Moving to the USA from Europe with Your Pet: CDC Rules and Practical Guide
The USA updated its dog import rules significantly in August 2024, introducing the CDC Dog Import Form requirement for all dogs entering the country. The process is generally straightforward for dogs coming from low-risk European countries, but understanding the rules ahead of time avoids surprises at the airport.
CDC dog import rules (post-August 2024)
All dogs entering the USA, regardless of origin, must:
- Be microchipped (ISO 15-digit chip or have a compatible chip that can be read)
- Appear healthy on arrival
- Be at least 6 months old
- Have a completed and approved CDC Dog Import Form (submitted online before travel)
For dogs from low-risk countries (most of Europe, including the UK, EU member states, Norway, Switzerland), no rabies titre test is required at a federal level. The main requirement is the CDC form and microchip.
CDC Dog Import Form
Complete the form at cdc.gov/importation/dogs. The form asks for: owner details, dog details (species, breed, microchip), origin country, US state of destination, and date of US arrival. You must submit it 3 days before arrival at minimum. The approval is emailed back and must be shown at customs. It is free of charge.
State-level requirements
Individual US states may have their own import requirements for dogs and cats. Hawaii, for example, has strict rabies quarantine rules. California and some other states require proof of rabies vaccination. Check the specific state’s Department of Agriculture website for requirements in your destination state.
Cats
There are no current federal vaccine requirements for cats entering the USA from most countries. Airlines may require a health certificate. Some states require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Cats from all countries must appear healthy on arrival.
Airlines
Airlines flying dogs as cargo to the USA require: a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, IATA-compliant crate, and advance booking. Delta, United, and American Airlines all have specific live animal cargo policies for international routes. British Airways and Lufthansa handle cargo pets on transatlantic routes. Check current policies at time of booking – they change seasonally.
Customs and border inspection
Dogs entering the USA are inspected by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) officials. The CDC approval form, microchip, and health certificate will be verified. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a well-documented pet.
Practical note
The USA does not operate quarantine for dogs and cats from most countries. For pets coming from countries with active dog rabies, additional CDC conditions apply – check the CDC website for the current list of dog rabies virus variant countries.