Flying a dog from the United States to the European Union
Scope and research limits
EU: The EU member states, for pets moving in from another member state or from outside the EU. Northern Ireland follows the same rules on its own page. Northern Ireland follows the EU pet travel scheme. See United States to Northern Ireland.
This guide covers the journey and pathways stated here. Residence, travel history and connections may change which requirements apply. Confirm these before using the countdown.
Conditional: yes, with 3 hard deadlines
A dog must fly as the airline allows, with the owner or an authorised person, to enter the European Union from the United States.
To meet the entry rules
- a microchip on or before the rabies vaccination
- a primary rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks old or older, at least 21 days before departure
- a non-commercial health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet within 30 days before arrival
- an EU animal health certificate, endorsed in ink by USDA, within 10 days before arrival
- a tapeworm treatment by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival (only if arriving in Finland, Ireland or Malta)
- a signed non-commercial declaration
- entry through a designated travellers' point of entry
- a compliance check booked in advance (only if arriving in Ireland)
If a requirement is missed: A pet that fails the checks may be returned, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, put down. The owner pays for these measures.
Full answer
A dog must fly as the airline allows, with the owner or an authorised person, to enter the European Union from the United States. Without quarantine, it needs a primary rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks old or older, at least 21 days before departure; an EU animal health certificate, endorsed in ink by USDA, within 10 days before arrival; a tapeworm treatment by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival (only if arriving in Finland, Ireland or Malta); a signed non-commercial declaration; and entry through a designated travellers' point of entry. Also in the planner below: vet's signature on the health certificate and microchip. Also in the sources below: 1 more requirement. Last verified 24 September 2026.
- Rules allow in cabin
- Airline decidesEU rules do not say whether a pet flies in the cabin, in the hold or as cargo; the airline's rules decide. The pet travels with its owner, or with a person the owner has authorised.
- Quarantine
- Noneno quarantine for a pet that meets the rules
- Rabies titer
- Not requiredListed third country (Annex II)
- Lead time
- 23 days
Your deadlines, counted back from arrival
3 of these steps are hard deadlines. Each step says how long before arrival it falls. Pick an arrival date and your browser works out the calendar dates; it fetches nothing.
Lead time: 23 days
With no arrival time entered, hourly deadlines assume 12:00 local time. Use the local arrival time in the European Union (Europe/Brussels).
Pick an arrival date to see the calendar date of each step.
Birth
The pet is at least 12 weeks old when it receives its primary rabies vaccination. Timing: at least 12 weeks before the rabies vaccination.
Fails if: Done less than 12 weeks before the rabies vaccination.
Microchip
The pet is identified by a microchip before, or on the same day as, its rabies vaccination. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 also counts. Timing: on or before the rabies vaccination.
Fails if: The chip does not meet the EU standard and the owner cannot provide a reader for it.
Official source · EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/705/oj)Rabies vaccination
The pet has completed its primary course of rabies vaccination at least 21 days before it travels, or has had a booster while its previous vaccination was still valid. Timing: at least 21 days before departure.
For this plan: The regulation does not say how the 21 days are counted. We plan 22 days, so the wait is met under either count.
Fails if: Done less than 21 days before departure.
Official source · EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)Official source · European Union (Your Europe portal, European Commission)Note: For Ireland, the wait after the primary vaccination follows the vaccine's datasheet. It is at least 21 days, and 30 days if the datasheet says immunity starts only on day 30.
Vet signs the health certificate
A USDA-accredited vet issues the non-commercial health certificate and submits it through VEHCS for USDA endorsement. It is valid for 30 days after the vet issues it. Timing: within 30 days before arrival.
For this plan: APHIS does not say whether the issue day counts. We count it as day 1, the stricter reading.
Fails if: Done more than 30 days before arrival.
Health certificate issued or endorsed
The pet travels on the EU animal health certificate, issued or endorsed no more than 10 days before the checks at the point of entry. Timing: within 10 days before arrival.
For this plan: The EU counts from the date of issue or endorsement; we count that date as day 1, as GOV.UK does for the same certificate.
Fails if: Done more than 10 days before arrival.
USDA endorses the completed certificate in ink within 10 days before the pet arrives in the EU. A printed copy of the endorsed certificate travels with the pet. Timing: within 10 days before arrival.
For this plan: As the EU's own 10-day rule, counted with the endorsement day as day 1.
Fails if: Done more than 10 days before arrival.
Note: A certificate on the old model (Annex IV to Regulation 577/2013) is accepted if it was issued before 1 October 2026 and the pet enters by 31 March 2027.
Official source · European Commission (DG SANTE, Food Safety)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/705/oj)Note: New non-commercial health certificates take effect on October 1, 2026. An old certificate already in process can be endorsed on or before September 30, 2026.
Tapeworm treatment
A dog entering Finland, Ireland or Malta from outside the EU is treated for tapeworm by a vet no more than 120 and no less than 24 hours before entry, and the vet records it on the animal health certificate. Timing: between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.
Fails if: Done less than 24 or more than 120 hours before arrival.
Official source · European Commission (DG SANTE, Food Safety)Official source · Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, consolidated 02020R0692-20260812 (Annex XXI: rabies antibody titration test; Echinococcus treatment for entry)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)Official source · Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/620, consolidated 02021R0620-20260810 (Annex XIX: Echinococcus multilocularis disease-free Member States or zones)Official source · European Union (Your Europe portal, European Commission)Note: For Ireland, the tapeworm product must contain praziquantel. EU law also allows other substances proven to work as well.
Note: An accredited vet gives the tapeworm treatment and records it in the Anti-Echinococcus treatment table of the certificate. It can come before or after USDA's endorsement.
Arrival day
Requirements without a countdown
These conditions still apply. Choosing an arrival date does not check them.
A written declaration, signed by the owner or the authorised person, that the move is non-commercial (not for sale or a change of owner) is attached to the animal health certificate.
Fails if: Arriving without the signed declaration attached to the certificate.
The owner or designated person completes and signs the Declaration on the certificate's final page.
Fails if: No signed Declaration with the certificate.
A certificate on the old model (Annex IV to Regulation 577/2013) is accepted if it was issued before 1 October 2026 and the pet enters by 31 March 2027.
Official source · European Commission (DG SANTE, Food Safety)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/705/oj)No rabies blood test is needed from a listed country such as the USA, Canada or Great Britain, but only if the pet comes directly from the listed country where its owner lives, or after a stay only in listed countries, or after passing through an unlisted country while staying secured in the vehicle or inside the port's or airport's international zone, with a signed declaration. This page assumes one of these; it cannot check your journey.
The pet enters the EU through a travellers' point of entry that the EU country has designated. On arrival the owner reports to the authorities there, who check the documents and the pet's identity.
Fails if: Arriving through an airport or port that is not a designated travellers' point of entry, or leaving without reporting the pet for its checks.
Official source · European Commission (DG SANTE)Official source · EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)Official source · Publications Office of the EU (EUR-Lex consolidated text 02019R2122-20260422)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)Arriving in Ireland, the owner gives advance notice and books a compliance check for arrival, and enters through Cork, Dublin or Shannon airport, Dublin Port, the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy or Rosslare Europort. Applies only if arriving in Ireland.
Fails if: Arriving without a booked check, or leaving the airport or port before it.
For Ireland, the pet travels with the original paperwork, stamped and signed in ink. Photocopies and digital printouts are refused. Applies only if arriving in Ireland.
Finland's food authority treats a pet that travels alone as cargo, or with someone other than its owner, as trade, which follows the rules for commercial moves. Applies only if arriving in Finland.
If the owner does not travel with the pet, a person the owner authorises in writing may, with the signed authorisation attached to the pet's document. The pet's journey must be within 5 days of the owner's own.
Official source · European Commission (DG SANTE, Food Safety)Official source · EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)Official source · Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)This assumes a non-commercial move: the owner travels with the pet on the same flight, or a designated person travels with it no later than 5 days after the owner, and five or fewer pets travel together.
This plan assumes one air journey, with every step done before you leave. Unless you give a departure date, it assumes you leave the day before arrival or on arrival day. Times are local to the European Union (Europe/Brussels).
Which airlines carry dogs on this route
All 3 airlines carry dogs on this route: 2 in the cabin, 1 as manifest cargo.
This is what airlines offer. An airline can offer less than the rules allow.
