Taking Your Dog From the US to the EU

Microchip, rabies, USDA-endorsed EU health certificate — in the right order.

DogsUS → EUNon-commercial pet travel

Bringing a dog from the United States into the European Union is very doable, but the order and timing matter: the microchip must come before the rabies vaccination, and the health certificate must be issued within a tight window before travel AND endorsed by USDA APHIS — not just signed by your vet. Good news: the USA is a listed (low-risk) country, so no rabies titer blood test is required. Realistically, allow 3–6 weeks end to end (mostly the 21-day post-vaccination wait). This guide walks the whole sequence, and SerendiLoop turns it into a dated plan tied to your travel date.

The checklist, step by step

ISO microchip

🗓 As early as possible — before the rabies shot

Your dog needs an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip, implanted before (or at the same time as) the rabies vaccination. A vaccine given before the chip does not count.

Rabies vaccination

🗓 At least 21 days before travel

A licensed vet gives the rabies vaccination after the microchip, once the dog is at least 12 weeks old. Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before entering the EU. Keep boosters current.

EU health certificate (USDA-endorsed)

🗓 Issued within 10 days of arrival in the EU

Completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by your USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office. Valid for onward travel within the EU for 4 months.

CDC Dog Import Form (for the return)

🗓 Arrange before you fly back

To bring the dog back into the US, submit the CDC Dog Import Form online and carry the receipt; a US-vaccinated dog also needs the Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form completed by a USDA-accredited vet before leaving the US.

Good to know

Covers non-commercial travel with up to 5 pets. Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway additionally require tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment 24–120 hours before arrival. US dog-import rules for the return changed in 2024 and again in 2025 — always re-check before you fly.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a rabies titer test to enter the EU from the US?No. The United States is a listed (low-risk) country, so no rabies antibody titer test is required — just a valid rabies vaccination and the 21-day wait.

How long before travel should I start?Allow 3–6 weeks: microchip and rabies first, then the 21-day wait, then the USDA-endorsed certificate within 10 days of travel. Starting 1–2 months ahead is comfortable.

Can my regular vet sign the EU health certificate?It must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by USDA APHIS. A signature from a non-accredited vet is not enough.

Official sources

Get this as a dated plan for your trip

SerendiLoop turns this checklist into exact dates tied to your travel day, stores your dog's documents, and reminds you before anything expires.

Build your plan — free to start

This guide is for general information and is kept in step with official sources, but requirements change and can vary by case. Always confirm the current rules with the official authority for your route before you travel.

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