering with a pet you need to show its documents at the border crossing and allow its identity, i.e. the microchip, to be checked. The BiH Veterinary Office states that pets must be brought in through designated entry points. It is best to tell the officer straight away that you have a dog or cat in the car.
My dog only has a vaccination booklet, not an EU pet passport. Can it travel to Bosnia?
For travel from the EU to Bosnia and back, an EU pet passport is required; an ordinary vaccination booklet is not enough. The passport is issued by an authorised vet in your country, who records the microchip and vaccination in it. Sort this out a few weeks before the trip, especially if your dog still needs to be vaccinated.
Can I travel to Bihać with a pet from a non-EU country?
Yes, but pets from countries outside the EU usually need different documents from an EU passport, most often a veterinary certificate. Check the exact requirements for your country on the website of the BiH Veterinary Office, vet.gov.ba. If you are travelling on to the EU afterwards, also check the rules of the country you are entering.
Is Bihać a dog-friendly town?
Bihać is moderately dog-friendly: there are riverside walks along the Una and plenty of green space, and people are generally used to dogs. At cafés with a terrace, a dog on a lead can usually sit outside with you. Dogs are generally not allowed inside restaurants and shops, so it is best to ask.
Can I let my dog off the lead along the Una?
Some people let their dogs off the lead at quiet spots outside town, but it is safer to keep yours on a lead, especially near the water. The Una's current is strong in places, and the woods and meadows have ticks and wild animals. In town and at tourist sites a lead is required and expected.
Are there hiking trails near Bihać for walking with a dog?
Yes, there are forest and mountain trails around Bihać, for example towards Plješevica and along the edges of the Una canyon. Stick to marked trails and paths, as some remote forest areas still contain suspected minefields. Keep your dog on a lead so it does not wander off the path.
Why should I keep my dog on marked trails around Bihać?
Some remote forest and mountain areas of Una-Sana Canton still contain suspected minefields from the war. These areas are mostly marked, but a dog cannot read the signs and may run into the woods. On walks outside villages, it is safest to keep your dog on a lead and on a marked path.
What should I do if I lose my dog in Bihać?
First tell your host and the neighbours, as locals are the quickest to hear about a lost animal. Post a notice with a photo in local Facebook groups for Bihać and contact the veterinary clinics, which can scan the microchip. It also helps to have your mobile number on your dog's collar.
How do I book pet-friendly accommodation in Bihać?
Send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com with your dates, the number of guests and details about your pet, i.e. its type and size. Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) accepts dogs, and for the other properties the owner confirms in the reply whether your pet is welcome. You will get a reply within 12 hours, and you pay in cash on arrival.
Is Bihać a good stopover with a dog on the way to the Croatian coast?
Yes, Bihać is a convenient stop with a dog on the way to the Adriatic, as it is about 35 km from Plitvice and has plenty of nature for walks. Your dog can rest by the Una after a long drive while you spend the night in a quiet house. When returning to the EU, bring your pet's EU passport with a valid vaccination.
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