From the US

Bringing your pet to Belgium

Same EU rules as the rest of the bloc: microchip, rabies shot at least 21 days before travel and a USDA-endorsed EU health certificate.

Time you needAt least 22 days if you start from scratch

Easy to get wrong on this route

Counting a US 3-year rabies shot as valid — for the EU it’s a 1-year primary vaccine until a booster within 12 months.
USDA endorsement too early — it must be no more than 10 days before your pet lands.
Microchip after the rabies shot — the vaccine doesn’t count and the 21-day wait starts again.

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DifficultyEasy

QuarantineNone if rules are met

Rabies blood testNot needed from the US

PermitNo import permit

Rules checked Oct 28, 2026 against official sources · Dogs & cats · Free route check for your date →

Flying from somewhere else?From the UK →From another EU country →

Step by step

At least 21 days before
ISO microchip, then rabies vaccine
The vet scans the microchip before the shot. Pet at least 12 weeks old. After a first (primary) vaccine wait 21 days — or the maker’s immunity period, which can be 30; a booster with no lapse needs no wait.
Within 10 days before arrival
EU health certificate + USDA endorsement
Your USDA-accredited vet issues the EU non-commercial certificate (current format since 1 Oct 2026; valid 30 days from issue). USDA must endorse it — in original ink — no more than 10 days before your pet arrives.
On arrival
Enter through a travellers’ point of entry
Your pet’s papers and microchip are checked where you first enter — carry the original endorsed certificate.

Watch out

Microchip after the rabies shot = the vaccine does not count. Vaccinate again and wait 21 days.
A rabies shot given in the US counts as a 1-year “primary” vaccine for the EU — even a 3-year vaccine — until a booster within 12 months. A lapse of even one day makes the next shot primary again.
Your pet must fly with you, or with a person you authorise who travels with it no later than 5 days after you. A pet flying on its own, more than 5 pets, or a change of owner needs the commercial certificate (vet inspection within 48 hours of departure).
The certificate also covers onward travel in the EU for up to 6 months, while the rabies vaccine stays valid.

Official sources: www.aphis.usda.gov. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the destination's authority.

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