Germany to USA Pet Transport: CDC Rules, USDA Health Certificates, and What Changed in 2024
Germany to USA is one of the busiest expat routes in the world, with thousands of families and military personnel making the move each year. The 2024 CDC update changed the documentation requirements for dogs significantly – here is what German pet owners need to know.
The 2024 CDC update for dogs
In August 2024, the CDC updated its dog import rules for dogs arriving from countries with dog rabies. Germany falls into this category. Under the new rules:
- Your dog must have a microchip implanted before or on the same date as the rabies vaccination
- The rabies vaccination must have been given by a veterinarian located outside the USA
- A USDA-accredited vet must issue a health certificate within 10 days of travel
The critical detail: if your dog’s microchip was implanted after the rabies vaccination, the vaccination does not count under the new rules. Check the date order on all documentation before you travel.
What dogs from Germany need for the USA
- ISO microchip (implanted before or same date as rabies vaccination)
- Valid rabies vaccination given by a non-USA vet, after microchip implantation
- USDA health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel
No titre test, no quarantine for mainland USA.
What cats from Germany need for the USA
- Health certificate from an accredited veterinarian (airline requirement)
- No federal rabies vaccination requirement, though some states have their own rules
- No titre test, no quarantine
USDA-accredited vets in Germany
Germany has a network of USDA-accredited veterinarians who can issue the required health certificate. The USDA APHIS website maintains a searchable list by country. Search for accredited veterinarians in your city.
Allow 2-3 weeks to identify the right vet, book an appointment, and get the certificate issued within the 10-day window before travel.
Hawaii
If you are moving to Hawaii (not the mainland USA), the rules are much stricter. See our USA Pet Import Guide for the Hawaii 5-Day-Or-Less programme requirements.
Source
CDC Dog Import Requirements: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html (verified May 2026). USDA APHIS: aphis.usda.gov (verified May 2026).