What Florida 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 a current rabies vaccination is required. Proof must come from a licensed veterinarian.
⚠️ The source explicitly covers arrivals from other US states and refers international arrivals to the USDA. Whether this requirement also applies to an arrival from abroad is not stated.
Florida does not require a state health certificate for privately owned pets travelling with their owner. That is a statement about Florida law, not about the airline — most airlines require a certificate regardless.
⚠️ The text of Rule 5C-3.009 itself was not read, only the summarising agency page.
🗓️ Read at the state authority on 01/08/2026.
Source: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Animals/Animal-Movement/Dog-and-Cat-Movement-Requirements
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.