According to the CDC's New Dog Importation Regulations-effective on 8/1/2024, all dogs (including service dogs) must meet a set of criteria to be allowed to enter/return the US.

All dogs must be healthy, at least 6 months of age, and microchipped.

Pet owners must apply for a CDC Import Form and obtain the forms' receipt prior to traveling. Additionally, dog owners must obtain and provide the required documentation to the airline prior to boarding and to US customs upon arrival in the US.

What documentation do you need?Well, it depends!

Requirements depend on 2 factors:

1.Whether the dog resided/transited a High-risk Rabies Endemic Country or Rabies-free / Low-risk Rabies Endemic Country within the past 6 months before traveling to the US.

2.Whether the valid (unexpired) dogs' rabies vaccination certificate is US-issued or non-US-issued.

Additional entry requirements will vary depending upon the combination:

The dog was in a High-risk Rabies Endemic Country AND has a US-issued Rabies Vaccination Certificate.

Must have:

• Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination form OR
• USDA-endorsed export health certificate with dog's age, microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination information (accepted until 7/31/2025)
• AND
• Must arrive at the port of entry (POE), as listed on the CDC Dog Import Form Receipt.

The dog was in a High-risk Rabies Endemic Country AND has a non-US-issued Rabies Vaccination Certificate.

Must have:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form.
• Valid Rabies Serology Titer Report from a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Confirmation of Reservation at CDC-registered Animal Care Facility.
• Port of Entry (POE): Must arrive at the POE with an Animal Care Facility, such as:Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Washington, DC (IAD), and Philadelphia (PHL).
• POE must be listed on the CDC Dog Import Form Receipt.
  

The dog was in a Rabies-free / Low-risk Rabies Country.

• Must arrive at the location, as listed on the CDC Dog Import Form Receipt.

If you are thinking about coming to or entering/returning to the US with your dog, please plan and collaborate closely with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog meets CDC's Dog Importation Regulatory Requirements.

Further information can be found at: Bringing a Dog into the U.S. | Importation | CDC . Non-compliance can lead to your dog being denied entry and them being returned to the country of departure or placed into mandatory quarantining for up to 28 days-both at your expense.

If you have questions or need tips to prepare your pet for air travel, please contact Dr. Nelva Bryant of When Pets Fly @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to www.whenpets.com