Pets and animals
How to bring a dog or cat into Georgia and which vaccinations and papers you need, how to take a pet back out, where to find a vet, pet shop and groomer.
-
Why are there so many stray dogs in Georgia, and are they dangerous?
Georgia has many stray dogs because they are traditionally not culled: municipal services sterilise, vaccinate and ear-tag them, then release them back.
-
How do you bring a dog or cat into Georgia, and what documents are needed?
To bring a dog or cat into Georgia you need a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, a pet passport and a veterinary certificate from the country of departure.
-
Who was Kupata, the dog from Batumi?
Kupata was a street dog from Batumi who became famous in 2020 when a video of him barking to stop cars and helping kindergarten children cross the road went viral worldwide.
-
Which animal is considered a symbol of Georgia?
Georgian law names no official national animal, but the wolf is most often called the country's symbol, linked to King Vakhtang Gorgasali, known as the 'wolf-headed'.
-
What Georgian dog breeds are there?
The main Georgian breed is the Georgian Shepherd, or Nagazi, a large livestock guardian that for centuries protected flocks from wolves in the Caucasus mountains.
-
Where can you buy a dog or adopt an animal in Georgia?
In Georgia you can buy a pedigree dog or cat from breeders and kennels, or adopt one free from shelters and volunteers who rehome stray dogs and cats.
-
Where can you leave a dog or cat with a pet sitter in Tbilisi and Batumi?
When you go away, dogs and cats in Tbilisi and Batumi can stay at pet hotels, with private sitters at home or in boarding at some vet clinics.
-
Can you take a dog on transport, in taxis, cafes and on beaches in Georgia?
On public transport in Georgia, dogs must be muzzled or on a short lead, and small animals travel in carriers.
-
Can you rent a flat with a dog or cat in Tbilisi and Batumi?
You can rent a flat with a dog or cat in Tbilisi and Batumi, but many landlords are hesitant and ask for a larger deposit.
-
How do you vaccinate and microchip a dog or cat in Georgia?
Dogs and cats are vaccinated and microchipped at vet clinics in Georgia, which give the rabies jab and a combined vaccine against common infections and record them in the pet passport.
-
Where can you get a dog or cat groomed in Tbilisi and Batumi?
In Tbilisi and Batumi, grooming is done at specialist pet salons and some vet clinics: clipping, bathing, brushing, nail trimming and ear cleaning.
-
Where can you buy pet food and supplies in Tbilisi and Batumi?
In Tbilisi and Batumi, pet food and supplies are sold in pet shops, vet pharmacies at clinics, large supermarkets and online shops with delivery.
-
Where can you find a vet in Batumi, and are there 24-hour clinics?
Batumi has several private vet clinics, some open around the clock or available on call at night.
-
Where can you find a vet in Tbilisi, and how much is a visit?
Tbilisi has many private vet clinics, including 24-hour ones, with their own labs, ultrasound and surgery.
-
What should you do if a dog or cat bites you in Georgia?
If a dog or cat bites or badly scratches you, wash the wound under running water with soap for 10-15 minutes and go to a clinic the same day for a rabies vaccination.
-
How do you take a dog or cat from Georgia to Russia?
To take a dog or cat from Georgia to Russia you need a pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip and a veterinary certificate issued by Georgia's National Food Agency shortly before travel.