In short
Dogs, cats and ferrets can move from the US to the EU under the non-commercial pet rules: up to 5 animals, travelling with you or within 5 days of you. The order matters — microchip first, then the rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older, then wait at least 21 days, so a pet can enter at about 15 weeks at the earliest. No rabies blood test is needed from the US. Within 10 days before arrival, a USDA-accredited vet completes the EU health certificate (a new form since 1 October 2026, with your signed declaration) and USDA APHIS endorses it. Dogs going to Ireland, Finland or Malta also need a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before arrival. The UK uses its own certificate and lets pets fly in only as cargo. After arrival, register your pet locally and watch the breed rules — Denmark, Germany, France, Romania, Cyprus and the UK ban some breeds outright.
Moving with pets: key facts
Last verified 11 October 2026| EU pet travel law | Since 22 April 2026 pet travel into the EU follows the Animal Health Law (Regulation 2016/429) and new implementing acts, which replaced the old pet-travel regulations 576/2013 and 577/2013# Source: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 (EUR-Lex) · Travelling with pet animals - State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic |
|---|---|
| Non-commercial limits | Up to 5 dogs, cats or ferrets, travelling with the owner (or a person authorised in writing) within 5 days of the owner; more animals, a later shipment or a pet being sold or rehomed fall under stricter commercial rules# Source: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 (EUR-Lex) · Pet Travel From the United States to Germany - USDA APHIS |
| Microchip and rabies | Microchip first, then rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older, then wait at least 21 days — so a pet can enter at about 15 weeks at the earliest; boosters given on time need no new wait# Source: Non-commercial movement from non-EU countries - European Commission (DG SANTE) · Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 (EUR-Lex) |
| Rabies blood test | Not needed for pets coming from the US — the US is on the EU's list of approved countries# Source: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (EUR-Lex) |
| EU health certificate | A USDA-accredited vet completes the EU certificate for non-commercial movement, APHIS endorses it online (VEHCS), and the pet must reach the EU within 10 days of issue; a new form has applied since 1 October 2026 and includes a signed owner declaration that the trip is not commercial# Source: Pet Travel From the United States to Germany - USDA APHIS · Pet Travel From the United States to Finland, Malta, Ireland (incl. Northern Ireland) or Norway - USDA APHIS · Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 (EUR-Lex) |
| Travel inside the EU | After the entry check the certificate is valid for travel within the EU for 6 months, or until the rabies vaccination expires if sooner# Source: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 (EUR-Lex) · Non-commercial movement from non-EU countries - European Commission (DG SANTE) |
| Point of entry | Pets from the US must arrive through a travellers' point of entry, where the papers and microchip are checked# Source: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 (EUR-Lex) |
| Tapeworm treatment | Dogs only: a vet must treat them for tapeworm 24–120 hours before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, and record it on the certificate# Source: Non-commercial movement from non-EU countries - European Commission (DG SANTE) · Pet Travel From the United States to Finland, Malta, Ireland (incl. Northern Ireland) or Norway - USDA APHIS |
| EU pet passport | Only a vet in the EU can issue one — ask your new local vet once you live there; US vets cannot issue it# Source: Non-commercial movement within the EU - European Commission (DG SANTE) · Pet Passports - European Union - USDA APHIS |
| Moving to the UK | Pets from the US need the Great Britain pet health certificate (not the EU one) and must arrive within 10 days of issue; dogs need tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before; pets fly into Great Britain as cargo on approved routes — only assistance dogs may travel in the cabin# Source: Bringing your pet to Great Britain: Which pet travel document you need - GOV.UK · Bringing your pet to Great Britain: Great Britain pet health certificate - GOV.UK · Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain - GOV.UK · Bringing your pet to Great Britain: Travel routes for pets - GOV.UK · Bringing your pet to Great Britain: Guide and assistance dogs - GOV.UK |
| Moving to Switzerland | Switzerland applies the EU pet rules; arrive by air via Basel, Geneva or Zurich and declare the pet at the red customs exit# Source: Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets - FSVO/BLV |
