Lead time needed
4-8 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Low
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
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RO
US

Pet Transport from Romania to the United States: 2026 Guide

The journey from Romania to United States for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow around 4-8 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival. …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Romania to United States typically takes around 4-8 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Step by step

The Romania 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.

1
Immediately. ANSVSA vets can update records.
Verify EU pet passport: microchip and current rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your vet in Romania

2
Before travel. Free and straightforward.
Complete CDC Dog Import Form online

Responsible: You (owner)

3
6-8 weeks in advance.
Book cargo space with airline

Responsible: You or your agent

4
3-4 weeks before departure.
Source IATA-compliant crate

Responsible: You

5
Within 10 days of departure.
Get ANSVSA-endorsed health certificate from official vet

Responsible: Official vet

6
3-4 hours early
Cargo check-in at Bucharest Otopeni Airport

Responsible: You

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter United States

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard, readable by universal scanner. Standard EU …
Rabies vaccination
Romania is CDC low-risk for dog rabies. No titre test required. Airlines require …
Quarantine
No quarantine for dogs from Romania. Dogs must appear healthy. Cats: no federal …
Import permit
No import permit. CDC Dog Import Form completed online before departure. Free, …
Health certificate
No USDA health certificate required for US entry. Airlines require a vet health …
Export permit
No export permit required from Romania for companion pets departing to the USA.
Costs

What this route typically costs

ANSVSA official health certificate: EUR 60 to EUR 180
Airline cargo fee Bucharest to US: USD 500 to USD 2,600 depending on …
IATA crate (if needed): USD 80 to USD 350
Pet transport agent fee (optional): USD 300 to USD 850
Total typical range: USD 1,000 to USD 3,500

Critical points

Romania is CDC low-risk, but this status can change if rabies re-emerges. Always verify the current classification before travel: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.

Romania has breed-specific legislation restricting several breeds including Pit Bull Terrier and crosses. Verify your dog is not on the restricted list before making travel arrangements.

Romanian stray dogs are a cultural topic of concern. If you are bringing a rescued stray dog out of Romania to the US, ensure its microchip and vaccination history is properly documented. ANSVSA vets are experienced with rescue export paperwork.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

TAROM
Romanian national carrier. Operates Bucharest (OTP) to European hubs with connections to …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Via Frankfurt hub. Bucharest to FRA connection available via TAROM or Lufthansa regional. …
Cargo Only
Turkish Airlines Cargo
Via Istanbul IST. Bucharest to Istanbul is a short hop; Turkish Airlines has an extensive …
Cargo Only
KLM Cargo
Via Amsterdam hub. Bucharest to AMS, then transatlantic. KLM has a well-regarded cargo pet …
Cargo Only

How United States handles incoming pets

United States has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.

What experienced owners do

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Romania is CDC low-risk for dog rabies. Titre tests are only required for dogs from CDC high-risk countries. Romanian dogs need the CDC Dog Import Form, a microchip, and to be at least 6 months old.
The requirements are the same as for any dog: microchip, current rabies vaccination in an EU pet passport, CDC Dog Import Form, and official health certificate. The practical challenge with rescues is that their early vaccination and microchip history can be incomplete. An ANSVSA-authorised vet can help establish or formalise the records before travel.
Any US airport. CDC low-risk country dogs have no restriction on their port of entry. This is in contrast to high-risk country dogs, which must arrive at specific CDC-approved airports. Romanian dogs can fly to JFK, LAX, ORD, MIA, or any other US international airport.
Romania restricts the keeping and movement of certain dog breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers and some crosses, under Law No. 55/2002. If your dog falls under these restrictions, verify with an ANSVSA vet and a Romanian legal contact whether export is possible before booking anything.
Airline guides
  • TAROM
  • Lufthansa Cargo
  • Turkish Airlines Cargo
  • KLM Cargo
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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RO USRomania to United States
International pet transport route
Lead time4-8 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityLow
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
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