Pet Transport from Romania to the United States: 2026 Guide
Romania is classified as CDC low-risk for dog rabies. Dogs from Romania do not need a rabies titre test to enter the United States. No quarantine on arrival either. The process involves the free CDC Dog Import Form, a current EU pet passport, and an official …
The Romania 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 in Romania
Responsible: You (owner)
Responsible: You or your agent
Responsible: You
Responsible: Official vet
Responsible: You
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
Romania is CDC low-risk, but this status can change if rabies re-emerges. Always verify the current classification before travel: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.
Romania has breed-specific legislation restricting several breeds including Pit Bull Terrier and crosses. Verify your dog is not on the restricted list before making travel arrangements.
Romanian stray dogs are a cultural topic of concern. If you are bringing a rescued stray dog out of Romania to the US, ensure its microchip and vaccination history is properly documented. ANSVSA vets are experienced with rescue export paperwork.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Romanian rescue dogs and the US: what to know
Romania has a large stray and rescue dog community, and many pets being transported from Romania to the US are adopted rescues. If this describes your situation, there are specific things to have in order.
First, the microchip. Any dog leaving Romania under the EU pet travel rules needs an ISO 11784/11785 chip. Many rescues are chipped by rescue organisations, but it is worth confirming the chip is reading correctly with a standard scanner before you commit to a travel date.
Second, the vaccination record. The EU pet passport records the vaccination dates alongside the vet’s details. For a rescue dog that came from a shelter, ensure the shelter’s vaccination records were entered properly into an EU passport by an official vet. A handwritten vaccination note on its own is not sufficient.
Third, the timing. If your rescue was vaccinated more recently than 21 days before travel, it will not meet the EU standard waiting period. Build enough time into your planning to ensure the vaccination record is fully compliant.
The US border: what actually happens when you arrive
At the US port of entry (whichever airport you land at), a USDA animal inspector may review your dog’s documentation. For dogs from CDC low-risk countries, this is typically brief. They confirm the microchip number matches the passport, check that the CDC Dog Import Form receipt shows the dog has been in low-risk countries, and confirm the dog appears healthy.
If everything is in order, your dog is cleared within minutes. There is no standard quarantine period, no facility reservation, and no test on arrival.
The situation where things go wrong is usually missing or incorrect documentation. If the CDC form was not completed, or the microchip number does not match the records, or the health certificate is more than 10 days old, there can be delays or, in worse cases, the animal can be returned.
Airlines from Bucharest to the US
There are no direct Bucharest to US flights. Connections go via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Amsterdam (KLM), or London (British Airways). Each hub has different cargo handling facilities and live animal protocols.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is a popular routing for Bucharest; Istanbul is a major hub and Turkish Airlines has an extensive US network. The Bucharest to Istanbul leg is short, which minimises transit time. Lufthansa via Frankfurt is another solid option with a well-established pet cargo programme.
Book cargo space well in advance, especially in summer. Romanian summers are warm but not as extreme as the Mediterranean; however, the connecting hubs (particularly Istanbul in July and August) can trigger heat embargoes that affect the transatlantic portion.