Bringing your cat from Ireland to the United States
The United States has no federal CDC requirement for cats — the 2024 rules apply to dogs only. The process is very easy: microchip (recommended), up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an airline health certificate within 10 days of travel. No quarantine, no titer test.
There is no federal CDC requirement for cats entering the US (the 2024 rules apply to dogs only). However, your airline and the destination state usually require a microchip, a recent veterinary health certificate, and up-to-date vaccinations. Check both before booking.
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The 5 steps, in order
1. Implant an ISO-compliant microchip (recommended)
Have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted. Not federally required for cats, but expected by most airlines and useful for identification if your cat gets lost.
2. Book your cat's flight (well in advance)
Book your cat's spot with the airline. Pet spaces are limited and fill up fast — aim for several weeks in advance, especially in summer.
3. Up-to-date vaccinations (rabies recommended)
Keep your cat's vaccinations up to date. Rabies vaccination is recommended and may be required by your airline or destination state, even though the CDC does not federally require it for cats.
4. Veterinary health certificate (airline-required)
Get a recent veterinary health certificate. The US government does not require one for cats, but your airline does. The vet uses their own format, and the certificate is typically valid for 10 days.
5. Travel to the United States
On the day of travel, bring the health certificate and your cat's vaccination records. A CBP officer will do a visual health check at arrival — no quarantine, no import duty.
From another country?
- cat France → United States
- cat Switzerland → United States
- cat Belgium → United States
- cat Luxembourg → United States
- cat Canada → United States
- cat United Kingdom → United States
- cat Germany → United States
- cat Spain → United States
- cat Italy → United States
- cat Netherlands → United States
- cat Portugal → United States
- cat Mexico → United States
- cat Argentina → United States
- cat Chile → United States
- cat Brazil → United States
- cat Colombia → United States
- cat Peru → United States
- cat Ecuador → United States
Official sources:
- CDC — Bringing an animal into the US (FAQs)
- USDA APHIS — pet travel to the US
- CBP — bringing pets and wildlife into the United States
- IATA — travelling with pets
Pawscleared provides preparation guidance based on official sources. Cats have no federal CDC import requirement, but airline and destination-state rules apply. Some US states impose additional conditions — always confirm with your airline, the destination state, and official sources before travelling.