Pet travel guide · reviewed 2026-09-25

Taking your dog from the US to European Union

Everything EU member state veterinary authority expects before your dog arrives, in the order you need to do it.

Entry requirements

• ISO 11784/11785 microchip

  A 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination.

  Before rabies vaccination

• Rabies vaccination

  A current rabies vaccination given after the microchip was implanted.

  At least 21 days before arrival

• EU animal health certificate

  Issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by APHIS.

  Arrive within 10 days of APHIS endorsement

• Tapeworm treatment (Finland, Ireland, Malta only)

  Only required for dogs entering these countries.

  24–120 hours before arrival

Step-by-step timeline

1. 1

   6 months out

   • Confirm the specific EU country's page on APHIS — some add extra rules.
   • Microchip first, then rabies vaccination.
2. 2

   1 month out

   • Make sure the rabies vaccine will be more than 21 days old on arrival.
   • Book the USDA-accredited vet and APHIS endorsement.
3. 3

   48 hours out

   • Tapeworm treatment if going to Finland, Ireland or Malta.
   • Carry the original endorsed certificate.

Official sources

• USDA APHIS: Pet travel from the US (choose your EU country)
• European Commission: Pet movement

Other routes