Pet Transport from Austria to the United States: 2026 Guide
Getting a pet from Austria to United States is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow around 3-6 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival. Start with …
The Austria to United States import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Your vet
Responsible: You (owner)
Responsible: You or your agent
Responsible: You
Responsible: Official vet
Responsible: You + airline cargo
What your pet needs to enter United States
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The CDC Dog Import Form is free and mandatory. Complete it before departure or your dog may be refused entry.
Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa both have seasonal restrictions. In high summer, hold temperatures on some aircraft can trigger cargo pet embargoes. Check your booking month carefully.
If your dog is a brachycephalic breed (French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog, etc.) most cargo carriers will refuse it, especially on longer transatlantic routes. Speak to a specialist pet transport agent about options.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
How United States handles incoming pets
What experienced owners do
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.