Moving pets into the United States may seem like a fairly straightforward process, but pet owners still need to understand the current CDC import requirements before traveling with a dog to the U.S.

Requirements surrounding a dog's age, microchip, health status, travel history, and documentation can all affect what is needed for entry. In recent years, the CDC has updated its dog import regulations in an effort to help prevent the reintroduction and spread of dog-maintained rabies virus in the United States.

Whether you're returning home after living abroad, relocating to the U.S., or bringing a newly adopted dog into the country, understanding these requirements ahead of time can help prevent delays or problems when your dog arrives.

What Are the Current CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.?

Last Reviewed: September 8, 2026
Next Regulatory Review: December 2026

U.S. dog import requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the CDC before travel. ( CDC Dog Import Form and Instructions )

All dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet several basic CDC requirements. Regardless of where your dog is traveling from, they must:

• Be at least 6 months old at the time of entry
• Appear healthy upon arrival
• Have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner
• Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt

From there, the requirements depend largely on where your dog has been during the six months before entering the United States.

Dogs that have only been in countries considered rabies-free or low-risk generally have fewer requirements. Dogs that have been in a country the CDC considers high risk for dog rabies have additional requirements, and those requirements also differ depending on whether the dog's rabies vaccination was administered in the United States or abroad.

Dogs From Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries

If your dog has only been in countries considered rabies-free or low-risk during the six months before entering the United States, the process is generally more straightforward. These dogs do not have the additional rabies documentation and entry requirements that apply to dogs arriving from high-risk countries.

The important thing to remember is that the CDC looks at every country your dog has been in during the previous six months, not simply the country they're flying from. Even a short visit to a high-risk country can change which entry requirements apply.

Travel Tip: Check the CDC's current list of high-risk countries before traveling. A country's rabies classification determines which requirements your dog must meet to enter the United States.

CDC Import Requirements from Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries

U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs Returning From High-Risk Countries

Dogs that received their rabies vaccination in the United States and have been in a CDC-designated high-risk country within the previous six months have additional requirements when returning to the U.S.

In addition to the CDC Dog Import Form, these dogs need a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination. This is a specific CDC form that must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA before the dog leaves the United States. A standard rabies vaccination certificate is not a substitute for this form.

This makes planning ahead especially important. If a dog leaves the United States without the required certification, the owner may have to follow the more extensive entry requirements that apply to foreign-vaccinated dogs arriving from high-risk countries.

CDC Import Requirements from High-Risk Countries

Did You Know?
If you're taking your U.S.-vaccinated dog to a high-risk rabies country, some of the paperwork needed to return to the United States must be completed before you leave. Don't wait until you're overseas to start planning your dog's return trip.

Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs From High-Risk Countries

Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs coming into the U.S. from high-risk countries are considerably more involved. The CDC currently requires a foreign rabies vaccination/microchip certification, a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility, arrival at the airport associated with that facility, examination and revaccination there, and potentially a 28-day quarantine if the dog doesn't have a valid rabies serology titer.

For more detailed requirements and processes, please visit CDC requirements for U.S.-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries.

A Recent WPT Journey

We recently helped one family relocate 12 rescue dogs from Colombia to their new home in New Hampshire. Because Colombia is considered a high-risk country for dog rabies, their move required careful planning around U.S. import requirements, documentation, flights, and arrival.

Read how WPT coordinated their journey from Colombia to the United States

World Pet Travel Weighs In on the CDC Requirements

When the updated CDC dog import requirements were announced, World Pet Travel owner Angela Passman shared her perspective with the Associated Press. With years of experience helping families move pets internationally, Angela supported the changes and their goal of protecting both animals and people from the reintroduction of the rabies virus into the United States.

"It's more work for the pet owner, but the end result is a good thing," Angela explained.

The updated requirements may add another layer of preparation for some pet owners, but understanding the rules before you travel can help prevent unexpected delays when entering or returning to the United States.

Read the full article featuring Angela Passman and the CDC's updated dog import requirements.

Need Help Bringing Your Dog to the United States?

CDC import requirements can vary depending on where your dog has been and their vaccination history. World Pet Travel can help you understand the requirements that apply to your dog and guide you through the international relocation process.