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Effective July 14, 2021, the CDC temporarily suspended (stopped) dog imports from countries classified as high-risk for rabies. Effective December 1, 2021, the CDC updated its requirements to allow certain U.S origin dogs returning to the U.S with their owner to be imported from countries classified as high-risk for rabies if the pet meets specific requirements. Learn more on CDC.gov.Transiting the European Union,
View a list of European Union countries.
If the pet is less than 15 weeks old and has not been vaccinated for rabies more than 21 days before entry into the EU, this Member State DOES NOT ALLOW entry of the pet.
For pets at least 15 weeks old and vaccinated for rabies more than 21 days before entry into the EU:
If the pet is more than 15 weeks old and the most recent rabies vaccine is a primary rabies vaccine, the pet must wait 21 days after the date of that primary rabies vaccine before it can enter the EU.
NOTE: If the pet is less than 15 weeks old and has not been vaccinated for rabies more than 21 days before entry into the EU, see Step 2 to determine if the pet is eligible to enter the EU by checking which Member States allow these pets.
The EU has two different health certificates for pets. The health certificate used will depend on the number of animals traveling, whether or not the pet is traveling within 5 days before or after the owner or designated person**, and whether the pet will change ownership or is intended for resale in the EU.
*A Military Veterinarian is defined as a Veterinary Corps Officer or civilian GS-0701 series government veterinarian employed by the U.S. Army Veterinary Service working at military treatment facilities. It does not apply to Army Veterinary Service non-appropriated fund or Department of Defense civilian contract veterinarians.
**Designated person: a family member, friend, or other person authorized by the owner to travel with the pet.
*A Military Veterinarian is defined as a Veterinary Corps Officer or civilian GS-0701 series government veterinarian employed by the U.S. Army Veterinary Service working at military treatment facilities. It does not apply to Army Veterinary Service non-appropriated fund or Department of Defense civilian contract veterinarians.
The EU health certificate is valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire.
After entering the EU, dogs subsequently traveling to Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway will need to be treated for tapeworms by an EU veterinarian within 1-5 days before entering those countries. The EU veterinarian will add the tapeworm treatment information to the EU health certificate issued in the United States. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet meets the import requirements of each country you visit.
The following applies to pet birds traveling to the EU in a group of five or less.
The pet bird was isolated from other birds under the USDA Accredited Veterinarian’s supervision for at least 30 days prior to leaving the United States.
Veterinary Health Certificate for Pet Birds Option 1 - CLICK HERE
The pet bird was isolated from other birds for at least 14 days prior to leaving the United States AND tested for Avian Influenza H5 and H7 antigens or genomes with a virus isolation or RT-PCR test. Regardless of test type used, both a cloacal swab and an oropharyngeal swab must be taken by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian at least 7 days after the 14-day isolation starts. Testing must occur at a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) approved laboratory for Avian Influenza.
NOTE: the day isolation begins is considered DAY 0.
Veterinary Health Certificate for Pet Birds Option 2 - CLICK HERE
To use OPTION 3, the owner must:
To use OPTION 4, the owner must:
For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommended that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.
Country of destination contact information:
Airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any.
Additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates.
♦ This page provides the most recent entry requirements and can change without notice.
♦ It is the responsibility of the veterinarian to make sure the pet has met all the health requirements of the destination country before issuing a health certificate.
♦ Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.
♦ Health certificates must be legible, accurate, and complete.
Helpful References for Pet Travel
Find your USDA Endorsement Office