Pets are very popular in Poland. Pets are usually dogs, cats, small rodents, birds or aquarium fish. Owners of pets are obliged to provide them with adequate living conditions. Detailed regulations are contained in the Act of August 21, 1997 on the protection of animals (consol. text. Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1580). Municipalities may (but are not obliged to) introduce the obligation to pay a fee for the ownership of a dog on their territory – detailed information can be obtained from the municipality/town hall of the place of residence.
Additional information: Pay to own a dog – Gov.pl – Portal Gov.pl (www.gov.pl)
Special regulations apply to certain animals. For example, keeping or breeding dogs of breeds considered dangerous requires a permit.
Legal basis:
Regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of April 28, 2003 on the list of dog breeds considered aggressive (Journal of Laws of 2003 No. 77 item 687).
Act of 12 January 1991 on Local Taxes and Charges (consol. text: Journal of Laws of 2023, items 70, 1313, 2291, and of 2024, items 1572, 1635)
In Poland, there are species of animals that are dangerous to humans, especially in forest areas. These are mainly: brown bears, wolves, adders, ticks, and wild boars. Separate regulations are devoted to the protection of wild animals, livestock and animals used for entertainment, shows, film, sport and special purposes.
Legal basis:
Act of August 21, 1997 on animal protection (consol. text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1580)
According to Polish and EU law, the import of animals and products of animal origin (such as food) is regulated. Detailed information in this regard can be obtained from the website of the General Veterinary Inspectorate..
Information current as of: .
The editorial staff of the portal makes every effort to ensure that the content presented complies with the law, is up-to-date (as of the date of publication, indicated on each subpage) and is useful to users. We note that the content published on the website is for informational purposes only and presents the essence of the issues raised in a general manner. They do not constitute advice or legal opinions in individual cases and should not be the sole basis for decisions on the resolution of specific legal problems. Individual legal advice should be sought from qualified professionals.