07/03/2024
U.S. dog importation rules
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https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html
All dogs must:
Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
Have an implanted International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip
This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
Appear healthy upon arrival
Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.
Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
black and white French bull dog
This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.
This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
Have additional documentation which varies depending on where the dog has been in the 6 months before entering or returning to the United States, or if the dog has a current rabies vaccine administered in the United States
Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
Additional requirements for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do NOT have appropriate documentation of current US-issued rabies vaccine
Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry
Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).
