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CDC Dog Import Updates - Rabies

News 01/08/2024

On August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) introduced new requirements for dogs entering or returning to the United States. The requirements that apply depend on what countries your dog has visited within the six months prior to entering the U.S, as well as where they received their rabies vaccination.

Dogs entering from Rabies Free or Low-Risk countries will need to be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form, which is to be completed by the person importing the dog or by someone appointed on their behalf. After completing the form, a receipt will be sent to the provided email address. This receipt must be shown to the airline prior to boarding and to U.S Customs upon arrival. More information about the CDC Dog Import Form is available on the CDC website.

Additional requirements apply to dogs who have been in any High-Risk country for rabies in the last 6 months. A list of countries classified as high-risk is available here. The specific requirements will depend on whether your dog has a rabies vaccination and which country it received its vaccination in;

  • Dogs who are not vaccinated against rabies who have visited a high-risk country in the past 6 months will not be permitted to enter the U.S.
  • Dogs who received their rabies vaccination in the U.S will need to be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form Receipt and a Certification of U.S-issued Rabies Vaccination Form or USDA-endorsed Export Health Certificate.
  • Dogs who received their rabies vaccination in a country other than the U.S will need to be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form Receipt, a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Form, and a valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory. These dogs must also have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility for examination by a veterinarian and revaccination with a U.S rabies vaccine.

All dogs must appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old at the time of entry, and have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner. Be aware that the microchip must be implanted before the dog is vaccinated against rabies or the vaccine will be invalid, and the microchip number must be included on all required forms and supporting documentation.

Please visit the CDC website for further information on their dog importation policies. The following links are a good place to start;

📌 Visit: CDC Guide to Bringing a Dog into the U.S.

📌 Visit: CDC Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Importation. Note that there is a section of this page specific to Service Dogs.

TravelPaws recommends that you contact the CDC well before your intended travel date to confirm the specific requirements that apply in your circumstances. You can reach them via email at cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov