Bringing your dog to the USA from Europe or the UK in 2026
Last updated: September 6, 2026: verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS, UK GOV.UK, US CDC).
Every dog entering the USA needs the CDC Dog Import Form, including dogs flying from the EU and the UK.
Since August 2024, every dog entering the USA needs a CDC Dog Import Form. For dogs that have only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries (all EU and UK countries) during the past 6 months, this form is the only CDC requirement: no titer test, no quarantine, no federal health certificate. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and healthy at arrival. Cats have it even easier: no CDC form at all.
The 5 steps
- CDC Dog Import Form (dogs only): Complete it online and keep the emailed receipt (print or phone). The receipt is valid 6 months. Fill the form a few days before travel; the day of departure also works. One form per dog. Free.
- Dog at least 6 months old: CDC minimum age at entry. If your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, stricter rules apply (rabies titer).
- Microchip readable with a universal scanner: Required to identify your dog; most ISO chips qualify.
- Vet health certificate ≤ 10 days (airline requirement): No federal certificate is needed from EU/UK, but airlines require a recent health certificate; check your carrier.
- Dog must appear healthy at arrival: CDC can refuse entry to dogs showing signs of disease. Carry all original documents.
Country Packs: Dog & Cat (PDF, $12) →
Frequently asked questions
Do cats need the CDC form?
No, the CDC Dog Import Form applies to dogs only. Cats just need routine airline requirements.
What if I am only transiting the USA?
The CDC form is still required for transit stops in the USA, even if your final destination is elsewhere.
My dog was vaccinated in Europe: does it need a titer test?
No. For dogs that have only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries (all of the EU and UK) in the past 6 months, the CDC requires only the Dog Import Form: no titer. A titer is required only if your dog has been in a CDC high-risk country.
Go deeper: CDC Dog Import Form guide · FAVN titer explained · Puppy age rules
Official sources
- European Commission, pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
- USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
- US CDC dog import: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html
- UK GOV.UK: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad