General Requirements for Pet Travel to the European Union
- Dogs, cats, and rabbits can arrive in cabin, as checked baggage, or as manifest cargo (depending on airline restrictions).
- Microchip must be implanted before rabies for dogs, cats and ferrets, any rabies performed prior to implant will not be recognized.
- Snub nosed (brachycephalic) pets are allowed to travel on certain airlines as manifest cargo.
- Dogs to certain countries require a deworming typically performed and updated after USDA endorsement
- There are no quarantine facilities for pets to the EU, which means if your pet is not compliant they must wait in the US until they can travel.
Step-by-Step Pet Import Process
- Must be ISO-compliant (15 digits).
- Must be implanted before the rabies vaccine (1st rabies after this implant is primary and only valid for 1 year regardless of 1 or 3 year vaccine given)
- Done at least 21 days before departure.
- Must be given after microchipping.
- Primary is valid for 1 year. 2 and 3 year may be valid depending on your vaccination history (we will review this for you and advise).
- 21-day wait required after the first vaccination unless it's a timely booster (no lapse from prior not even a day).
- Two types:
- Noncommercial (traveling within 5 days of owner; valid 30 days to arrival from exam and 10 days from endorsement by the USDA).
- Commercial (traveling outside 5-day window or changing ownership; health exam and endorsement must both take place within 2 days of travel, pets traveling on a commercial certificate typically fly on a Wednesday).
- Must occur within 10 days of departure.
- Not needed if completed by a U.S. military vet due to reciprocal agreement with the EU. This must not be a civilian veterinarian working for the military, they must be enlisted or reserved.
- Required only for Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway.
- Must be administered 24–120 hours before arrival.
Required Travel Documents
- Microchip verification documents
- Rabies vaccination certificate(s)
- General vaccination certificates
- Parasite treatment records
- Endorsed EU Health Certificate
- Additional forms for pets requiring medication or special care
Pet Import Restrictions
Dog Breed bans may apply to certain countries, please inquire with us by requesting a quote.
Other Important Information
Approved Kennels for Travel
- Pets must travel in an IATA-compliant kennel.
- Familiarize your pet with the crate before travel.
Service Dogs
- May travel in the passenger cabin if they meet eligibility criteria.
- Required documents:
- Handler’s medical history form
- Training certification from an accredited organization
- Proof of service dog status
- We do not coordinate the required paperwork or submit to the destination country. This process is the sole responsibility of the owner.
How We Can Help
Pet Relocator specialize in seamless pet relocation and handle:
- Flight bookings
- USDA veterinary endorsements
- Final health certificate processing
- Parasite treatments and USDA compliance
Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your move. Request a quote today!
Additional Resources