07/17/2024
Dear Pet Parents and Clients,
We would like to inform you of the new requirements from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for entry or re-entry of all dogs into the United States after international travel or originating from overseas.
These changes address the challenges observed with international pet importations, such as fraudulent documentation, and help to protect the safety of pets and people in the United States by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies to the United States. These requirements will apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning. They also apply whether you are a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or foreign national.
Beginning August 1, all dogs entering or re-entering the country must meet all of the following requirements:
● Be healthy
● Be at least 6 months old
● Have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted prior to the required rabies vaccination)
● Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
● Have government-endorsed documentation of their vaccine and/or travel history (Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or other)
● Rabies vaccine must be given by an accredited veterinarian or in the clinic with an accredited veterinarian
The new requirements apply at all ports of entry: land, air, and sea. They depend on where the dog was vaccinated against rabies, where it has been in the 6 months before U.S. entry or re-entry, and which forms of documentation the importer has chosen to provide. We recommend using the DogBot application on the CDC website (listed below) to determine which documents are needed prior to travel.
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html
Bringing a Dog into the United States | Bringing an Animal into U.S. | Importation | CDC
Animal Importation, importation of animals, importation of animal products, Traveling with Pets
www.cdc.gov
It is important to ensure that all travel requirements are met prior to travel. Dogs that do not meet all requirements will be denied entry into the United States and will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense (last country visited, not place of origin).
At this time, the CDC is not allowing for any lapses in the rabies vaccine. Any boosters following an overdue rabies vaccine will only be valid for 1 year of travel, even if only a day late. It is imperative to keep all vaccines up to date if you plan on traveling.
It can be stressful to travel with your pets and so please feel free to contact our office for help with planning ahead and to ensure that all travel requirements are met. If an international health certificate is needed, we can direct you to a nearby hospital that provides this service. We wish you safe and happy travels!
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