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Paws & Papers / Routes / European Union or United Kingdom → United States

Bringing a dog or cat from the EU or the UK to the USA in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 1 day if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Minimum from scratch
1 day
If already vaccinated
1 day
Quarantine
None for pets that meet the rules
Last checked
3 November 2026

Steps, in order

  1. Start nowMicrochip. Dog must be at least 6 months old and microchippedDogs only
  2. 3 days before travelCDC Dog Import Form receipt. Fill in the free CDC Dog Import Form (receipt valid 6 months) Official pageDogs only
  3. 21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest departure: 21 days after the vaccineCats onlySkip if already chipped and vaccinated
  4. Start nowNo federal paperwork for cats, but check your US state and airline rulesCats only

Documents

Get the dated plan for your trip. Pick your pet and travel date and see every deadline from today.

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Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from the EU or the UK to the USA?

Plan at least 1 day if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time.

Which documents do I need from the EU or the UK to the USA?

Microchip (any vet); CDC Dog Import Form receipt (you, online, free).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

No, the rules for this route have no blood test.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Dog must be at least 6 months old and microchipped.

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order.

Good to know

  • Rules assume the dog has not been in a high-risk rabies country in the last 6 months.
  • Hawaii and Guam have their own quarantine rules.

Sources

Legal acts

Confidence. High: every rule confirmed on an official page.

Last checked 3 November 2026. Your vet, the airline and the border authority have the final word. Rules change: check the official pages again before you fly.