Hold means checked baggage. Manifest cargo is a separate booking, even when the animal travels in the same aircraft hold.
| Airline | Cabin | Hold (checked baggage) | Manifest cargo | Fee from | Snub-nosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Quoted on request | ||||
| Delta Air Lines | 200 USD | ||||
| Lufthansa | Quoted on request |
- American Airlines: From May 1 to September 30, no pets outside the cabin to, through or from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas or Palm Springs.
- American Airlines: American Airlines Cargo will not carry animals when the ground temperature at the origin, a connection or the destination is above 85 or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Between 20 and 44 degrees it needs a vet's acclimation letter, and even then carriage is not guaranteed.
- American Airlines: American Airlines Cargo will not carry animals on any single flight of 12 hours or more.
- American Airlines: Pets cannot be booked through to another airline, including codeshare flights with an American flight number that another airline operates. American Eagle and American Connection flights are not affected.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta's travel-agency site lists Ireland among places Delta takes no cabin pets to or from, while delta.com gives the steps for a cabin pet to Ireland. Check with Delta before booking a cabin pet to or from Ireland.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Cargo accepts no pets at Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA) or London Heathrow (LHR), even for military and Foreign Service families.
- Delta Air Lines: Pets do not fly in the hold or as cargo if it is above 80°F (27°C) or below 20°F (-7°C) while they are on the ground at any point. Between 20°F and 45°F they need a Certificate of Acclimation.
- Delta Air Lines: No animals in the hold or as cargo on any Delta-operated Boeing 767 or Airbus A330-200.
- Delta Air Lines: No warm-blooded animals in the hold or as cargo on Boeing 757 flights to or from Europe.
- Lufthansa: Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old, or 15 weeks for carriage from, to or via Germany. Dogs travelling to the United States must be at least 6 months old. Pregnant animals are not accepted.
- Lufthansa: Checked pets are not accepted on connecting flights via Munich. Through-checking checked pets is possible via Frankfurt, subject to reservation and the other carriage requirements.
- Lufthansa: Checked pets need a container compliant with current IATA rules, secured with metal screws. Ventilation openings must not exceed 25 × 25 mm for dogs or 19 × 19 mm for cats. Confirm the complete container specification before booking; non-compliant kennels are refused at check-in.
- Lufthansa: Use a securely fastened soft carrier at most 55 × 40 × 23 cm in size. The total weight of the transport container, including the animal, must not exceed 8 kg. The animal must stand naturally, lie down and turn in the closed carrier.
- Lufthansa: For cabin pets on flights from or to the USA, register online at least 72 hours before departure. The Service Center cannot register these cabin pets.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa may refuse pet bookings on particular routes, including Ireland. Confirm acceptance for the exact destination before buying a ticket.
- Lufthansa: Snub-nosed dogs and cats are barred from the checked hold. They may use the cabin within its limits; separate freight requires a forwarder’s confirmation.
3 changes recorded since
Dates are when a change took effect. Some took effect before our log began; we recorded them afterwards.
New non-commercial health certificates for the EU take effect on October 1, 2026
- Was
- An old certificate already in process can be endorsed on or before September 30, 2026.
- Now
- From October 1, 2026 the new non-commercial health certificates apply.
Source: USDA APHIS · found at a scheduled re-read
The limit of five pets now counts per private vehicle
- Was
- Up to five pets per person.
- Now
- Up to five pets per private vehicle; five for people on foot, as before.
Source: GOV.UK (Defra and APHA) · found at our first read
New animal health certificate model from 22 April 2026
- Was
- Pets from a listed country entered on the certificate model in Annex IV to Regulation 577/2013.
- Now
- They enter on the model in Annex III to Implementing Regulation 2026/705.
