What are the requirements to bring a dog to USA? What to Know

Determining If You Can Bring a Dog into the United States

Whether you can bring a dog into the United States depends on where the dog is coming from—especially if from a high-risk country for dog rabies.

To enter the United States, your dog will be required to meet specific criteria. Start by answering the questions below to determine if you can bring a dog into the United States. STEP

NO: Dog can enter at any port of entry with a 6-month travel history statement and healthy appearance.

Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months are NOT required by CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate. However, when you enter the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dogs have NOT been in a country that is high risk for rabies within the last 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. While CDC doesn’t require proof of rabies vaccination, CDC recommends that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies, and your US destination may have additional requirements. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States. STEP

NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.

All dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months must be at least 6 months old to enter the United States. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States. STEP

NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.

The microchip number must be listed on the dog’s rabies vaccination certificate. If you are unsure whether your dog has an ISO-compatible microchip, please contact your veterinarian for assistance. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States.

*The applicant is responsible for making sure the dog has an ISO-compatible microchip. If the dog does not have an ISO-compatible microchip, the applicant (or permit holder) can bring their own scanner that can read the microchip.

*Many US universal scanners have been unable to detect microchips that begin with the numbers 1 or 8. Please ensure your dog’s chip can be detected by a universal scanner if it begins with a number other than 9. If you are unsure, you should purchase your own scanner (available online) that can detect the microchip or have your dog re-microchipped.

*If the microchip cannot be scanned on arrival, your dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense. STEP

YES: The dog may enter the United States under certain conditions.

See Option A at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States.

Note: expired US rabies vaccination certificates will not be accepted. If your dog’s US rabies vaccination certificate is expired, proceed to Step 5. STEP

YES: If you are importing 1 or 2 dogs, see Step 6.

If you are importing 3 or more dogs, see Step 7.

NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.

If you attempt to import your dog into the United States, the dog will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States. STEP

YES: The dog may enter with a CDC Dog Import Permit through one of 18 approved airports (Option B) OR without a permit through an airport with a CDC-approved animal care facility (Option C). See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

NO: The dog must have a reservation to quarantine at an approved animal care facility in the United States upon arrival and enter through the airport where the facility is located. See Option C at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States STEP

YES: See Option C at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

NO: Go back to Step 6 for bringing 1-2 dogs.

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Cats

  • A veterinarian issued health certificate stating your pet is healthy and fit to fly. This certificate must be completed within 10 days of travel. (not required by the CDC or the USDA, but may be required by the airline)
  • Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.
  • Optional vaccines include Feline enteritis (also known as Feline panleukopenia or Feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus.
  • HOW TO BRING YOUR DOG TO AMERICA 2022 High-risk and Low-risk countries (What are the requirements?)

    Importing pets into the United States is a relatively straightforward process with no quarantine. Although US rules are generally simpler and easier to follow than those of other countries, there is still a level of careful planning needed.

    See below for the requirements you’ll need to meet before bringing your dog or cat into the continental US. If youre traveling to Hawaii, please visit our Hawaii guide.