Bringing a dog
to the USA.

Start with the dog’s travel history

Before choosing a U.S. arrival route, write down every country your dog has visited during the six months before entry and where its current rabies vaccination was given. These facts determine which CDC requirements apply.

The rules also apply to dogs returning to the United States. Use CDC’s dog import guidance to identify the appropriate pathway.

The common starting requirements

CDC requires dogs entering the U.S. to be at least six months old, microchipped, and apparently healthy. A CDC Dog Import Form receipt is required for each dog. The receipt alone does not satisfy the additional requirements for every travel history.

Complete the CDC Dog Import Form with accurate trip and microchip information, and check the pathway below before booking.

Which pathway applies?

Only dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries

If the dog has spent the preceding six months only in these countries, follow CDC’s low-risk pathway. The form receipt is the CDC document required for this category; the age, microchip, and health conditions still apply.

A high-risk country and a U.S. rabies vaccination

Review the U.S.-vaccinated pathway. The usual document route requires the CDC receipt plus a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination that was completed and USDA-endorsed before the dog leaves the U.S. A regular rabies certificate is not the same document.

CDC still permits a qualifying USDA-endorsed export health certificate issued on or before July 31, 2025 instead of the Certification. The documented U.S. rabies vaccination must remain valid, and all CDC conditions for that older certificate must be met.

A high-risk country and a foreign rabies vaccination

Review the foreign-vaccinated pathway before selecting an airport. It includes additional documentation and arrangements with a CDC-registered animal care facility. Facility availability, testing, and any required quarantine can affect both timing and cost.

Check the rest of the journey

CDC requirements are one part of the plan. Also verify applicable USDA requirements, the destination state or territory, and the operating airline. A pet reservation, carrier acceptance, and any transit arrangements need their own confirmation.

Our coordination review brings these decisions together. Share existing records before making a booking that depends on a particular arrival airport or date.

Your planning checklist

• List the dog’s countries of residence and travel for the relevant six months.
• Gather microchip and rabies vaccination records.
• Identify the CDC pathway and any required veterinary forms.
• Check the arrival airport, facility arrangements if applicable, and airline acceptance.
• Confirm who will travel with, deliver, and receive the dog.

This guide is a planning overview, not an entry approval. Explore our dog transport service or send us your route for a conversation about the next steps.