Source: Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/705/oj) · found at our first read
Where every rule above came from
- EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/b7f35840-9c5a-11eb-b85c-01aa75ed71a1.0007.02/DOC_1The pet enters the EU through a travellers' point of entry that the EU country has…; If the owner does not travel with the pet, a person the owner authorises in writing may…; At most 5 dogs, cats or ferrets travel in one non-commercial movement, in one vehicle…; A pet that meets these rules may not be refused, held back or restricted on…; The EU member states, for pets moving in from another member state or from outside the EU
- Publications Office of the EU (EUR-Lex consolidated text 02019R2122-20260422)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/2c1c3fba-4341-11f1-8095-01aa75ed71a1.0006.02/DOC_1The pet enters the EU through a travellers' point of entry that the EU country has…; A pet that fails the checks may be returned, quarantined until it complies, or, if…
- EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/5f0d4d68-5ed8-11f1-aa6d-01aa75ed71a1.0007.02/DOC_1Microchip; Rabies vaccination; Birth
- EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/a8816aeb-b136-11f1-b9e5-01aa75ed71a1.0006.02/DOC_1Tapeworm treatment
- Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2026/131/oj)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/12bce2c0-297f-11f1-8803-01aa75ed71a1.0006.03/DOC_1Health certificate issued or endorsed; A written declaration, signed by the owner or the authorised person, that the move is…; A certificate on the old model (Annex IV to Regulation 577/2013) is accepted if it was…; Microchip: what fails; and 7 more
- EU Publications Office (EUR-Lex consolidated text via CELLAR; 'documentation tool', no legal effect)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/4ee628c2-a635-11f1-b25c-01aa75ed71a1.0007.02/DOC_1Tapeworm treatment
- Official Journal of the European Union (Publications Office CELLAR; EUR-Lex ELI http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/705/oj)publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/f4cf39e7-2980-11f1-8803-01aa75ed71a1.0006.03/DOC_1Health certificate issued or endorsed; A written declaration, signed by the owner or the authorised person, that the move is…; A certificate on the old model (Annex IV to Regulation 577/2013) is accepted if it was…; Microchip
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-foreign-country/cost-to-endorseAPHIS endorsement fees start at $101 per certificate
- DAERA (Northern Ireland)daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-petsNorthern Ireland follows the EU pet travel scheme
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland (pettravel.gov.ie)pettravel.gov.ie/pets/dogscatsferrets/outsideeuRabies vaccination; Tapeworm treatment; Arriving in Ireland, the owner gives advance notice and books a compliance check for…: what fails; Arriving in Ireland, the owner gives advance notice and books a compliance check for…; For Ireland, the pet travels with the original paperwork, stamped and signed in ink
- European Commission (DG SANTE, Food Safety)food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/bringing-pet-eu-non-eu-country_enA certificate on the old model (Annex IV to Regulation 577/2013) is accepted if it was…; Health certificate issued or endorsed; Tapeworm treatment; If the owner does not travel with the pet, a person the owner authorises in writing may…; and 2 more
- European Commission (DG SANTE)food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/faqs_enBirth; EU rules do not say whether a pet flies in the cabin, in the hold or as cargo; the…
- European Commission (DG SANTE, Food Safety)food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/listing-territories-and-non-eu-countries_enNo rabies blood test is needed from a listed country such as the USA, Canada or Great…
- European Commission (DG SANTE)food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/travellers-points-entry_enThe pet enters the EU through a travellers' point of entry that the EU country has…
- GOV.UK (Defra and APHA)gov.uk/government/news/new-eu-rules-for-pet-travel-for-gb-residentsAt most 5 dogs, cats or ferrets travel in one non-commercial movement, in one vehicle…
- Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto)ruokavirasto.fi/en/themes/import-and-export/eu-countries-norway-and-switzerland/animals/dogs-cats-and-ferretsFinland's food authority treats a pet that travels alone as cargo, or with someone other…
- European Union (Your Europe portal, European Commission)europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htmRabies vaccination; Tapeworm treatment; A pet that fails the checks may be returned, quarantined until it complies, or, if…
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-austriaHealth certificate issued or endorsed; The owner or designated person completes and signs the Declaration on the certificate's…; Vet signs the health certificate; This assumes a non-commercial move: the owner travels with the pet on the same flight…
