Lead time needed
4-8 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
5 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport from Germany to the United States

Relocating a pet from Germany to United States follows a clear path once you understand what United States asks for. Give yourself close to 4-8 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely. …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Germany to United States typically takes around 4-8 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Germany 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.

1
Before booking flights. Required for all dogs entering the USA since August 2024. Cats not required.
Register with CDC Dog Import Portal and complete the Dog Import Form (DIF)

Responsible: Owner (dogs only)

2
Check with your German vet. Vaccination must be current on the date of US arrival.
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and properly documented

Responsible: Veterinarian

3
Within 10 days of US arrival. Allow 1-3 business days for USDA APHIS endorsement after vet signs.
Obtain USDA-format health certificate from a licensed German vet

Responsible: Veterinarian + USDA APHIS

4
4-8 weeks before travel. Cargo pet slots fill quickly on summer transatlantic routes.
Book cargo space from Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC)

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
Earlier than standard check-in. Cargo processing takes additional time.
Travel day: arrive at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure

Responsible: Owner + airline cargo team

6
On arrival day. Present all documents: DIF, health certificate, vaccination records.
CBP and USDA inspection on arrival at US port of entry

Responsible: CBP and USDA at US airport

Requirements

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.

Microchip
Not federally required for entry, but strongly recommended and required by many …
Rabies vaccination
Required for all dogs entering the United States. Must be current at time of US …
Rabies titre test
Not required from Germany.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for dogs and cats from Germany with valid documentation. …
Import permit
Not required for personal pets (dogs and cats).
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed health certificate required. Issued within 10 days of US arrival. …
Export permit
No export permit required for personal pet exports from Germany.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo fees (Frankfurt or Munich to US city): approximately EUR …
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 80-400
USDA-format health certificate from German vet: EUR 100-250
USDA APHIS endorsement fee: approximately USD 38 per certificate …
Rabies vaccination if not current: EUR 60-100
Pet transport agent: EUR 500-1,200 (recommended for first-time moves)

Critical points

The CDC Dog Import Form (DIF) is required for all dogs entering the USA since August 2024. Arriving without it risks refusal of entry or confinement at owner's expense. This applies to Germany-origin dogs.

No cabin pets on transatlantic flights. All dogs and cats must travel as cargo. Journey time from Frankfurt to US East Coast is typically 9-10 hours; West Coast 12-13 hours.

Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs) face year-round cargo restrictions on most carriers. Some carriers will not accept these breeds on any route.

USDA APHIS endorsement of the health certificate must happen before departure from Germany. The certificate cannot be endorsed in the USA after arrival.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Lufthansa
Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to major US cities including JFK, EWR, LAX, ORD, IAH. …
Cargo Only
United Airlines
PetSafe cargo programme. FRA to IAD, EWR, ORD connections. Seasonal temperature embargoes …
Cargo Only
American Airlines
American Airlines Cargo. FRA to JFK, PHL connections. Seasonal restrictions apply. …
Cargo Only
Delta Air Lines
Delta Cargo via FRA to ATL, JFK, BOS. Temperature embargoes during summer. Seasonal …
Cargo Only
Condor
Does not accept pets as cargo or in cabin on transatlantic routes. Not suitable for pet …
No Pets

United States import rules, explained

United States has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

Practical tips for this move

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

FAQ

Common questions

Yes. Since August 2024, all dogs entering the United States require a completed CDC Dog Import Form (DIF), regardless of origin country. Complete it through the CDC online portal before travel. Germany is not a high-risk country under CDC rules, so the process is administrative. Present the confirmation at the US port of entry alongside the USDA-endorsed health certificate.
No. Transatlantic flights do not permit cabin pets. All dogs and cats travelling from Germany to the USA travel as cargo in a temperature-controlled hold in an IATA-compliant crate. This applies to all carriers on transatlantic routes.
No. The CDC DIF applies only to dogs. Cats need a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of US arrival. Federal rabies vaccination is not required for cats entering the USA, though individual US states may have their own requirements.
At least four to six weeks before travel, and eight weeks or more for summer departures. Cargo pet slots fill quickly on popular transatlantic routes, and temperature embargoes during hot weather further limit availability for brachycephalic breeds.
Most major US airports accept live animal cargo imports. JFK, EWR, ORD, LAX, IAD, IAH, ATL, and BOS are commonly used. Some have dedicated animal handling facilities. Confirm import handling at your destination airport with your cargo agent before finalising the route.
Airline guides
  • Lufthansa
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Condor
Breed guides

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DE USGermany to United States
International pet transport route
Lead time4-8 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityModerate
Airlines5
ServiceDoor to door
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