Owners in trouble: Pets cannot cross BiH borders

Veterinarians from Bosnia and Herzegovina are struggling with health certificates required by owners for their pets when they want to cross the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

Since last year, following the example of the EU, Bosnia and Herzegovina has introduced the obligation to possess a health certificate for pets leaving the country. However, for this certificate to be valid, in addition to the veterinarian's signature, it must also contain the seal of the competent institution in BiH. But, no one in the country knows to this day which institution should certify the veterinarian's signature with its seal.

One of the Sarajevo veterinarians told Patria that veterinarians receive inquiries almost daily from owners on how they can take their cat, dog, or other pet across the borders, but no one can give them a proper answer.

- Veterinarians know that there is an obligation to fill out a health certificate. After being filled out by the veterinarian, this certificate should go for certification to the competent institution. But, no one knows which institution is competent to provide that seal. No one in the country wants to take on that responsibility, and we are practically up against a wall - said this veterinarian.

Veterinarians will face even greater problems when the holiday season arrives and owners ask them to allow them to go on vacation with their pets, writes NAP.