🇺🇸 → 🇩🇪

Moving a pet from United States to Germany

Here is the whole journey for your dog or cat, from the United States to Germany: every document, in the order to tackle it, with how early to begin. Plan to start about a month before travel.

Germany (EU). Listed third country: no titer, EU Annex IV health certificate.

This is a rabies-controlled route. Some destinations add a blood titer and a waiting period, which is the single biggest driver of how early to start.

The EU side of this route is governed by Regulation 2026/131, in force since 22 April 2026. Read the 2026 EU rules explained

The documents, step by step

1. 1

   Microchip

   RequiredStart about a month before travel

   The microchip comes first across the EU. The rabies record is only valid if the chip was already in place.

   ISO microchip BEFORE the rabies vaccination.

2. 2

   Rabies vaccination

   RequiredStart about a month before travel

   After the rabies shot, the EU asks for a 21-day wait. We will count it out so the travel date is safe.

   At least 21 days must pass after vaccination before travel.

   A 21-day waiting period follows this step before travel is allowed. We count every day for you.

3. 3

   Health certificate

   RequiredStart about 10 days before travel

   The EU certificate is generous: once endorsed it stays valid for four months of travel within the bloc.

   EU Annex IV certificate, USDA-endorsed.

4. 4

   USDA endorsement

   RequiredStart a few days before travel

   A USDA stamp makes the EU certificate official. We line the timing up with your vet visit.

   USDA APHIS endorsement of the EU certificate.