What Michigan 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 12 weeks of age the cat must be currently vaccinated against rabies.
⚠️ The panleukopenia, herpesvirus-1 and calicivirus vaccinations named on the same page apply to animal shelters and pet shops only — not to your own pet travelling with you.
Michigan requires an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
⚠️ The wording is written for interstate movement. What replaces the US form on an arrival from abroad is not stated.
🗓️ Read at the state authority on 01/08/2026.
Source: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/id-movement/cats
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.