Pet Transport from Finland to the United States: 2026 Guide
The Finland to United States import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Your vet
Responsible: You (owner)
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: You
Responsible: You
Which United States rules depend on a pet coming from Finland?
The United States sorts countries into 2 groups, and Finland falls in “Dog rabies-free or low-risk countries”.
Dog has been only in these countries for 6 months before entry: CDC Dog Import Form receipt (valid 6 months), age 6 months, microchip, healthy; any airport, seaport or land border. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Import permit: For dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries, the receipt is valid 6 months unless the dog visits a high-risk country or a different low-risk country in that time. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026 - Health certificate: No document beyond the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is listed for dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026 - Health certificate: Not required: CDC does not require a general health certificate for pets (cats, and dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries). Airlines and some states may still ask for one.
Bringing an Animal into the U.S., checked 2 October 2026 - Rabies vaccination: CDC recommends, but for dogs only from rabies-free or low-risk countries does not list as an entry requirement, rabies vaccination. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
Bringing a Dog into the United States, checked 2 October 2026 - How your pet may travel: Not required: no federal restriction on mode of travel for dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries; they may arrive by air, sea or land. Cabin, checked baggage or cargo is an airline matter. (Seattle's CDC facility takes cargo-only reservations, and the LAX facilities prefer cargo, for high-risk dogs.) Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026 - Arrival points and notice: Dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries may enter at any airport, seaport or land border. Applies to dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.
Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026
One rule for every pet entering the United States decides whether yours can travel at all:
- Minimum age: Every dog must be at least 6 months old on entry or return to the US.
Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries, checked 2 October 2026 - Minimum age: Not listed: cats. CDC's cat section requires only that cats appear healthy on arrival (they may be inspected, examined at the owner's cost if ill, or refused if they show a zoonotic disease); rabies vaccination proof is not required. APHIS states it has no animal health requirements for pet cats (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/cats). Neither sets a minimum age; destination states may.
Bringing an Animal into the U.S., checked 2 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering the United States, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our United States guide.
What does Finland require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Depending on the destination, the health certificate may be issued by an official or a private vet; an official certificate is always issued by a municipal or city vet.
Lemmikkien vienti EU:n ulkopuolelle, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Official certificates for pets leaving Finland for non-EU countries are always issued by a municipal or city veterinarian, who must be able to verify the pet's origin. Note: page last updated 16 June 2022, predates Regulation (EU) 2026/131. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Finland for non-EU countries.
Lemmikkien vienti EU:n ulkopuolelle, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Under the Animal Diseases Act 76/2021, section 52, the person exporting the pet is responsible for finding out and meeting the destination and any transit country conditions. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Finland for non-EU countries.
Lemmikkien vienti EU:n ulkopuolelle, checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Finland is rabies-free, which is the best possible starting point for any international pet move. This makes the US entry especially smooth.
Finnish winters are severe. If you depart Helsinki between November and March, check whether your airline applies cold weather cargo embargoes. Very cold temperatures in the hold can be as much a risk as heat for live animals.
Finnair's direct HEL to JFK service is a good option because it avoids a connecting leg, but cargo pet space is limited. Book as early as possible.
There is no tapeworm treatment required for dogs moving from Finland to the US. The tapeworm rule applies to dogs entering the UK, not the US.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Common questions
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.