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-finland-malta-ireland-including-northernHealth certificate issued or endorsed; Vet signs the health certificate; Tapeworm treatment
- American Airlines Cargo (American PetEmbark)aacargo.com/learn/animals.htmlFrom May 1 to September 30, no pets outside the cabin to, through or from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas or Palm Springs
- American Airlines Cargo (American PetEmbark)aacargo.com/learn/animals-policy-and-restrictions.htmlAmerican Airlines: route, manifest cargo, snub-nosed; American Airlines Cargo will not carry animals when the ground temperature at the…; American Airlines Cargo will not carry animals on any single flight of 12 hours or more
- American Airlines Cargo (American PetEmbark)aacargo.com/downloads/know_before_you_go_FEB2026.pdfAmerican Airlines Cargo will not carry animals on any single flight of 12 hours or more
- American Airlines Cargoaacargo.com/downloads/rates/Domestic_International_Live_Animal_v1.04.pdfAmerican Airlines: route
- Delta Cargo (Delta Air Lines)deltacargo.com/content/dam/cargo/images/delta-cargo-news/Aircraft_Crate_Compatibility%20March%202025.pdfNo warm-blooded animals in the hold or as cargo on Boeing 757 flights to or from Europe
- Delta Cargo (Delta Air Lines)deltacargo.com/Cargo/catalog/products/petsDelta Air Lines: manifest cargo; Delta Cargo accepts no pets at Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA) or London…
- Delta Cargo (Delta Air Lines)deltacargo.com/Cargo/catalog/restricted-animalsDelta Air Lines: snub-nosed
- American Airlines (Tariff No. AA1, published by Airline Tariff Publishing Company as agent)aa.com/content/images/tariff/american-airlines-general-rules-of-the-international-tariff.pdfPets cannot be booked through to another airline, including codeshare flights with an American flight number that another airline operates
- American Airlinesaa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/pets.htmlAmerican Airlines: cabin, hold (checked baggage), manifest cargo, fee from, snub-nosed; From May 1 to September 30, no pets outside the cabin to, through or from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas or Palm Springs; Pets cannot be booked through to another airline, including codeshare flights with an American flight number that another airline operates
- American Airlinesaa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/service-animals.htmlAmerican Airlines: cabin
- Delta Air Linesdelta.com/us/en/pet-travel/international-connection-pet-travelDelta Air Lines: route; Delta's travel-agency site lists Ireland among places Delta takes no cabin pets to or from, while delta.com gives the steps for a cabin pet to Ireland
- Delta Air Linesdelta.com/us/en/special-circumstances/military-travel/petsDelta Air Lines: route, hold (checked baggage), snub-nosed; Pets do not fly in the hold or as cargo if it is above 80°F (27°C) or below 20°F (-7°C) while they are on the ground at any point
- Delta Air Linesdelta.com/us/en/pet-travel/overviewDelta Air Lines: route, cabin, fee from
- Delta Air Lines (Delta Professional, travel-agency site)pro.delta.com/content/agency/us/en/products-and-services/pet/pet-policies.htmlDelta's travel-agency site lists Ireland among places Delta takes no cabin pets to or from, while delta.com gives the steps for a cabin pet to Ireland; No animals in the hold or as cargo on any Delta-operated Boeing 767 or Airbus A330-200; No warm-blooded animals in the hold or as cargo on Boeing 757 flights to or from Europe
- Delta Air Linesdelta.com/us/en/pet-travel/shipping-your-petDelta Air Lines: snub-nosed; Pets do not fly in the hold or as cargo if it is above 80°F (27°C) or below 20°F (-7°C) while they are on the ground at any point
- Lufthansalufthansa.com/us/en/tiere-als-handgepaeckLufthansa: fee from; Use a securely fastened soft carrier at most 55 × 40 × 23 cm in size
- Lufthansalufthansa.com/us/en/tiere-als-uebergepaeckChecked pets are not accepted on connecting flights via Munich; Checked pets need a container compliant with current IATA rules, secured with metal screws
- Lufthansalufthansa.com/us/en/dangerous-dogsLufthansa: snub-nosed; Snub-nosed dogs and cats are barred from the checked hold
- Lufthansalufthansa.com/us/en/travelling-with-animalsLufthansa: route, cabin, hold (checked baggage), manifest cargo; Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old, or 15 weeks for carriage from, to or via…; For cabin pets on flights from or to the USA, register online at least 72 hours before…; Lufthansa may refuse pet bookings on particular routes, including Ireland
Rules change without notice. Confirm each item against the linked official page before you book: we date every check, but the official page is the authority.
Related pages
See everything that applies in the European Union, or what changed across the site.