What Colorado requires when a cat arrives — whoever you are arriving from. These rules hang off the arrival, not the trip type: a flight from Frankfurt and a flight from Los Angeles are treated the same here. Requirements can change — always confirm with the authority before you travel.
These requirements come on top of the country's — they can only tighten or add, never loosen.
From 3 months of age, proof of a current rabies vaccination is required. The vaccination date, manufacturer and serial number must appear on the certificate or in the pet passport.
Colorado requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an official veterinarian within 30 days prior to entry.
⚠️ Relief for EU travellers: the pet passport can replace the certificate — "European Pet Passports may be used in place of CVI: If there is certification ON the passport by an official veterinarian that the pet has been examined within 30 days of arrival in Colorado and found to be free of contagious or communicable disease." The endorsement must be IN the passport; a passport without it is not enough.
🗓️ Read at the state authority on 01/08/2026.
Source: https://ag.colorado.gov/animal-health/small-animal-international-imports
Arriving from Germany/the EU, the national entry requirements of USA apply on top. Arriving from another part of the same country means crossing no international border — then only the section above applies.
Not required by US authorities; however, nearly all airlines require a health certificate (veterinary certificate, often valid max. 10 days before departure). Please check with your airline.
No permit; no CDC form for cats
Not federally required (recommended)
Not federally required
Cats: no CDC minimum age; valid rabies vaccination (~12 weeks).
No
None
Not required
None
Standard
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
No federal breed bans
None (cat)
Cat must appear healthy; check destination-state rules; Official source: cdc.gov/importation
Authority: USDA APHIS (CDC-Hunderegel gilt nicht für Katzen)
🗓️ Read at the responsible authority on 20/07/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.