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Tailtrip / 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 travelOnly if going to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway: tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before entryDogs only

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

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Good to know

  • No blood test needed from the USA.
  • At most 5 pets, and you must travel within 5 days of your pet.
  • After entry the certificate works for onward EU travel for up to 6 months (2026 rules).

Sources

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.