Bringing Pets To: Romania

Romania follows European Union pet import regulations. If you're moving a dog or cat from the United States to Romania, your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination, current rabies vaccination with appropriate waiting period, a USDA-endorsed EU health certificate, and compliance with the EU's 5-day travel rule for non-commercial moves.

Timeline overview: Start at least 90 days before your travel date to meet all requirements, including the 6 to 8 weeks needed to request the bilingual English/Romanian health certificate template from USDA APHIS. If traveling from a country not on the EU's approved list, add 90 days for the rabies titer test requirement.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

Microchip

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before receiving the rabies vaccination. The veterinarian must scan the microchip immediately before administering the rabies vaccine.

Important: If your pet already has a microchip but received rabies vaccinations before the chip was implanted, or if the vet did not scan the chip before giving the rabies vaccine, those vaccinations do not count under EU rules. You will need to start over.

Non-ISO microchips: If your pet has a non-ISO-compliant microchip (such as some older US chips), you have two options: bring your own scanner that can read the chip, or have a second ISO-compliant microchip implanted. Both microchip numbers must be listed on the health certificate if using two chips.

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. The vet must scan the microchip before administering the vaccine.

For a primary (first-ever) rabies vaccination, your pet must wait at least 21 days before entering Romania. Some vaccine manufacturers specify 30 days. Follow the longer interval if that's what your vaccine label states. Build this wait into your timeline before booking travel. The waiting period starts the day after vaccination (day of vaccination = day 0).

Booster vaccinations given within the validity period of the primary vaccination (no lapse in coverage) are valid immediately with no waiting period. A booster can be valid for 1-3 years according to the vaccine manufacturer's instructions. You must include the previous primary vaccination certificate on the health certificate to prove no lapse in coverage.

Common mistake: Pet owners assume a 3-year vaccine is always valid for 3 years. Under EU rules, if there was any lapse in coverage (even one day), the next rabies vaccination is a "primary" and only valid for 1 year. Even if your pet is an adult and receives a 3-year vaccine, if it is a "primary" vaccination according to EU rules, it is only valid for 1 year.

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine. Add the 21-day wait, and the practical minimum age for Romania entry is 15 weeks.

While not required by Romanian or EU regulations, we recommend keeping your dog current on DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, and Bordetella, and your cat current on FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). Administer these at least two weeks before departure for maximum effectiveness. Your airline may require proof of these vaccinations even though Romania does not.

EU Health Certificate and USDA Endorsement

You need an EU Health Certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed (countersigned and stamped) by USDA APHIS.

Bilingual Certificate Required

Romania requires a bilingual English/Romanian version of the EU health certificate. This is not the standard English-only form. You must specifically request the bilingual template from USDA APHIS by emailing [email protected]. Include your destination country, travel date, and number of pets. Allow at least 6 to 8 weeks. Your USDA-accredited vet then uses this bilingual template when completing the certificate via VEHCS. Showing up at a Romanian BIP with an English-only certificate can result in your pet being held or refused entry.

For Non-Commercial Moves:

Your USDA-accredited veterinarian completes and signs the EU Health Certificate (non-commercial version). You submit the certificate to your local USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for endorsement. APHIS must physically ink-sign and emboss the endorsed certificate and mail it back to you. The paper document must travel with your pet. Include a prepaid return envelope when you submit to your APHIS endorsement office and confirm current mail turnaround before booking your travel date. Your pet must arrive in Romania within 10 days from the date USDA endorses the certificate (not 10 days from the date your vet signs it).

Certificate validity: The endorsed certificate is valid for 10 days of travel to Romania from the endorsement date. If traveling within the EU after entering Romania, the certificate remains valid for 4 months as long as the rabies vaccination does not expire.

For Commercial Moves:

Your USDA-accredited veterinarian completes and signs the EU Health Certificate (commercial version). You submit the certificate to USDA APHIS for endorsement. Your pet must leave the United States within 48 hours from the date the veterinarian issued the certificate. The 2025 EU commercial certificate is now required; the 2024 version expired January 11, 2026.

