Does my Shiba Inu need a rabies titre test to enter the EU?

Only if you are travelling from an unlisted non-EU country. From the US, Canada, the UK (after 2024 agreement), Japan, and most Western countries, no titre test is required — just a valid rabies vaccine.

How long is the EU Health Certificate valid?

It is valid for entry into the EU within 10 days of issue by the USDA-accredited vet. Once inside the EU, it allows onward movement for 4 months (or until the rabies vaccine expires, whichever is first).

Can puppies under 6 months enter the EU?

No. Puppies must be at least 15 weeks old to meet the minimum 21-day post-rabies vaccination wait time, which effectively means Shiba Inu puppies under 15–16 weeks cannot enter the EU.

Do I need a tapeworm treatment for my Shiba Inu?

Not for entry into most EU countries. Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Sweden must be treated for tapeworm 1–5 days before arrival.

EU Pet Passport for Shiba Inu: Rules, Costs, and Step-by-Step Guide

An EU Pet Passport is an official document issued by an authorized veterinarian that records your Shiba Inu's microchip, rabies vaccination, and identity. To enter the EU, your dog must be microchipped, rabies-vaccinated (with a 21-day wait if it's the first shot), and travel on an EU-approved route from a listed non-EU country. After January 2022, an EU Health Certificate is required for entry from outside the EU.

Quick Answer

If you are travelling with your Shiba Inu into an EU country, you no longer use a classic paper "EU Pet Passport" for entry. Instead, you need a single-use EU Health Certificate (Part 1) issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA/APHIS, plus proof of an ISO 15-digit microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Once inside the EU, your Shiba can move between EU countries using either that certificate (during its 30-day validity) or a standard EU Pet Passport issued by an EU-licensed vet.

What Is an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport is a small blue (or grey) booklet issued by an authorized veterinarian in an EU member state. It records your dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination history, owner details, and the issuing vet's stamp and signature. The passport allows dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel freely between EU member states without re-issuing paperwork at every border.

Important: Pet passports issued in the EU cannot be used to re-enter the EU from outside it. They are for in-EU movement only.

Entry Rules for Shiba Inu Coming From Outside the EU

Since 1 January 2022, the EU updated its pet travel rules. From a listed non-EU country such as the United States, your Shiba Inu must meet these requirements:

ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine.
Rabies vaccination given after the microchip, at least 21 days old before entry if it's the first shot. Booster shots have no waiting period.
EU Health Certificate (Annex IV) issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS.
Travel on an EU-approved route: entry only through designated points of entry (usually major airports).
Certificate must be used within 10 days of issue for entry and is valid for movement within the EU for 4 months.
A tapeworm treatment is not required for dogs entering the EU (only for some species).

Country-Specific Extras

Some destination countries add requirements on top of EU rules:

Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway: dogs must also be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus) 1–5 days before arrival by a licensed vet.
Sweden: same tapeworm rule plus dogs must be registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
United Kingdom (post-Brexit): requires its own GB Health Certificate, not the EU one.

Always check the destination country's government website 2–3 weeks before travel.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Shiba Inu Travel-Ready

Confirm microchip: scan your Shiba at the vet and confirm the 15-digit ISO number is registered.
Verify rabies titre (if needed): only required for non-listed countries. The US is listed, so a titre test is not needed from the US.
Get the rabies booster if it's been more than 1 year. No wait time on boosters.
Book the USDA-accredited vet visit within 10 days of departure.
Obtain the EU Health Certificate and send it to USDA APHIS for endorsement (online upload, $38 fee, 1–2 business days).
Book an EU-approved entry point flight (most major hubs qualify).
Print the endorsed certificate and bring it with your Shiba on the flight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rabies vaccine given before the microchip is implanted → certificate rejected.
First-time rabies vaccine less than 21 days old → entry denied.
Using an EU Pet Passport issued in an EU country as your entry document → wrong document.
Forgetting to confirm the airline's own pet import rules and crate requirements (IATA-standard crate).
Missing the 10-day window between vet exam and EU arrival.

Costs to Budget

Vet exam + certificate: $150–$300
USDA APHIS endorsement: $38 per certificate
Microchip (if not already done): $45–$60
Rabies booster (if due): $25–$50
Airline pet fee: $75–$500+ depending on cabin vs cargo and route

After You Arrive

Once inside the EU, you can obtain an EU Pet Passport from any EU-authorized vet. That passport then lets your Shiba travel freely between EU countries for the life of the rabies vaccination record, no new certificate needed for each trip.