CDC updates the Dog Import Form system; entry requirements are unchanged

What changed in the online process

CDC updated its Dog Import Form system on February 5, 2026. The online form and receipt have a different appearance, but this update did not change dog-import requirements.

CDC says a receipt produced by the earlier system remains acceptable if it is accurate and unexpired. A different-looking receipt alone is therefore not a reason to start the process again.

Keep the correct receipt with the travel file

After submitting the form, follow the email-confirmation step so the receipt can be issued. CDC allows the receipt to be presented on a phone or as a printed copy to the airline and at U.S. entry.

The dog’s travel history still determines the applicable pathway. The form is not a substitute for other documents required for that pathway. Our U.S. dog entry guide explains where to start.

Our planning recommendation

Save the final receipt in the same folder as the itinerary and veterinary records, with an offline copy accessible to the person accompanying the dog. Before departure, compare the travel-file details against the actual route and animal identification.

If an earlier submission contains an error, use CDC’s current instructions to resolve it. Do not rely on the familiar appearance of an old screenshot as proof that the information is correct.

Read the official sources

• CDC: Dog Import Form instructions and system update

Sources checked October 9, 2026. Requirements can change. Confirm the instructions for your departure country and travel date with the relevant authority.

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