Transporting your pet to the Czech Republic? Our team of experts is here to assist you and ensure that this aspect of your relocation is as stress-free as possible, allowing you to concentrate on the human side of your move.
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In This Guide
The Czech Republic follows standard EU pet import rules with no breed bans and no quarantine for compliant pets, making it one of the more straightforward EU destinations. The key detail most pet owners miss: you need a bilingual Czech/English health certificate, which requires an extra step through USDA. Here is exactly what you need to move your dog or cat from the United States.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant; must be implanted before or same day as rabies vaccination |
| Rabies Vaccination | Current, administered after microchip; 21-day wait after primary vaccination before travel |
| Health Certificate | EU non-commercial health certificate (bilingual Czech/English), issued by USDA-accredited vet, USDA APHIS endorsement required |
| Titer Test | Not required from the USA (USA is an EU-listed country) |
| Quarantine | None for compliant pets |
| Breed Restrictions | None |
Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before receiving its rabies vaccination. The veterinarian must scan the microchip before administering the vaccine every time. If a rabies vaccination was given before the microchip was implanted, or without scanning the microchip first, it does not count under EU rules.
Rabies Vaccination
Primary rabies vaccination: The first rabies vaccination your pet receives after microchip implantation, or after any lapse in coverage, is classified as a "primary" vaccination. Under EU rules, a primary vaccination is only valid for 1 year, even if your veterinarian administered a 3-year vaccine. Your pet must wait at least 21 days after a primary vaccination before traveling to the Czech Republic.
Booster rabies vaccination: If your pet receives its next rabies vaccination within 1 year of the primary, with no lapse in coverage, this is a "booster." A booster can be valid for 1 to 3 years per the vaccine manufacturer's instructions, and your pet does not need to wait 21 days after a booster. You must carry all rabies vaccination certificates proving continuous coverage since the primary.
Recommended (not required) vaccines: Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella. Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
EU Health Certificate and USDA Endorsement
Bilingual Certificate Required
The Czech Republic requires the EU non-commercial health certificate in a bilingual Czech/English version. To request the bilingual certificate, submit your request through the APHIS pet travel website before your vet appointment. Include your destination country (Czech Republic), travel date, and number of pets.
Your USDA-accredited veterinarian completes and signs this certificate, and USDA APHIS must then endorse (countersign and emboss) it before your pet travels. USDA APHIS mails back the original ink-signed, embossed hard copy certificate. This physical document must travel with your pet. A digital copy or scanned version is not accepted at the Czech border. Include a prepaid return envelope when you submit to your APHIS endorsement office and confirm current mail turnaround before booking your travel date.
Certificate Validity
The health certificate is valid for 30 days from the date your vet signs it. USDA endorsement and your pet's arrival in the Czech Republic must both occur within that 30-day window. Your pet must arrive in the Czech Republic within 10 days from the date APHIS endorses the health certificate. After entering the Czech Republic, the certificate remains valid for up to 4 months of travel within the EU, as long as your pet's rabies vaccination does not expire.
Owner's Declaration
The final page of the EU health certificate contains a Declaration that you (or a designated person traveling with your pet) must complete and sign before departure. This Declaration must accompany your pet and the health certificate.
For Commercial Moves
If you or a designated person cannot travel within 5 days of your pet, or if you are traveling with 6 or more pets, you must use the EU commercial health certificate. Your pet must leave the United States within 48 hours of the veterinarian issuing the certificate. The 2025 version of the commercial certificate is now required; the 2024 version is no longer accepted.
Titer Test
Not required from the USA. The United States is an EU-listed country, so no rabies titer test is required. A titer test is only required for pets traveling from unlisted (non-EU-recognized) countries.
No Quarantine
There is no quarantine for dogs or cats that meet all EU import requirements. Pets that do not meet the requirements may be refused entry or quarantined at the owner's expense.
The Five-Day Rule: Non-Commercial vs. Commercial
If your dog or cat is traveling non-commercially, you or a designated person (a family member, friend, or authorized individual) must travel within 5 days before or after your pet. The move must also involve 5 or fewer pets.
If you cannot meet the 5-day window, the move is classified as commercial. Commercial moves have a tighter documentation timeline (48-hour window from vet issuance to departure), may involve additional costs, and use a different health certificate. Your relocation manager will coordinate the correct certificate and timeline.
Breed Restrictions
The Czech Republic has no breed-specific import bans. All dog breeds are permitted entry, provided they meet the standard EU import requirements.
Entry Points and Customs
Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) is the primary entry airport for pets arriving in the Czech Republic as cargo. Prague handles the vast majority of international pet shipments into the country. Confirm your specific arrival airport's current BIP status before booking, as accepted entry points can change.
Airline and Transport Options
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.
Timeline: USA to Czech Republic
3 to 4 months before travel: Confirm your pet has an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination. If a primary vaccination is needed, schedule it now and note the 21-day wait. Request the bilingual Czech/English health certificate through the APHIS pet travel website.
30 days before travel: If your pet needs a primary rabies vaccination, have it administered at least 21 days before travel. Book airline cargo or excess baggage space.
10 days before travel: Your USDA-accredited vet completes and signs the bilingual EU health certificate. Submit to USDA APHIS for endorsement. Include a prepaid return envelope for the physical endorsed certificate.
Within 10 days of USDA endorsement: Your pet must arrive in the Czech Republic. Confirm your travel is within 5 days of your pet's travel (non-commercial). Bring the USDA-endorsed EU health certificate (ink-signed, embossed paper copy), all rabies vaccination certificates, and signed Owner's Declaration.
Common mistakes that cause problems:
- Microchip implanted after rabies vaccination: vaccination does not count, must revaccinate and wait 21 days.
- Primary vaccine assumed valid for 3 years: under EU rules a primary is only valid for 1 year regardless of vaccine label.
- English-only health certificate: Czech Republic requires the bilingual Czech/English version.
- 10-day window miscalculated: the window runs from USDA endorsement, not vet signature. Build in buffer for USDA processing and mail return.
- Missing physical endorsement: VEHCS electronic submission alone is not sufficient. APHIS must mail back the physical ink-signed, embossed certificate.
- Cargo space booked too late: pet cargo fills faster than passenger seats.
How PetRelocation Can Help
Complete Support: We coordinate the full move: bilingual certificate facilitation, USDA endorsement and physical mail-back logistics, airline cargo booking, and customs documentation at destination.
Vet Paperwork Support: We manage the documentation chain while you handle airline logistics.
Consultation: Direct access to our team to work through your timeline and questions.
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 Czech Republic pet travel page.
