Countries: 
United States

Time to read: Approximately 3 minutes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the Animal Quarantine Authority for the entry of dogs to the United States.

There are no separate Assistance Dog Travel Rules for the United States. Follow the Standard (pet) Dog links provided.

For the latest dog import regulations, please read the CDC website.

Please read our Newsroom article for latest Rabies related information -very important!

 

A close up of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City with background skies of patchy clouds.
A close up of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City with background skies of patchy clouds.

The US has multiple agencies involved including at the state level. Begin the dialogue with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We have listed Hawaii separately from the U.S. because of its popularity. If your flight includes a connection in the continental U.S., consider this as your entry into the United States. This will also involve extra Travel Rules.

 

Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Be prepared

  • Confirm any specific requirements with all Animal Quarantine Authorities before booking your trip. This includes both entering/leaving any country and all airline/cruise line requirements.
  • The Travel Process can take several months so leave plenty of planning time for your trip (except for valid EU Pet Passport travel).

Travel Rules for Standard (pet) Dogs

These links detail the process for Standard (pet) Dogs, which Assistance Dogs must also follow. Visiting these links will open another website.

Bringing all dogs into the United States

The process for bringing all dogs into the United States.

Taking all dogs out of the United States

The process for taking all dogs out of the United States.

Means of Travel

Information relevant to travel via different modes of transport within the United States.

Airlines in the United States

Information pertinent to airline travel with an Assistance Dog to, from and within the United States, as well as an overview of the requirements of several major U.S. airlines.

Miscellaneous Information

Extra information that is specific to the region or country.

United States State Authorities

A list of state and territory Animal Quarantine Authorities from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Helpful References for Pet Travel

A list of resources for travelling internationally from the United States Department of Agriculture.

United States Public Access Laws

Requirements and rights covering Assistance Dogs and their Handlers.

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Palm trees hugging the shoreline showing a path leading to a break-wall that separates the calm water from the ocean. A lifeguard tower stands to the left of the path overlooking breaking waves in the distance.
Palm trees hugging the shoreline showing a path leading to a break-wall that separates the calm water from the ocean. A lifeguard tower stands to the left of the path overlooking breaking waves in the distance.
A glacial fed lake of vivid turquoise with lone standing pines in the foreground. In the distance are ice capped mountains enveloping the lake and a blue sky with snow white clouds.
A glacial fed lake of vivid turquoise with lone standing pines in the foreground. In the distance are ice capped mountains enveloping the lake and a blue sky with snow white clouds.