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Bringing your dog or cat abroad

Rules for pets arriving from outside the EU, written for a pet starting in the continental United States. Checked against official government sources on October 15, 2026.

Costs and timelines are estimates. Fees, exchange rates and processing times change; always confirm with the official government source. Disclaimer

The EU pet passport, explained

An EU pet passport is only issued by a vet inside the EU, so you can't get one in the US. Your pet enters the EU with an EU Animal Health Certificate. Once you live there, a local vet issues the passport, which then covers travel between EU countries.

Steps to enter the EU from the US

  1. ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before (or on the same day as) the rabies vaccine.
  2. Rabies vaccine, then wait at least 21 days before travel.
  3. USDA-accredited vet completes the EU Animal Health Certificate.
  4. Certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS; travel within 10 days of the vet signing it.
  5. Enter through an approved travellers' point of entry. No titer test needed from the US.

Find your vet early

A vet with pet relocation experience and the required USDA accreditation will confirm the current timelines for your destination. Finding that vet early and knowing their timelines is key: some steps take weeks or months, and certificates have tight signing windows.

Extra rules to check

  • Tapeworm treatment for dogs entering Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway (24–120 hours before arrival). Ireland and Norway also need an original-ink USDA endorsement.
  • Some countries ban or restrict certain dog breeds.
  • Many airlines refuse snub-nosed breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) in the hold.

Pet entry paperwork rating

A relative comparison of entry paperwork for dogs and cats travelling from the continental US: 5 means fewer formalities, 1 means more extensive preparation. It does not rate cost, animal welfare, airline availability or breed acceptance; no pet move is effortless.

  • 5 · Fewer formalities — typically vaccination records or a certificate; transport still needs planning.
  • 4 · Additional formalities — additional treatment or inspection requirements.
  • 3 · Multiple requirements — permits, antibody tests or approved routes may apply.
  • 2 · Substantial preparation — additional documentation, testing or possible quarantine.
  • 1 · Extensive preparation — months of lead time, lengthy testing schedules or quarantine risks.

Does this mean any animal or breed can enter?

No. These ratings cover pet dogs and cats, not birds, reptiles, rabbits, livestock or every other species. Other animals have separate rules, and protected species may need wildlife permits. Destination breed restrictions, transit rules and airline restrictions must be checked separately. A country allowing a breed does not mean an airline will carry it. EU non-commercial rules normally cover up to five dogs, cats or ferrets, with limited exceptions; sales, transfers and some unaccompanied journeys follow different rules.

Official EU species and travel rules

* All prices and preparation times are estimates, not a quote or guaranteed departure date. Confirm exact prices and timing with a veterinarian experienced in pet relocation, the official veterinary authority, and your airline or pet transport provider. Vet visits, vaccines, microchips, certificates, endorsement, crates, flights, transit and onward travel may be charged separately.

Country by country

EU and EU-rule countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Belgium

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Czech Republic

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

Dogs and cats: microchip, valid rabies vaccination and a USDA-endorsed EU health certificate before entry. Get an EU pet passport from a local vet after arrival.

Preparation: weeks to months* depending on existing records and flight availability. From the continental US, allow at least 21 days after a first rabies vaccination (after microchipping); a valid uninterrupted booster may not restart that wait. The final certificate has a separate 10-day EU entry window. These windows overlap: they are not a guaranteed total schedule. From an unlisted country, testing and a 3-month post-blood-draw wait can make preparation 4+ months.

Vet exam/certificate service: approximately $350–$550+ per pet* based on published Issaquah Veterinary Hospital and Dash Vet examples, not a Czech-route quote. Inclusions differ; consultation, vaccines, microchip, laboratory work and USDA endorsement may be extra. USDA endorsement for a US-to-Czech certificate not requiring tests is currently $38 per certificate. Transport, crate and handling are additional: request a route-specific written quote; no verified Czech-route total is available.

The official Czech sources reviewed do not identify a blanket dog-breed entry ban; that is not confirmation that every breed or animal will be accepted. Check your specific breed with the Czech State Veterinary Administration and each carrier. Snub-nosed breeds can face airline restrictions. Other species, commercial movements, more than five pets and pets travelling separately from their owner need separate checks.

* All prices and preparation times are estimates, not a quote or guaranteed departure date. Confirm exact prices and timing with a veterinarian experienced in pet relocation, the official veterinary authority, and your airline or pet transport provider. Vet visits, vaccines, microchips, certificates, endorsement, crates, flights, transit and onward travel may be charged separately.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Estonia

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

France

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Germany

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Greece

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Hungary

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Ireland

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

EU rules plus a tapeworm treatment for dogs 1–5 days before arrival; the USDA endorsement must be original ink.

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before (or on the same day as) the rabies vaccine.
  • Rabies vaccine, then wait at least 21 days before travel.
  • USDA-accredited vet completes the EU Animal Health Certificate.
  • Certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS; travel within 10 days of the vet signing it.
  • Enter through an approved travellers' point of entry. No titer test needed from the US.
  • Dogs: tapeworm treatment by a vet 24–120 hours before arrival.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Italy

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Netherlands

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Norway

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

EU rules plus a tapeworm treatment for dogs; original-ink USDA endorsement.

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before (or on the same day as) the rabies vaccine.
  • Rabies vaccine, then wait at least 21 days before travel.
  • USDA-accredited vet completes the EU Animal Health Certificate.
  • Certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS; travel within 10 days of the vet signing it.
  • Enter through an approved travellers' point of entry. No titer test needed from the US.
  • Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Poland

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Portugal

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Spain

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Sweden

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

EU Animal Health Certificate on arrival, then an EU pet passport from a local vet.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Switzerland

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

Follows the EU rules; dogs with cropped ears or tails are not allowed in.

Quarantine: None if the paperwork is in order.

Official rules

Argentina

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

Online pre-approval from SENASA, plus a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: None normally; inspection on arrival.

Official rules

Australia

Paperwork rating 1/5 · Extensive preparation

Import permit, long testing schedule (6+ months' lead time) and mandatory government quarantine.

  • Follow the Australian government's step-by-step guide for your pet's origin.
  • Microchip, vaccines, rabies titer test at an approved lab, then a waiting period.
  • Apply for the import permit and book the quarantine facility early.
  • Parasite treatments and USDA-endorsed paperwork before flying.

Quarantine: Mandatory, usually at least 10 days at Mickleham (Melbourne).

Official rules

Brazil

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

Health certificate valid 60 days, rabies vaccine 21+ days before travel, parasite treatment; no import permit for dogs and cats.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: None normally; inspection on arrival.

Official rules

Canada

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

Proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs over 8 months; no health certificate.

  • Rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed vet.
  • Puppies under 8 months have separate rules.

Quarantine: None.

Official rules

Chile

Paperwork rating 3/5 · Multiple requirements

USDA-endorsed health certificate; pets may be put under official observation after arrival.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: Possible official observation of 30+ days.

Official rules

Colombia

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

Health and rabies certificate endorsed by USDA within 10 days of travel; no import permit.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: None normally; inspection on arrival.

Official rules

Costa Rica

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

USDA-endorsed health certificate. Official sources disagree on whether a permit is needed — confirm with SENASA.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: None normally; inspection on arrival.

Official rules

Ecuador

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

Separate dog and cat health certificates with original-ink USDA endorsement.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: None normally; inspection on arrival.

Official rules

Israel

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

USDA-endorsed certificate within 10 days of arrival and notice to Israeli Veterinary Services; no permit for up to 2 pets.

  • Microchip before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine.
  • Health certificate endorsed by USDA no more than 10 days before arrival.
  • Owner declaration that you've had the pet 90+ days.
  • Notify Israeli Veterinary Services 2 business days before departure.

Quarantine: None if compliant.

Official rules

Japan

Paperwork rating 1/5 · Extensive preparation

Two rabies vaccines, titer test, then a 180-day wait, plus advance notice of 40 days.

  • Microchip, then two rabies vaccines.
  • Rabies titer test (at least 0.5 IU/ml); then wait 180 days from the blood draw.
  • Notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival.
  • Government-endorsed certificates (Forms A and C) before travel.

Quarantine: 12 hours or less if compliant; up to 180 days if not.

Official rules

Malaysia

Paperwork rating 2/5 · Substantial preparation

Advance import application, separate dog and cat certificates; some breeds banned; possible 7-day quarantine.

  • Import application through the DVS portal.
  • Health certificate with original-ink USDA endorsement.
  • Check the banned breeds list.

Quarantine: Minimum 7 days from some countries — confirm with DVS for the US.

Official rules

Mexico

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

Dogs need a screwworm inspection certificate signed within 5 days of entry; cats are exempt; inspection on arrival.

  • Dogs: New World screwworm inspection certificate from a USDA-accredited vet within 5 days of entry (no USDA endorsement needed).
  • On arrival, Mexican inspectors (SENASICA) check for parasites and wounds.
  • Microchip optional; bring rabies records for your airline.

Quarantine: None.

Official rules

New Zealand

Paperwork rating 1/5 · Extensive preparation

Import permit, titer test and quarantine. New rules are being phased in from July 2026 to April 2027.

  • Microchip check (under the new rules, 6 months before export).
  • Rabies vaccine and titer test, import permit, and the vet certificate required by the import rules.
  • Confirm which version of the rules applies on your travel date.

Quarantine: Mandatory, at least 10 days in an approved facility.

Official rules

Panama

Paperwork rating 3/5 · Multiple requirements

USDA-endorsed certificate that must then be apostilled or stamped by a Panamanian consulate; several vaccines required for dogs.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: Not confirmed in official sources — ask MIDA before travel.

Official rules

Singapore

Paperwork rating 2/5 · Substantial preparation

Import licence and pet licence in advance; vet certificate within 7 days of export; checked at the Changi quarantine station.

  • ISO microchip and rabies vaccine.
  • Apply in advance for the import licence and a dog or cat licence (AVS).
  • Government-endorsed vet certificate issued within 7 days of export.

Quarantine: Arrival at the Changi quarantine station; length for US pets isn't confirmed — check with AVS.

Official rules

South Africa

Paperwork rating 2/5 · Substantial preparation

Veterinary import permit for dogs and cats; all certificates USDA-endorsed. Non-compliant pets can be sent back.

  • Veterinary import permit from South Africa's agriculture department.
  • Health certificate completed exactly as the permit requires, endorsed by USDA.
  • Read the full certificate early: it lists any disease tests.

Quarantine: Not confirmed — follow the permit conditions.

Official rules

South Korea

Paperwork rating 3/5 · Multiple requirements

Microchip, rabies vaccine and titer test (at least 0.5 IU/ml), with a certificate endorsed within 30 days of export.

  • ISO microchip and rabies vaccine.
  • Rabies titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
  • Health certificate endorsed in ink by USDA within 30 days of export.

Quarantine: None if compliant; quarantine at your own expense if not.

Official rules

Thailand

Paperwork rating 3/5 · Multiple requirements

Import permit applied for 7–60 days ahead; pets at least 4 months old with core vaccines.

  • Pet at least 4 months old with rabies and core vaccines.
  • Import permit from the Department of Livestock Development (5–7 business days).
  • Official health certificate endorsed by USDA.

Quarantine: Not confirmed for US pets — check with the Animal Quarantine Station.

Official rules

UAE

Paperwork rating 3/5 · Multiple requirements

Import permit (valid 30 days), maximum 2 pets a year, pets must fly as cargo.

  • Microchip; pet at least 15 weeks old.
  • Rabies vaccine 21+ days before travel; dogs also need distemper, parvo, hepatitis and leptospirosis vaccines.
  • Import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
  • Health certificate valid 10 days, ink-endorsed by USDA.

Quarantine: None normally if compliant.

Official rules

United Kingdom

Paperwork rating 3/5 · Multiple requirements

Great Britain health certificate (ink-endorsed), tapeworm treatment for dogs, banned breeds enforced.

  • ISO microchip, then rabies vaccine, then wait 21 days.
  • USDA-accredited vet completes the GB pet health certificate; USDA APHIS endorsement in ink.
  • Arrive within 10 days of the endorsement.
  • Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.
  • Check the banned dog breeds list and fly with an approved airline and route.

Quarantine: None if compliant; non-compliant pets risk up to 4 months' quarantine or refusal.

Official rules

United States

Paperwork rating 5/5 · Fewer formalities

Already in the continental US. Dogs returning from abroad must follow CDC rules.

  • Dogs entering the US: at least 6 months old, microchipped, healthy and with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
  • Extra rabies paperwork if the dog was in a high-risk rabies country in the past 6 months.

Quarantine: None domestically.

Official rules

Uruguay

Paperwork rating 4/5 · Additional formalities

Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by USDA.

  • Microchip recommended (often required by airlines).
  • Current rabies vaccine (usually at least 21–30 days before travel).
  • USDA-accredited vet issues the health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS shortly before travel.
  • Check the exact time window and any parasite treatment on the USDA page for this country.

Quarantine: None normally; inspection on arrival.

Official rules

Official US source for all destinations: USDA APHIS Pet Travel.