Pet Transport from the USA to the EU
– Requirements & Documents

Requirements for Cats and Dogs

Microchip

Mandatory for all pets traveling to the EU. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination and comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards.

Rabies Vaccination

• Mandatory for both cats and dogs.
• The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry.
• If this is the pet’s first rabies vaccination, it must be given after the microchip is implanted.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

Not required for pets traveling from the USA to the EU, as the USA is considered a country with controlled rabies risk.

EU Animal Health Certificate 📄 (Word)

• Issued by an accredited veterinarian in the USA within 10 days before travel.
• The certificate must include:
  • Microchip information.
  • Rabies vaccination details (date, batch number, validity).
  • Confirmation of the pet’s clinical health.
• The certificate must be endorsed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

Parasite Treatment (Deworming)

• Mandatory for dogs traveling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland.
• Treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis must be administered 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before entry and recorded in the certificate.
• Parasite treatment is not required for cats.

Additional Recommendations

Number of Pets

No more than five pets per owner for non-commercial purposes. If transporting more than five pets (e.g., for competitions), documentation proving the purpose of the trip is required.

Preparing for Travel

Ensure the EU Animal Health Certificate is correctly completed and includes all required information. Check airline transport policies, as conditions may vary depending on the carrier.

Young Animals

Pets under 12 weeks old that have not been vaccinated against rabies may enter under specific conditions, including a declaration from the owner stating that the animal has not been exposed to other animals.

Important Notes

• All pets must meet the requirements of the country of first entry into the EU.
• If the pet enters through one EU country and then travels to another, the documents must remain valid throughout the journey.
• Failure to comply with EU requirements may result in denial of entry, quarantine, or the pet being returned to the country of origin.

Our Services

• Pre-Travel Consultation
• Pet Travel Document Check
• Pet transportation with a courier
• Complete Pet Travel Documentation