Why the 48-hour window is difficult: The vet issues the certificate, you get it to USDA for endorsement, USDA processes and returns the physically endorsed document, and your pet departs, all within 48 hours. This requires precise coordination and is why most commercial moves are handled by professional relocation services.

Owner's Declaration

The EU Health Certificate includes a Declaration page that you (the owner or designated person) must complete and sign before travel. This Declaration travels with your pet and the health certificate.

Titer Test

USA pet owners: You do NOT need a rabies titer test. The United States is on the EU's list of approved countries.

If you are moving from an "unlisted" country (high-rabies country), your pet needs: microchip and rabies vaccination, wait at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, blood draw for rabies antibody test (FAVN or RFFIT test), processing at an EU-approved laboratory, and a 90-day wait from the date of blood draw before entering Romania (assuming passing results).

Check the European Commission's list of approved countries to determine if your origin country requires a titer test.

No Quarantine

Romania does not require quarantine for dogs and cats arriving from the USA, provided all documentation is complete and correctly sequenced. Pets with documentation errors may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, returned to the origin country, or in extreme cases, euthanized.

The Five-Day Rule: Non-Commercial vs. Commercial

The European Union classifies pet moves as either non-commercial or commercial. This determines which health certificate you need and the timing requirements. Determine this first.

Non-commercial: You (or a designated representative) travel within 5 days before or after your pet. You are moving 5 or fewer pets. The move does not involve sale, adoption, or transfer of ownership. Your pet uses the non-commercial EU health certificate and must arrive in Romania within 10 days of USDA endorsement.

Commercial: You cannot travel within 5 days of your pet, you are moving 6 or more pets, or the move involves adoption, sale, or transfer of ownership. The commercial certificate applies, issued and pet departing within 48 hours. The 2025 EU commercial certificate is now required; the 2024 version expired January 11, 2026.

If your timeline has you flying ahead of your household goods or arriving before your pet's cargo flight is confirmed, work through the five-day window carefully before booking anything. Crossing that threshold by a day changes your entire documentation set.

Breed Restrictions

Romania's breed-specific legislation covers two categories of dogs.

Prohibited breeds, which cannot be imported into Romania under any circumstances: American Pit Bull Terrier, Boerboel, Bandog, and crosses or mixes of these breeds. Attempting to import a prohibited breed can result in confiscation, return to origin, or euthanasia at the owner's expense. If your dog resembles any of these breeds in appearance, get ahead of this with PetRelocation before booking anything.

Restricted breeds, which may enter Romania but must wear a muzzle in all public places: German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, Dogo Canario, Komondor, Kuvasz, Riesenschnauzer. Leash is also required in public.

Rottweiler status: Sources conflict on whether Rottweilers are prohibited or restricted in Romania. If you are moving a Rottweiler, contact PetRelocation before proceeding. We will verify the current classification before you commit to travel arrangements.

These restrictions apply to the dog's entry and residency in Romania and are separate from airline breed restrictions, which apply to cargo transport regardless of destination.

Entry into Romania

Designated Entry Points

Pets entering Romania from non-EU countries must enter through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP). Approved entry points change periodically. Confirm the current list with your relocation manager or check the EU's official TRACES BCP database before booking.

You must notify border inspectors at least 48 hours before arrival.

If Traveling Within the EU First

If your pet transits through another EU country before reaching Romania, the 10-day validity window still applies from USDA endorsement, but you may need to comply with additional requirements depending on the transit country.

Inspection at Entry

Upon arrival, officials will check your pet's microchip, verify the EU Health Certificate and all supporting documents, confirm rabies vaccination records, and ensure compliance with all import requirements.

If requirements are not met: Your pet may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, returned to the origin country, or in extreme cases, euthanized.

Airline and Transport Options

Most dogs traveling from the US to Romania will fly as cargo or excess baggage. Small dogs and cats may qualify for in-cabin travel depending on the airline and carrier dimensions, typically under 8 kg including the carrier.

