Can you bring a dog to the United States?
Yes you can bring a dog to the Unites States provided your dog meets the CDC rules before entering or returning to the country.
The most important thing to check is where you dog has been in the last 6 months. If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries the process is simple. If your dog has been in a high-risk country you may require extra paperwork, approved routing, or a CDC registered animal care facility process.
For the full overview of traveling to the United States with dog check out our guide.
Start with your dog’s 6 months travel history
Before you do anything, start by writing down every country your dog has been in during the last 6 months. The U.S. entry rules are based on your dog’s recent travel history and not just the country your trip is starting from. If your dog has only been in a rabies-free or low-risk country the CDC Dog Import Form is the only form required. If your dog has been in a high-risk rabies country in the last 6 months your dog will have to follow the high-risk CDC process.
If your dog has only been in low-risk countries
If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries you only need to meet the basic CDC requirements.
Your dog will need:
- a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- to be at least 6 months old
- a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner
- to appear healthy when entering the United States
Each dog needs its own form and the country listed on the receipt should match the country your dog is departing from to enter the U.S. This doesn’t mean you don’t need to travel with any other records. Proof of rabies and core vaccinations and basic vet information might be requires by individual states, hotels, campgrounds, and airline check-in.
If your dog has been in a high risk country
The rules here will depend on whether your dog was vaccinated in the United States or in another country.
A U.S.-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country needs the CDC Dog Import Form receipt and a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form endorsed by USDA or another accepted USDA-endorsed document where allowed.
If your dog was vaccinated outside the U.S. and has been in a high-risk country you may need a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, additional documents, arrival at the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form, and in some cases a CDC-registered animal care facility reservation.
If your dog has been in a high-risk country and is not vaccinated against rabies your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.
Can puppies enter the United States?
Puppies under 6 months of age will not be allowed entry. All dogs entering or returning to the U.S., whether by land, air, or sea, must be at least 6 months old.
Can your dog be denied entry?
Your dog can be denied entry if it does not meet CDC requirements. Common reasons include:
- your dog is younger than 6 months
- your dog does not have a readable microchip
- your dog does not have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- your dog appears unhealthy on arrival
- your dog has been in a high-risk country and does not meet the high-risk rules
- your dog’s paperwork does not match the route or arrival details
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid these common mistakes:
- assuming the rules are based only on your departure country
- forgetting to check your dog’s last 6 months of travel
- thinking a regular rabies certificate replaces the CDC Dog Import Form
- booking a flight before checking high-risk country rules
- forgetting that airlines have separate pet policies
- arriving with documents that do not match your route
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my dog to the United States?
Yes. You can bring your dog to the United States if your dog meets CDC entry requirements.
What is the main rule for bringing a dog to the U.S.?
The main rule is to check where your dog has been in the last 6 months. That determines whether your dog follows the low-risk process or the high-risk rabies process.
Can I bring a puppy to the United States?
No. Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter or return to the United States.
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