| Bringing a dog back to the US | A dog entering the US from Europe must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, look healthy and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt; the extra US rabies form applies only after a stay in a high-risk country# Source: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries - CDC · Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations - CDC |
| New EU dog and cat rules | Regulation 2026/1818 on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats is adopted; most rules apply from 31 August 2028, and microchipping plus database registration become compulsory in stages — for owners of dogs from 2036 and cats from 2041# Source: Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 - EUR-Lex · Protecting the welfare of dogs and cats - European Commission · Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 - EUR-Lex (full text, Art 20) |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
The EU rules on this page are written for pets coming from the US. If you are moving from somewhere else:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Other approved countries | Pets from countries on the EU's approved list need no rabies blood test either, but the certificate is issued through that country's own vet authority — check the European Commission's list. |
|---|---|
| Countries not on the EU list | A rabies blood test at an EU-approved lab is needed, with the blood taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before the certificate is issued. |
| Moving within the EU later | Use the EU pet passport from your local vet, plus a signed declaration that the trip is not commercial. |
Step by Step
How to Move Your Pet from the US to the EU
Microchip
An ISO microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccine. If your pet has an older non-ISO chip, carry a compatible scanner or add a second ISO chip.
Rabies vaccine
At 12 weeks or older, after the chip. A vaccine given before the chip does not count.
Wait 21 days
The vaccine is valid for travel only 21 days after the primary shot. Boosters given on time need no new wait.
Health certificate within 10 days
A USDA-accredited vet completes the EU certificate for non-commercial movement, APHIS endorses it online (VEHCS), and the pet must reach the EU within 10 days of issue; a new form has applied since 1 October 2026 and includes a signed owner declaration that the trip is not commercial.
Tapeworm treatment (dogs, some countries)
Dogs only: a vet must treat them for tapeworm 24–120 hours before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, and record it on the certificate.
Arrival check
Pets from the US must arrive through a travellers' point of entry, where the papers and microchip are checked.
Settle in
Register your pet locally (see the country table), and ask a local vet for an EU pet passport — US vets cannot issue one.
A puppy or kitten cannot enter before about 15 weeks of age, and the certificate window is only 10 days — book the USDA-accredited vet appointment and the flight together.
The Rules
What the EU Requires in 2026
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| The law | Since 22 April 2026 pet travel into the EU follows the Animal Health Law (Regulation 2016/429) and new implementing acts, which replaced the old pet-travel regulations 576/2013 and 577/2013 |
| How many pets | Up to 5 dogs, cats or ferrets, travelling with the owner (or a person authorised in writing) within 5 days of the owner; more animals, a later shipment or a pet being sold or rehomed fall under stricter commercial rules |
| Rabies blood test | Not needed for pets coming from the US — the US is on the EU's list of approved countries |
| Health certificate | A USDA-accredited vet completes the EU certificate for non-commercial movement, APHIS endorses it online (VEHCS), and the pet must reach the EU within 10 days of issue; a new form has applied since 1 October 2026 and includes a signed owner declaration that the trip is not commercial |
| Travel inside the EU | After the entry check the certificate is valid for travel within the EU for 6 months, or until the rabies vaccination expires if sooner |
| Pet passport | Only a vet in the EU can issue one — ask your new local vet once you live there; US vets cannot issue it |
| Other animals | Pet birds have EU rules (up to 5, with bird-flu checks); rabbits, rodents and reptiles follow each country's national rules, and protected species need CITES permits |
Sources: European Commission, USDA APHIS and the EU regulations — see the key facts box for links.
Regulation 2026/1818 on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats is adopted; most rules apply from 31 August 2028, and microchipping plus database registration become compulsory in stages — for owners of dogs from 2036 and cats from 2041.
Exceptions
The UK and Switzerland
United Kingdom
Pets from the US need the Great Britain pet health certificate (not the EU one) and must arrive within 10 days of issue; dogs need tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before; pets fly into Great Britain as cargo on approved routes — only assistance dogs may travel in the cabin.