Cargo vs. excess baggage: Excess baggage means your pet travels on the same flight as you, checked as oversized luggage. Simpler customs process, generally lower cost. Manifest cargo means your pet ships separately through the airline's cargo division, often the only option for larger dogs or routes where excess baggage pet programs aren't available. Both qualify as non-commercial within the five-day window.

Airline pet policies (breed embargoes, weight limits, seasonal temperature restrictions, booking deadlines) change frequently and without notice. Confirm current cargo acceptance policies directly with any airline before booking.

Crate requirements: Your pet's crate must meet IATA Live Animal Regulations standards: rigid construction, sized so your pet can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, with secure hardware, ventilation on at least three sides, and external food and water containers. Airlines may reject non-compliant crates at check-in.

Seasonal embargoes: Most carriers restrict cargo pet travel during summer heat windows, typically when ground temperatures exceed approximately 85°F / 29°C. If your move falls between May and September, confirm embargo dates with your airline before booking.

Timeline: USA to Romania

90+ days before travel: Have your pet microchipped (if not already done). Schedule rabies vaccination appointment with USDA-accredited vet. Email [email protected] to request the bilingual English/Romanian health certificate template. Allow 6-8 weeks. Do not schedule your USDA-accredited vet appointment until you have this document in hand.

30-60 days before travel: Rabies vaccination by USDA-accredited vet (microchip scanned first). Confirm vaccine manufacturer's immunity period (21 or 30 days). Begin researching airlines, booking flights, and arranging travel crate.

21-30 days before travel: Waiting period for rabies immunity (do not schedule travel during this time).

10 days before departure: For non-commercial moves: Schedule appointment with USDA-accredited vet for EU Health Certificate. Vet completes and signs EU Health Certificate (bilingual English/Romanian version). Submit certificate to USDA APHIS for endorsement. Include a prepaid return envelope and confirm mail turnaround time. Coordinate so USDA endorsement happens close to your departure date (remember: pet must arrive in Romania within 10 days of endorsement).

48 hours before departure (commercial moves only): Vet issues commercial EU Health Certificate. Rush to USDA for endorsement. Pet departs within 48-hour window.

Day of departure: Pet travels with endorsed EU Health Certificate, rabies certificate(s), and signed Owner's Declaration. If transiting, ensure all transit documents are in order.

Upon arrival in Romania: Present all documents at designated entry point. Border inspection and approval. Your pet enters Romania.

Common mistakes that cause problems:

• Microchip implanted after the rabies vaccine: clock resets, timeline extends by weeks.
• Primary vs. booster confusion: 3-year vaccine with a lapse in coverage is only valid for 1 year under EU rules.
• 10-day window miscalculation: the window runs from USDA endorsement, not vet signature. Build in buffer for USDA processing and mail return.
• 21 vs. 30 day immunity period: confirm the vaccine manufacturer's recommendation. If unsure, wait 30 days.
• Commercial move attempted with non-commercial timeline: determine your classification first.
• Missing physical endorsement: VEHCS electronic submission alone is not sufficient. APHIS must mail back the physical ink-signed, embossed certificate. Do not book your flight until it is back in your hands.

How PetRelocation Can Help

Complete Support: We handle the entire process from start to finish: health certificates, USDA endorsement coordination (including physical mail-back logistics), airline booking, crate arrangement, door-to-door transport, and customs clearance in Romania.

Vet Paperwork Support: We provide your USDA-accredited veterinarian with detailed templates and instructions for the EU Health Certificate, coordinate with USDA APHIS on your behalf, and review all documentation before submission to catch errors early.

Consultation: We assess your specific situation (origin country, breed, timeline) and provide a customized roadmap for your move, flag potential issues, and recommend whether you should handle it yourself or use professional assistance.

When professional help is worth it:

• You are on a commercial move timeline (48-hour window).
• Your pet has a complex vaccination history.
• You are moving from a country requiring a titer test.
• You own a restricted breed and want guidance on Romania's local regulations.
• You want peace of mind that all regulations are met correctly the first time.

Ready to start? Get a free quote from PetRelocation and a relocation manager will walk you through every step.

For official requirements, see the USDA APHIS pet travel page.