U.S. Dog Import Regulations
As of August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has new regulations for dogs entering the United States
To Enter or re-enter the United States after traveling to Canada (or any other country considered low risk for canine rabies) 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
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt completed by the dog’s owner or the animal importer.
These are requirements for re-entry into the United States only. The country you are traveling to may have additional requirements so check with your veterinarian well in advance to allow time to comply with any country specific import regulations.
For instructions on how to fill out the CDC Dog Import Form, click here.
If your dog is traveling to a high-risk dog rabies country:
You will also need:
- A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by the USDA before the dog departed the United States (issued by your veterinarian)
In addition:
- Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels.
- Complete an air waybill if arriving into the United States by air (completed by the dog owner or importer)
- The rabies vaccination must have been given AFTER the microchip was in place.
- If your dog was not microchipped when his/her most current rabies vaccination was given they will need to receive another rabies vaccine with documentation that a microchip was placed prior to that rabies vaccine being given
- If your dog was microchipped when his/her most current rabies vaccination was given but there is not documentation as to WHEN the microchip was placed they will need to receive another rabies vaccination that verifies their microchip is in place at the time that rabies vaccination is given
- These are requirements for re-entry into the United States only. The country you are traveling to may have additional requirements so check with your veterinarian well in advance to allow time to comply with any country specific import regulations.
- This form will be valid for the same duration that the rabies vaccine is valid for.
- The animal being listed on the form must have an exam at the time the form is issued.
- If a dog is not current on a rabies vaccination the form can only be issued 28 days after the rabies vaccination is given, therefore traveling with the dog within 28 days of the vaccine being given is not possible