Last updated: April 2026

Pet Transport from the USA to the EU
Rules and Requirements.

General Requirements

Since 2026, entry rules to the EU are based on strict document consistency and sequence of actions. Most refusals are not due to missing documents, but due to errors in timing or data mismatch.

Entry is allowed only as a non-commercial movement.

• the pet travels with the owner, or
• is transported by an authorised person

The movement must be linked to the owner’s travel (usually within 5 days).

Maximum: 5 animals.

The owner must be listed in all documents.

A common mistake is listing a courier or driver instead of the owner. In this case, entry is refused even if all veterinary documents are correct.

Microchip

The microchip must be implanted before vaccination and comply with ISO standards.

If vaccination is done first, it is considered invalid.

Rabies Vaccination

First vaccination:

• from 12 weeks of age
• 21 days waiting period

If the revaccination is delayed even by one day, it is treated as a primary vaccination and the waiting period restarts.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

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

Minimum Age

Minimum age for entry:

• 12 weeks (vaccination)
• +21 days waiting

Minimum age: approximately 15 weeks.

Errors in timing are one of the main reasons for refusal.
These errors cannot be corrected at the border. It is safer to complete a document check before travel.

EU Animal Health Certificate

The EU Veterinary Certificate (Regulation 2026/705) is the main entry document.

The animal health certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into the European Union from the date of issue.

After documentary and identity checks at the point of entry, it may be used for further movement within the EU for up to 6 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.

This extended validity applies only after official checks have been carried out at the EU point of entry.

Example of the certificate format can be reviewed here: EU certificate sample

Typical errors:

• different owner name
• incorrect dates
• missing or inconsistent vaccination data

In these cases, entry is refused at the border. Many of these issues are only discovered during control, which is why advance document check is strongly recommended.

Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)

Required for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland (24–120 hours before entry).

In practice, some border officials may apply this requirement incorrectly in other countries.

Practical Notes

Most problems occur due to:

• incorrect sequence of actions
• date miscalculations
• owner mismatch
• incorrect certificate completion

These errors are not corrected at the border.

Border interpretation may vary. Issues have been observed in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, France, Germany and Finland.

Our Services

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