The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented updated regulations for importing dogs into the U.S. on August 1, 2024. These rules aim to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies, a disease eliminated in the U.S. in 2007, while streamlining processes for responsible pet owners. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, which countries are affected, and how to comply.
Key Changes to Pet Import Rules
Universal Requirements for All Dogs
Every dog entering the U.S. must now meet these criteria:
- Appear healthy upon arrival.
- Be at least six months old.
- Have a microchip readable by universal scanners.
- Submit a CDC Dog Import Form.
Country-Specific Rules
The CDC categorizes countries into three rabies-risk levels: high-risk, low-risk, and rabies-free. Requirements vary based on where the dog has been in the last six months, and requirements range from only the CDC Dog Import Form will be required to new vaccines and serological titer tests. The requirements are very particular based on your country of origin, any country the dog has been in within the past 6 months, and where the vaccine was administered.
Remember that these are ONLY the CDC Requirements, one of three federal agencies with requirements for animal import into the United States. Not sure about these new requirements and how to ensure you meet them? We’re here to help. We’re the experts in Pet Import into the United States.
How These Rules Affect Pet Owners
Simplified Process for Low-Risk Travel
The CDC Dog Import Form replaces previous USDA paperwork, reducing administrative hassles for dogs from safe regions. However, stricter age and microchip rules apply universally.
Stricter Controls for High-Risk Regions
Dogs from high-risk countries face additional vet checks and documentation. This targets fraudulent health certificates and unsafe import practices noted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Countries Affected by the New Rules
High-Risk Countries
The CDC lists over 180 high-risk countries, including popular travel destinations like:
- Asia: China, India, Thailand, Vietnam.
- Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria.
- Americas: Brazil, Peru, Colombia.
- Middle East: Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia.
Low-Risk or Rabies-Free Countries
Examples include Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and most EU nations. Dogs from these regions benefit from streamlined entry.
5 Steps to Comply with the Regulations
- Check Your Dog’s Travel History
Confirm which countries your pet has visited in the last six months. - Verify Vaccination & Microchip Records
Ensure rabies shots are up-to-date, especially for dogs from high-risk areas. - Schedule a Vet Visit
Confirm your dog is healthy, microchipped, and meets age requirements. - Review Port of Entry Rules
Dogs from high-risk countries may only enter through specific airports. - Complete the CDC Dog Import Form
Submit it online before travel. Keep the receipt handy.
Looking for an even easier way? Although those five steps sound easy, each has a series of requirements that must be completed correctly. Then, there are the airlines, individual states, APHIS, and CITES with pet travel and importation regulations. Let us help you get it all figured out.
FAQs About the New CDC Dog Importation Regulations
What Happens If My Dog Is Denied Entry?
Dogs non-compliant with CDC rules will be returned to their departure country, quarantined, or euthanized at the owner’s expense. Airlines may also refuse boarding if documentation is incomplete.
Why is there a minimum age requirement of six months?
The CDC cites the rabies virus incubation period, which can take several months. This rule ensures puppies are old enough to be vaccinated and monitored for symptoms.
Which countries are considered high risk for rabies?
Over 180 countries, including China, Brazil, Peru, Turkey, and Israel, are classified as high-risk. Dogs from these regions need to complete additional steps in order to be allowed into the United States.
Do service animals or military dogs need to comply?
Yes. Service dogs, military working dogs, and pets must all meet the exact same requirements.
How long is the CDC Dog Import Form valid?
- Dogs from low-risk/rabies-free countries: The form is reusable for six months, between the same country and the United States.
- Dogs from high-risk countries: Valid for a single entry on the specified arrival date and airport specified on the form.
What ports can dogs from high-risk countries enter through?
They must arrive at one of six airports with CDC-registered animal care facilities. Land border crossings are prohibited for foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk regions.
Are cats affected by these regulations?
No. The rules apply only to dogs. Cats must be healthy but do not require rabies documentation for importation into the United States. However, many states have additional requirements regarding cats and their microchip and/or rabies status.
How do I prove my dog’s rabies vaccination status?
- U.S.-vaccinated dogs: Provide one of two signed and endorsed forms indicating a CDC and USDA-approved vaccination.
- Foreign-vaccinated dogs: Obtain a specific CDC-approved form, which must be completed and signed by your approved non-us veterinarian.
How do I make this whole process even easier? Using our state-of-the-art dashboard technology, we break down each and every step and provide you with all the forms, steps, links, and documentation you need to breeze through the process. Click here to learn more.
