Everything You Need to Know About Bringing a Pet to the USA
Importing your Dog or Cat to the United States
Update on Importing Pets into the United States:
The United States updated pet import rules effective August 1, 2024, with a transition period ending July 31, 2025. These focus on rabies prevention while simplifying for most travelers. Always check CDC and USDA sites for latest details.
Key Changes in US Import Regulations:
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Designated Ports for High-Risk Countries:
- Foreign vaccinated dogs from high risk rabies countries (in last 6 months) without a valid titer must enter at one of 6 airports with CDC registered Animal Care Facilities (ACFs) for exam and possible revaccination. Book reservations early to avoid holds. Airports and ACFs: ATL (Atlanta Dandie Scottie Kennel), LAX (Los Angeles Kennel Club LAX or Rue’s Kennels), MIA (Miami Pet Limo), JFK (New York The ARK Pet Oasis), IAD (Dulles Pender Pet Retreat), PHL (Philadelphia Gateway Animal Care Center).
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CDC Dog Import Form:
- Required for all dogs entering or returning to the US. Submit online in advance (up to 6 months ahead for multiple trips from same country). Receipt valid 6 months if details unchanged.
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Endorsed Rabies Vaccination Certificate:
- Dogs from high risk countries need specific forms: US vaccinated use USDA endorsed Certification of US issued Rabies Vaccination. Foreign vaccinated use Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip. Vaccines must follow microchip implant. Dogs 6 months or older.
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Import Permits:
- Import permits are no longer required to bring your dog into the US. The CDC Dog Import Form simplifies the process.
Bringing a Dog Into the US
Bringing dogs to the USA is manageable if you follow these steps:
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Pre-Departure Prep:
- Vaccinations: Rabies required (current, after microchip). Optional include distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, bordetella. For high risk countries, get certified form from vet or USDA.
- Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating your pet is healthy for travel. This usually involves a physical exam and may require additional tests depending on your pet's origin country.
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Shortly Before Takeoff:
- CDC Dog Import Form: Complete and submit the online form well before your pet's arrival. Keep your receipt.
- Documentation Double-Check: Ensure you have all required documents: health certificate, CDC Dog Import Form submission receipt, and (for high-risk dogs) endorsed rabies vaccination records.. See CDC guide here: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/low-risk-countries.html.
Koko moved from Mexico to the United States
Bringing a Cat Into the US
- A veterinarian issued a health certificate to state 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 the 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 (Feline panleukopenia or Feline distemper), Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.
Charlie and Chloe moved from Germany to the US
Importing Other Pets to the USA
If you plan to bring a pet other than a cat or dog to the US, you can find more information on the USDA APHIS website.
Other Requirements to Consider
Moving pets cross-country:
With airline limits on breeds and crates, consider ground transport for domestic legs or if flying into major hubs only.
Preparing your pet for export from your current residence:
Always check with your country of origin to determine export requirements for any pet. Most countries require a government endorsement/export permit for pets to leave or some official government veterinarian inspection before departure. You can determine export requirements by contacting your departure country’s Ministry or Department of Agriculture.
Make sure you meet individual airline requirements for pet travel:
Some airlines, including Delta, require additional documentation for live animals under certain circumstances. If booking pet travel independently, check with your airline to ensure all paperwork requirements are met.
If you need to import a dog to the USA or any other pet for that matter, we would love to help. If you have a question we didn't answer above!
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