Paws & Papers / Routes / United States → European Union

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

Plan at least 22 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 10 days.

Minimum from scratch

22 days

If already vaccinated

10 days

Quarantine

None for pets that meet the rules

Last checked

3 November 2026

Steps, in order

1. Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
2. With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (pet must be at least 12 weeks old), then wait 21 full daysSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
3. 21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest day the 21-day rabies wait is overSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
4. 10 days before travelEU animal health certificate (new 2026 model) plus your signed declaration: USDA-accredited vet fills it in, APHIS endorses it (about $101). Must be within 10 days before arrival Official page
5. 4 days before travelTapeworm treatment record. Only if going to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway: tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before entryDogs only

Documents

• MicrochipAny vet
• Rabies vaccination recordVet, in the pet passport or vaccination card
• EU animal health certificateOfficial vet of the country you leave
• Tapeworm treatment recordVet

Questions about this route

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

Plan at least 22 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 10 days.

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

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); EU animal health certificate (official vet of the country you leave); Tapeworm treatment record (vet).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

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

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccine.

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order.