If you’re planning to bring your furry friend from a rabies risk countries to the U.S., there are some important new rules you need to know.

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What’s Changed?

Starting August 1, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented new entry requirements for dogs vaccinated in the U.S. and coming from countries considered high-risk for rabies. This is part of their ongoing effort to keep rabies out of the country.

The Key Requirements

1. CDC Dog Import Form Receipt

Before you travel, you must complete this form online. It’s quick and free!

You’ll need to provide a recent photo of your dog and their microchip number. Once done, you’ll receive a receipt via email, which you can print or show on your phone to officials.

This step ensures that your dog’s information is pre-registered with the CDC, making the entry process smoother.

  • Where to Find the Form: You can find the CDC Dog Import Form here. (Instructions on how to fill out the form.)
  • Who Completes the Form: The person bringing the dog into the U.S. (the importer).
  • Cost: The form is free.
  • Number of Dogs per Form: Each dog must have its own form.
  • When to Complete: Ideally, a few days before travel, but it can be done on the day of travel. If travel details change, a new form must be submitted.
  • Information Needed: A recent photo of your dog and the dog’s microchip number.

2. Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination

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A USDA-accredited veterinarian must fill out this form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate. This certification confirms your dog’s rabies vaccination status and is essential for entry. Make sure the rabies vaccination is up-to-date and administered by a licensed vet in the U.S. Please refer to the instructions for completing the documents.

  • Finding a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian: You can find one through the USDA website.
  • Who Completes the Form: A USDA-accredited veterinarian, either the one who vaccinated your dog or another vet in the same practice.
  • Cost: Determined by the veterinarian and USDA fees. Check the USDA website for costs and contact your vet for their service fees.
  • Where to Find the Form: Veterinarians can access it on the CDC website and complete it through USDA’s online system.
  • When to Complete: Ensure your dog is microchipped and vaccinated. If it’s the first rabies vaccine, wait at least 28 days after vaccination.
  • Form Validity: Valid for multiple entries as long as the rabies vaccine is current.
  • Showing the Form: The document must be signed electronically by the vet and endorsed by USDA, then printed. Present it to the airline and U.S. Customs.

Additional Information:

High-Risk Countries:
Review the list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. If your dog has been in any of these countries within the 6 months before arriving in the U.S., follow the requirements for dogs from high-risk countries.

Low-Risk Countries:
Dogs that have been only in rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last 6 months have different entry requirements.

Non-Vaccinated Dogs:
If your dog is not vaccinated against rabies and has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months, it will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S.

Before August 1, 2024:
If arriving before this date, follow the existing CDC’s dog importation requirements, as well as the USDA and destination regulations.

USDA and Destination Regulations:
In addition, you must comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and your U.S. destination’s regulations. Please be aware that dogs imported for commercial (resale) purposes have additional requirements from USDA.

Important Details to Note

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  • Health and Age: Dogs must be healthy and at least 6 months old upon arrival.
  • Microchip: Dogs must have a detectable microchip implanted before their rabies vaccination. The microchip number must be on all forms.
  • Entry Points: Your dog can enter through any airport, seaport, or land border crossing, as long as it matches the location on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

Why These Changes?

The CDC’s new rules aim to prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies into the U.S. While rabies is rare in the U.S., it’s still a significant risk in many parts of the world. Ensuring that dogs entering the country are healthy and vaccinated helps protect both pets and people.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. By tightening these rules, the CDC is taking a proactive approach to safeguard public health.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow These Rules?

If you don’t comply with these new requirements, your dog may be denied entry into the U.S., quarantined, or sent back to the country of origin at your expense. This can be a stressful and costly experience, so it’s essential to follow the guidelines closely.

Travel Checklist

Step 1: 60 Days or More Before Travel

Step 2: 30 Days Before Travel

Step 3: The Week of Travel

Step 4: Day of Travel

  • Get your dog microchipped or verify their microchip number.
  • Ensure the dog’s rabies vaccination will not expire during travel.
  • Update or get the rabies vaccination if needed.
  • Start airline reservation process if applicable.
  • Have a USDA-accredited veterinarian complete the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination Form or USDA-endorsed export health certificate.
  • Travel with at least 3 copies of the endorsed document.
  • Finalize travel arrangements.
  • Complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
  • Arrive at the location on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
  • Show the CDC Dog Import Form receipt and the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or USDA-endorsed export health certificate to officials.

For more detailed information, you can visit the CDC’s official page on importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries.

Happy travels! 🐾