As announced earlier by the CDC (Center for Disease Control), owners of dogs entering the United States are required to take certain steps to confirm their dog is healthy, including filling out the online CDC “Dog Import Form.” These requirements take effect on August 1, 2024. The steps involved depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months.

After feedback from the public, veterinarians, and other industry partners, the CDC has clarified these requirements and has simplified the process regarding dogs arriving from rabies-free or low-risk countries. Canada is considered a low-risk country.

Dogs Arriving from Low-Risk Countries. For dogs that have been in rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months prior to U.S. entry, a receipt of the completed “Dog Import Form” is the only form needed. The receipt is emailed upon submission of the form. You can print the form or show it on your phone to U.S. customs officials. The receipt is valid for 6 months from the issue date and can be used for multiple entries into the U.S. unless the dog visits a high-risk country during that time.

Dogs that have only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months can enter the U.S. at any airport, seaport, or land border crossing when meeting the following requirements:

  • Receipt for the completed “Dog Import Form.”
  • Dog is at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
  • Dog must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
  • Dog appears healthy upon arrival.

Dogs Arriving from High-Risk Countries. If the dog is not vaccinated against rabies and has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months, the dog will not be allowed to enter the United States. Two documents are required for dogs returning from high-risk countries – the Dog Import Form and a Rabies Certificate. A list of high-risk countries can be found on the CDC website. If a country is not on this list, it is considered a low-risk country.

Dogs that have been in High-Risk countries must meet the following requirements/conditions:

  • A Certificate of U.S. Issued Rabies Vaccination form completed by an accredited veterinarian prior to the dog departing the U.S. The Certificate of Vaccination is issued 28 days after the first vaccine. Make sure the dog’s rabies vaccination will not expire during travel.
  • Receipt for the completed “Dog Import Form” prior to arriving in the U.S. The receipt is only valid for the date of arrival. Upload a photo of the dog showing face and body.
  • Dog must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them. The microchip must be implanted before getting the rabies vaccine, or else the vaccine will not be valid.
  • Dog is at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
  • Dog appears healthy upon arrival.

For the CDC Dog Import Form, click HERE. For more information about bringing dogs to the U.S. from Low-Risk countries, click HERE. For more information about bringing dogs to the U.S. from High-Risk countries, click HERE.