Regulations for entering Finland
From EU countries to Finland
- Identification (microchip or clear tattoo)
- Vaccination against Rabies (max. 3 years)
- Anti-echinococcus treatment (1–5 days prior to entering Finland - certificate from veterinarian)
- PET passport
From non-EU countries
- Identification (microchip or clear tattoo)
- Rabies vaccination (max. 3 years) and a rabies antibody test depending on the country of origin (see instructions)
- Anti-echinococcus treatment (1–5 days prior to entering Finland - certificate from veterinarian)
- EU model health certificate issued by an official veterinarian
- Owner's declaration and possible authorization
Important requirements for all animal competitions in Finland
- An animal that has undergone such a surgery or other procedure causing pain or suffering, whose purpose is to change the animal's appearance (tail-ear docking) may not be used in competitions EHL 15 §
- The animal must not be given such medicine or other similar substance or use such a method whose purpose is to artificially affect the animal's performance or behaviour in an animal competition EHL43 §
More information:
https://tulli.fi/en/private-persons/travelling/travelling-with-pets
Finnish Kennel Club's regulations and restrictions
The Finnish Kennel Club's national regulations also applies in World Championship competition. The participants are obliged to familiarize themselves with these rules and restrictions. Please check these links:
Vaccinations:
https://www.kennelliitto.fi/lomakkeet/vaccination-regulations-finnish-kennel-club
Antidoping:
The Finnish Kennel Club’s anti-doping control is based on the animal welfare law. The purpose of
doping control is to prevent affecting performance using medications, to protect the dog from strain in case it falls ill and to guarantee sufficient recovery time for the dog. Only healthy dogs can
participate in canine events. Dog has no right to participate in any Finnish Kennel Club’s canine
event while medicated or in withdrawal period.
The withdrawal periods of medications can be found in the list of medications based on the active
substance or medication group. The minimum withdrawal period of the medication is calculated
from the last date of administrating the medication. All medication (except for antiparasitic
treatments) is prohibited 7 days prior to the canine event.
The person responsible for the dog is always responsible for that the dog does not have any
medical substances or subtances considered as doping in its bidy during the canine event.
You can find the withdrawal periods of a medication here:
https://www.kennelliitto.fi/en/forms/medication-guidelines-and-withdrawal-periods
More information on the anti-doping regulations here: https://www.kennelliitto.fi/en/forms/anti-doping-regulations
General regulations and considerations by Finnish law
The competitor of the animal has the responsibility that the animal under his control is in a good enough physical and mental condition to participate in the event, and that the animal appears and is treated well.
The animal must not be handled or trained harshly or otherwise in a way that causes unnecessary pain or suffering. The animal must not be overburdened or kept under unreasonably harsh discipline. The animal's skill level and performance must be taken into account when training and using the animal. The animal must not be forced to try to exceed its natural abilities or powers. (Law on animal welfare, 13§)
The animal must not be handled harshly or otherwise in a way that causes it pain or fear, even in an exhibition or competition event.
An animal participating in an animal competition or exhibition must not be overstressed. Strain means both mental and physical strain. The animal must be able to recover from the strain within a reasonable time after the performance.
Competence level refers to the skills that the animal can be assumed to have based on its age and previous training or exercise. The animal's performance is influenced by, among other things, the animal's age, state of health and physical condition. For example, it is forbidden to compete with an animal whose injury during the competition is predictable due to its poor physical condition.
An animal participating in an animal competition must not be forced to try to exceed its natural abilities or strength. The provision refers to situations where the animal is already working at the extreme limits of its performance, but it is consciously forced to attempt an even more demanding performance. This kind of forcing is always prohibited and sets a clear upper limit for excessive stress on the animal.
An animal that has undergone a surgery or other procedure causing pain or suffering, the purpose of which is to change the appearance of the animal, may not be used in competitions or exhibited. (Law on animal welfare, 15§)
The animal may not be given such a drug or other similar substance or use such a method, the purpose of which is to artificially affect the animal's performance or behavior in an animal competition or exhibition. (Law on animal welfare, 43§)
The means, equipment and substances intended for the care and handling of animals must be suitable for their purpose, and they must not cause the animal unnecessary pain, suffering or risk of injury. (Law on animal welfare, 17§)
For example, with regard to dog collars - regardless of the type of collar - it should be noted that the collar must not be used, for example, by jerking or tightening in such a way that the animal causes unnecessary pain.
The animal may be kept in a box or cage intended for its transport or in another similar small-sized storage space only if the animal's transport, illness or other temporary and acceptable reason require it. (Law on animal welfare, 33§)
In connection with an animal competition or exhibition, the animal can be temporarily stored in a transport box or so-called in a show cage or other similar small-sized storage space, provided that its exercise needs and other needs are met during the event.
Considering the size of the animal, the storage space must be spacious enough so that the animal can stand and rest in a natural position in the storage space, as well as change its position without difficulty. If several animals are kept in the same storage space, they must have enough space to lie down at the same time.