Taking a Cat to the US from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Dr Gemma Nash
21 hours ago
4 min read

Taking a cat from the UK to the United States is usually straightforward, but the exact requirements can vary depending on which US state you’re travelling to, your travel route, and your airline’s rules.

For most states, a Private Veterinary Certificate (often called a Fit to Fly certificate or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection – CVI) is sufficient. However, a small number of states (notably Hawaii and Massachusetts) require a UK Government Export Health Certificate (EHC).

At PassPets, we regularly help owners travel to the USA and can issue the appropriate certification (including EHCs where required). Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically needed when taking a cat to the USA.

Step 1: Age and eligibility

Cats should generally be over 6 months old to travel to the USA. This is especially important if an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is required, and some states may specify minimum age rules.

If your cat is under 6 months old, you must check directly with the authorities in the state you are travelling to. It remains the owner/exporter’s responsibility to confirm the cat meets state entry requirements.

High-risk rabies countries (important)

Your cat must not have been in a high-risk rabies country within the last 6 months.

If your cat has been in a high-risk country during this period, additional requirements are likely to apply, and we cannot issue an EHC in these circumstances. You must check requirements directly with the relevant US state authorities before making travel plans.

Step 2: Microchip

Your cat must be microchipped with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.

The microchip number must match all documentation exactly.

Step 3: Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination requirements vary by US state. To meet the strictest state requirements, we would recommend:

rabies vaccination administered more than 30 days but less than 12 months before your appointment with us
cats should be at least 3 months old at the time of rabies vaccination

Some states accept 3-year rabies vaccinations, but acceptance is state-specific and must be checked and confirmed by the owner.

Travelling less than 30 days after rabies vaccination

If you plan to travel less than 30 days after rabies vaccination, you must check directly with:

the state authorities you are travelling to
any transit country authorities (if travelling indirectly)
your airline

and you must take responsibility for ensuring this is accepted.

Travelling without rabies vaccination

A small number of states may allow cats to enter directly from the UK without rabies vaccination, but this is not recommended. If you choose to travel without rabies vaccination, it is your responsibility to confirm acceptance with:

the relevant state authorities
any transit country importing authorities
the airline

Step 4: Plan your travel dates, destination state, and route

Before booking an appointment, confirm:

your intended export date
the destination state
your full travel route, including any transit countries

This matters because requirements can vary depending on the state you are travelling to and whether you are transiting through other countries.

Step 5: What certification is required for your US state?

Option A: Private Veterinary Certificate (Fit to Fly / CVI) – most states

For most US states, a Private Veterinary Certificate (also known as a Fit to Fly certificate or CVI) is sufficient.

To meet the strictest airline requirements, we advise this certificate is issued within 5 days of export.

If you are unable to attend within 5 days and would like us to issue the certificate outside that window, you must confirm with both:

your airline, and
the relevant state authorities

that the timeframe you are planning is acceptable.

Option B: Export Health Certificate (EHC) – only a small number of states

Some states require a UK Government Export Health Certificate for cats, including:

Cats to Hawaii: EHC 3073 (typically within 14 days of travel)
Cats to Massachusetts: EHC 8696 (typically within 30 days of travel)

We can advise on the correct timing once your destination state is confirmed, but you must still check with the airline and relevant state authorities whether an EHC is required in addition to (or instead of) a Private Veterinary Certificate.

Step 6: Airline requirements (carriers, limits, and extra checks)

The Private Veterinary Certificate we issue generally covers both airline and US authority requirements, but you must still check directly with your airline whether they require anything additional.

Airlines may have extra rules relating to:

carrier specifications
the number of pets travelling per passenger

If your airline has extra requirements, let us know in advance so we can ensure your appointment covers what you need.

Step 7: Transit countries (EU and non-EU)

If your route involves transiting through other countries, additional documentation may be required.

If transiting through the EU: An EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or other documentation may be required depending on your route and airline.

If transiting through non-EU countries (e.g. Canada):

You must check with:

the airline
the transit country authorities
the US authorities

to confirm whether additional certification, treatments, or testing is required (and pay particular attention to the rabies risk category of any transit country).

Step 8: Returning to the UK (if applicable)

If you plan to return to the UK from the USA:

No rabies blood test (RNATT) is required for return to the UK from the USA
however, a GB pet health certificate will be required

You should check the latest UK re-entry requirements with APHA before travelling back.

How PassPets can help

Taking a cat to the USA usually just requires the right timing, a valid microchip, and the correct certification for your destination state - but it’s essential to confirm whether your state requires a Fit to Fly/CVI or an Export Health Certificate, and to plan around airline and transit rules.

At PassPets, we can: