Source: National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) — Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (public domain).
Key points
* Learn the requirements for bringing dogs into the U.S.
* Requirements for returning with your dog or bringing a dog into the U.S. depend on where the dog was vaccinated and what countries the dog has been in during the 6 months before entry into the U.S.
* Use the Dog Importation Navigator to determine which requirements apply to your situation.
Background
CDC strives to protect America’s families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies into the United States. Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority. CDC recommends all dogs be vaccinated against dog rabies.
Requirements are based on your dog’s situation
Requirements are based on your dog’s situation including whether it has been to a high-risk country for dog rabies in the last six months and where it was vaccinated.
High-risk countries for dog rabies
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 to the U.S., follow the requirements for dogs from high-risk countries.
Dog Importation Navigator: What requirements apply to your dog
Use the Dog Importation Navigator to determine which requirements apply to your situation.
In the 6 months prior to entering the U.S., your dog has been
ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries
In ANY high-risk countries
U.S.-vaccinated dog requirements
Foreign-vaccinated dog requirements
In ANY high-risk country and is NOT vaccinated
Your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if it is not vaccinated against rabies and has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months.****
You must follow CDC’s dog importation requirements*, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.
*In addition, you must comply with 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.
Questions?
If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.
Additional information
Frequently asked questions on dog importations