Switzerland
Switzerland applies the EU pet rules; arrive by air via Basel, Geneva or Zurich and declare the pet at the red customs exit. Dogs with cropped ears or docked tails may come only when you are moving there, and a Swiss vet must see an imported dog within 10 days.
By Country
Breed Rules and Registration in Each Country
The EU entry rules are the same everywhere, but breed restrictions, registration, dog tax and insurance are national or local. Check these before you choose a home, especially with a bully, mastiff or other large guarding breed.
| Country | Breeds and local rules |
|---|---|
| Austria | No national breed ban, but Vienna requires a dog licence test, muzzle and lead for 12 listed breeds; every dog goes into the national pet database within a month of arrival, towns charge a dog tax and most states require liability insurance |
| Belgium | No national breed ban; dogs and cats staying more than 6 months must be registered in DogID or CatID within 8 days of arrival, and outdoor cats must be sterilised |
| Bulgaria | No national breed ban found; dogs must be microchipped and registered with a vet and the municipality, which charges an annual dog fee |
| Croatia | Pit bull-type terriers not registered with the FCI, and their crosses, cannot be brought in; all dogs must be microchipped and entered in the national dog register |
| Cyprus | Importing Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro is banned; dogs go into the central dog register and need an annual municipal licence |
| Czechia | No breed restrictions; dogs must be microchipped, and most towns charge an annual dog fee to be registered within 15 days of arrival |
| Denmark | 13 breeds and their crosses are banned (incl. Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal and several Ovcharkas); dogs must be in the Dog Register within 4 weeks and have liability insurance |
| Estonia | No breed restrictions and no tapeworm treatment needed; dogs must be microchipped and entered in the local pet register |
| Finland | No breed bans; dogs need a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before entry and must be entered in the Dog Registry within 4 weeks (€10) |
| France | Category 1 "attack" dogs (pit-bull, boerbull and tosa types without pedigree) cannot be imported; category 2 dogs (e.g. pedigree American Staffordshire, Rottweiler) need a permit, owner training, insurance and a muzzle; all pets go into the I-CAD register |
| Germany | Federal import ban on Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier and their crosses; states add their own lists, every dog is registered for the municipal dog tax, and several states require liability insurance |
| Greece | No breed bans; dogs and cats must be microchipped, registered in the national companion-animal register and sterilised unless registered for breeding |
| Hungary | No breed restrictions since 2011 (only individual dogs can be declared dangerous); dogs over 4 months must be microchipped and in the national database |
| Ireland | 11 restricted breeds must be muzzled and on a short lead, importing XL Bullies has been banned since October 2024, dogs need a tapeworm treatment before entry, and every dog needs a licence (€20 a year) |
| Italy | No national breed list; owners must carry a muzzle and keep dogs on a lead of up to 1.5 m in towns, and every dog must be entered in the regional dog registry |
| Latvia | No breed list — dogs are judged individually; dogs, and since July 2024 most cats, must be microchipped and registered in the national pet register |
| Lithuania | Fighting dogs are banned and listed "dangerous" breeds need a State Food and Veterinary Service permit; dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped and registered |
| Luxembourg | Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Mastiff, Tosa and crosses are "potentially dangerous" with extra conditions; every dog is declared at the commune with compulsory liability insurance and taxed (from €10 a year) |
| Malta | Since December 2024 keeping non-pedigree "bully" types of 19 listed breeds is restricted (dogs already owned 6 months and registered on arrival are exempt); dogs need a tapeworm treatment before arrival and must be registered |
| Netherlands | No breed ban; dogs must be registered in the national dog database within 2 weeks of arrival, and many towns charge a dog tax you declare within 14 days |
| Poland | Keeping any of 11 breeds considered aggressive (incl. American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Tosa, Caucasian Shepherd) needs a permit from the municipality |
| Portugal | 7 "potentially dangerous" breeds and crosses (incl. Pit Bull, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire, Fila Brasileiro) need a special licence, insurance and a muzzle; dogs and cats staying 120+ days go into the SIAC database, and dogs need an annual parish licence |
