Do Dogs and Cats Need Rabies Shots to Enter the US?

Hi, I'm currently living in Singapore and going to relocate to Seattle, WA soon. I'll be bringing my 2 pets with me, a cat and a dog. I understand a full health check is required but does both of them need a rabies vaccination before coming? Thanks! Loic

Moving with dogs and cats into the pet friendly US is much easier than most people expect.  The US only requires pets to be current on their rabies vaccinations.  So, if your pets are not current on their rabies shots, then they will need to get one prior to departing Singapore. If they have a valid rabies vaccine that has not yet expired, then they will not need to get another rabies shot.

Alternatively, if you do not have time to vaccinate them before you leave Singapore, customs officials will ask you to sign a form upon arrival in the US stating that you will vaccinate your pets within the first month of their stay and keep them in your house until then. 

Typically it makes things easier if you get them vaccinated prior to arrival in the US, that way you can just show customs officials their rabies certificates and be on your way!

Happy pet travels!