Bringing a dog into Finland from another EU country or Norway requires certain documents and health measures. Your dog must have an EU pet passport. It must also be identified with a microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory, and the animal must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. A waiting period of 21 days is required after the first vaccination. For dogs coming from some countries, a treatment against Echinococcus parasites is also required, which must be administered by a veterinarian within a specific timeframe before entry. You should always verify the most up-to-date requirements with the Finnish Food Authority and Finnish Customs. Once you are in Finland, there are laws governing how you must handle your dog. The Public Order Act dictates that dogs must be kept on a leash in urban areas. This is a year-round rule in cities. The Hunting Act also specifies a national leash period from March 1st to August 19th to protect wild animals during their breeding season. This applies to forested and rural areas. Dogs are generally not permitted on public beaches, children’s playgrounds, market squares during business hours, or sports fields unless a sign indicates otherwise. You are also expected to pick up after your dog and dispose of droppings properly. There are often designated bins for this. For getting around, many public transport systems in Finland are dog-friendly. On buses, trams, and trains, dogs are usually allowed, provided they do not disturb other passengers. Pets can often travel for free. In some cases, a driver may refuse to allow a pet on a crowded bus or if there are already other animals. In metro and commuter trains, there may be specific carriages where pets are not allowed, marked with a sign.