United States
The United States spans 50 states across North America, from Alaska in the northwest to Hawaii in the Pacific. Pet relocation here is comparatively simple — no quarantine for most origins — but requirements shifted significantly in August 2024, and what’s required now depends heavily on whether your origin country is rabies high-risk or not.
At a Glance
Bringing a dog into the USA requires the CDC Dog Import Form for every origin, plus rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and government endorsement only if the dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country — dogs from low-risk origins and all cats face a much simpler process with no mandatory vaccination proof.
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Health Certificate
Required*
*govt-endorsed only for high-risk origins
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Blood Test
Origin-dependent
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Import Permit
Not required (CDC form instead)
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Min. Age
6 months (dogs)
No restriction for cats
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Min. Prep Time
3–5 weeks
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Microchip + Age
Dogs must have an ISO-compatible microchip and be at least 6 months old to enter the USA. Cats, birds, and other species have no minimum age requirement.
Rabies Vaccination — Origin-Dependent
Since August 2024, proof of rabies vaccination is only required for dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries. It is not required for dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries, or for cats and other species.
CDC Dog Import Form
All dogs entering the USA must have a completed CDC Dog Import Form submitted before travel. This is completed by the owner online and generates a receipt that must be presented on arrival. The form should be completed 2–10 days before arrival but can be done at the border.
Health Certificate
Dogs from high-risk rabies countries need a health certificate endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country, plus a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form from the same authority. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries only need a certificate from a local vet — no government endorsement required. Most airlines still require a certificate within 10 days of travel regardless of origin, so it’s worth arranging one either way.
Rabies Titre Test (RNATT) — High-Risk Origins
Highly recommended (though not strictly mandatory) for dogs from high-risk rabies countries, with the blood sample sent to a CDC-approved laboratory. Without a valid titre result, the dog can still be admitted but must be quarantined for 28 days at a CDC-registered animal care facility — this period can be shortened if certain criteria are met.
Entry Airports
Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (or that have been in one in the past 6 months) must arrive on a direct international flight to one of six CDC-registered animal care facility airports — currently Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York JFK, Washington Dulles (IAD), or Philadelphia (PHL) — with a reservation made before arrival. Other origins can use a wider range of airports, including LAX, JFK, ATL, MIA, IAD, PHL, SFO, SEA, DFW, and ORD. A customs broker is mandatory for all pet imports arriving at JFK.
Breed Restrictions
No federal breed restrictions, but some states and cities have local rules. Check your specific destination state.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
1
Rabies Vaccination (high-risk origins only)
~5 weeks before travel
2
Health Certificate from Vet
~2 weeks before travel
3
Government Endorsement (high-risk origins only)
5–10 working days before travel
4
CDC Dog Import Form
2–10 days before arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need to be vaccinated against rabies?
Only if coming from a high-risk rabies country. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries — and all cats and other species — don’t need to prove rabies vaccination to enter the USA. This changed in August 2024.
Do I need a blood test to travel to the USA?
A rabies titre test is highly recommended (though not strictly mandatory) for dogs from high-risk rabies countries. Without a valid result, the dog can still enter but faces a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility, which can sometimes be shortened. A certified agent can confirm your country’s classification →
What is the CDC Dog Import Form?
A mandatory online form completed by the dog owner before travel, for every dog regardless of origin. It generates a receipt that must be presented on arrival. It can be completed 2–10 days before arrival, or even at the border, but completing it in advance is strongly recommended.
Does my health certificate need a government endorsement?
Only if your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country — in that case, the certificate (plus a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form) must be endorsed by the official government veterinary authority. From low-risk or rabies-free origins, a certificate from your local vet is enough. Most airlines will still want one within 10 days of travel either way.
Which airports can I use?
Dogs from high-risk rabies countries must arrive directly at one of six CDC-registered airports — Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Washington Dulles, or Philadelphia — with a reservation made beforehand. Other origins have more flexibility. Note that JFK requires a customs broker for all pet imports.
Is there quarantine in the USA?
No quarantine for most pets. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries without a valid titre test result face a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility, which can sometimes be shortened if certain criteria are met.
Can brachycephalic dogs travel to the USA in summer?
Most airlines have summer embargoes for flat-faced breeds. This is an airline policy, not a US import requirement. If you have a brachycephalic dog, check with your airline before booking for summer travel.
How much does it cost?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.