| Romania | Importing Pit Bull, Boerboel and Bandog types is banned; category II dogs (e.g. American Staffordshire, Rottweiler, Cane Corso) must be registered with the police and muzzled; all dogs go into the national register |
| Slovakia | No breed bans; dogs must be microchipped and registered with the municipality within 30 days, which charges a dog tax |
| Slovenia | No dangerous-breed lists; all dogs must be microchipped and entered in the Central Register of Dogs |
| Spain | No breed is banned, but "potentially dangerous" breeds (incl. Pit Bull, Staffordshire types, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Akita) need a town-hall licence, insurance of at least €120,000 and a muzzle in public |
| Sweden | No breed bans; dogs and cats, and you as owner, must be registered with the Board of Agriculture |
| Switzerland | Dogs with cropped ears or docked tails cannot be imported except by people relocating; several cantons (e.g. Zurich, Geneva, Valais, Fribourg) ban or restrict breeds; a Swiss vet must see an imported dog within 10 days and register it in AMICUS |
| United Kingdom | Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully types are banned; dogs (and in England cats) must be microchipped, and Northern Ireland requires a dog licence |
Breed rules can also differ by region or town (for example German states, Swiss cantons and Vienna). Rules for Bulgaria, Cyprus and Lithuania rest on limited sources — confirm with the local veterinary office.
The Flight
Flying With Your Pet
Cabin or hold
Small dogs and cats can usually fly in the cabin to EU countries in a carrier under the seat — European airlines often set a limit of about 8 kg including the carrier; larger pets travel in the hold.
Heat, cold and snub-nosed breeds
Airlines can refuse pets in the hold during extreme heat or cold, and many refuse snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats in the hold. Plan summer moves early and ask the airline before you book.
Flying into the UK
Pets cannot fly in the cabin into Great Britain — only as cargo on approved routes (assistance dogs excepted).
Trips back to the US
A dog entering the US from Europe must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, look healthy and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt; the extra US rabies form applies only after a stay in a high-risk country.
Checklist
Pet Move Checklist
3–4 months before
- Check the breed rules in your new country and city.
- Microchip (ISO) and rabies vaccine — in that order — at least 21 days before travel.
- Choose an airline and confirm cabin or hold, crate size and seasonal limits.
The last 10 days
- USDA-accredited vet completes the EU (or GB) health certificate; sign the owner declaration.
- APHIS endorsement through VEHCS.
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs going to Ireland, Finland, Malta or the UK (1–5 days before arrival).
After you arrive
- Register your pet in the national or local register within the deadline.
- Pay any dog tax and take out liability insurance where required.
- Get an EU pet passport from your local vet.
This page explains the official rules; it does not replace a vet's advice. We don't transport animals ourselves, and we don't guarantee entry — the border vets decide. When your move needs it, we bring in the right specialists, such as a pet-relocation company or a local vet.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need a rabies blood test to move from the US to Europe?
No. The US is on the EU's list of approved countries, so a microchip, a valid rabies vaccine (at least 21 days old) and the endorsed EU health certificate are enough.
How old must a puppy or kitten be to move to Europe?
About 15 weeks at least — the rabies vaccine can be given from 12 weeks and becomes valid 21 days later.
Can my dog fly in the cabin to Europe?
To most EU countries small dogs and cats can, in a carrier under the seat (often up to about 8 kg including the carrier). Into the UK, pets can only fly as cargo, except assistance dogs.
Which European countries ban dog breeds?
Denmark bans 13 breeds, Germany bans the import of four bull-terrier types, France bans category 1 attack dogs, Romania and Cyprus ban pit bull types, and the UK bans five types including the XL Bully. Several others require permits, licences or muzzles for listed breeds.
Do I need an EU pet passport to move from the US?
No — you arrive with the EU health certificate. Once you live in the EU, a local vet issues the pet passport you use for later trips.
Across Europe
Compare all 29 countries by topic
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