Your Ultimate Guide to Master the CDC Travel Rules for Dogs


Do you know the CDC travel rules for dogs? If you’re planning to vacation internationally with your dog, it’s critical to know the rules so you aren’t caught off-guard or off paw.

Did you know that the CDC recently changed the regulations for importing dogs into the US? This includes those canines that accompany their US citizen humans to foreign countries and want to return home. 

While it may be overwhelming to think about dealing with a federal regulation when all you want to do is escape with your buddy and have fun, proper preparation is key. My dog, Henry, loves to travel and explore new sniffs. With this in mind, today, we’ll dig in and discover everything you need to know about the new CDC regulations for dogs. This includes who these regulations apply to, and what you need to do to keep your fur kids safe while coming back to the US (or visiting from a foreign country). 

a beagle mix prepares to go for a vacation on an airplane

Note: The U.S. just exited the World Health Organization. While this is different than World Organization for Animal Health, it’s possible that the U.S. could leave it as well. That could put the new CDC regulation into limbo or deem it not necessary. Time will tell with this one. Get on my newsletter list and be the first to know about any changes to this regulation.

Budget tip: 
Taking your dog on an international trip can be fun. However, if you plan to visit a low risk rabies country, it can be relatively easy with a bit of preparation for your dog. It’s always better to be prepared before you leave so your pup won’t need to experience a pricey quarantine on arrival home. Who wants to be separated from their pup for 28 days? Preparation is a major win-win for you and your dog. 

Table of Contents

What are the new CDC regulations for bringing pets into the US?

As of August 1, 2024, the CDC changed the requirements for importing dogs into the States. This was done to come more in line with the requirements of the World Organization for Animal Health. Additionally, it’s thought that these new requirements will help to keep dog rabies and act as disease control in the U.S. 

As a result, the rules for dogs arriving from a low rabies-risk country are relatively easy. However, those pups coming from high-risk rabies countries have more requirements that must be met. 

Note: Make sure you check with your destination country so you can prepare for their rules and regulations for importing a dog. Also, don't forget any countries you may stop over at on your way to your destination. 

What is a low-risk rabies country?

a pup is prepared for the CDC travel rules for dogs as he arrives at an airport

Mexico and Canada are considered low-risk. However, you will want to check out the list of high-risk countries here. If your destination country is not listed, then it’s considered a low-risk country. 

What is a high-risk rabies country?

There are many countries on the high-risk canine rabies list. You can find a list here. 

Which animals are impacted by this new CDC regulation?

Currently, only dog importations face tighter regulations when entering the US. However, if you are unsure about any CDC rules for your cat, bunny, bird, horse, or other pet, check out this list

What if I’m coming into the US from a low-risk country but was in a high-risk rabies country earlier with my dog?

As long as it’s been more than 6 months since your dog was in a high-risk country, you can follow the low-risk requirements. However, if your dog visited a high-risk country within 6 months of your planned return to the US, then you will need to follow the instructions for a high-risk country. 

What are the requirements for a dog returning to the US from a low-risk rabies country?

a pup is in a crate as he adheres to the CDC travel rules for dogs

As of August 1, 2024, all that is needed when returning home with your dog from a low-risk country is for the online Dog Import Form to be completed and submitted by the person importing the dog. However, make sure you receive a receipt for this submission. 

In full, your dog import requirements back to the US will include: 

  • A receipt for your completed Dog Import Form
  • Your dog “looks” healthy upon arrival
  • A universal microchip on or before receiving a U.S. issued Rabies Vaccination (booster or update)
  • The rabies vaccine won’t expire before you return home with your dog
  • Your pup can’t be younger than 6 months of age

Additionally, if your dog is coming from a low-risk country, then you can arrive at any airport, seaport, or land entry. 

Note: If you don’t have a U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form you can get a USDA-endorsed export health certificate, but this must also be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian.

What are the requirements for a dog returning to the US after visiting a high-risk country within the last 6 months?

a canine is preparing to board a plane and follow the CDC travel rules for dogs

Again, you will want to prepare in advance to make the return home is as easy as possible for you and your dog. 

Prior to departing, you will need to make sure:

  • Your dog is healthy (and healthy upon arrival back to the US)
  • The dog must be older than 6 months (at least upon return)
  • Has a universal microchip which was implanted before on the date of the rabies vaccine 
  • You have completed a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination Form or a USDA Endorsed Rabies Form (either one must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian) 
  • Have a receipt from the CDC Dog Import Form you can access the online form here.  
  • Reservation confirmation from a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility for your dog’s 28-day quarantine stay

You can find a list of CDC-registered Animal Care Facilities here

Note: If your dog has been vaccinated and has all the required documents above, then your pup can enter through any port (land, sea, or airport). But the port entry must match your Dog Import Form. 

What are the importation requirements for a foreign dog coming to the US from a low-risk country?

a cute poodle tours Europe and is prepared for the CDC travel rules for dogs

As of August 1, 2024, all that is required when a dog is arriving from a low-risk country is that the online Dog Import Form is completed and submitted by the person importing the dog. 

Again entry requirement steps will include:

  • A receipt for the completed Dog Import Form
  • Your dog “looks” healthy upon arrival
  • A universal microchip on or before receiving the rabies vaccine (booster or update)
  • The rabies vaccine won’t expire before you return home with your dog
  • Rabies vaccine must be administered by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and not expire during the visit
  • Foreign vaccinated dogs must provide a form of Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination. Or you MUST make arrangements to have the form endorsed by an official government veterinarian.
  • Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form printed out (2 copies – one for the airline, ship, or transportation and one for you to carry)
  • Your pup can’t be younger than 6 months of age
  • If you or your vet have completed the forms in other than English or Spanish, then they must be translated and certified that the translation is accurate.

Note: Your dog can enter through any port (land, sea, or airport) as long as your dog has been vaccinated and has all the required documents mentioned above. However, the port entry MUST match your Dog Import Form. 

What are the requirements for a foreign dog coming from a high-risk country?

a pup in a high risk rabies country relaxes and thinks about the CDC travel rules for dogs

If your dog is arriving from a high-risk rabies country, the CDC dog importation requirements are the strictest. They include:

  • Must have a universal chip and be implanted with the chip prior to receiving a rabies vaccine. 
  • The rabies vaccine must be a US-issued vaccine and must be administered by a USDA-accredited veterinarian 
  • The Rabies vaccination cannot expire during the visit
  • The rabies vaccine must include a form of Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination. Or you must have a form endorsed by an official government veterinarian
  • Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form printed out (2 copies – one for the airline and one for you to carry)
  • Have a confirmation at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility for your dog’s 28-day quarantine stay
  • Must arrive at an entry point with a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility which must match what’s listed on your Dog Import Form
  • Have a receipt from your CDC Dog Import Form 
  • Your dog must be healthy “looking” upon arrival
  • The dog cannot be younger than 6 months of age
  • If your forms were completed in other than English or Spanish, then you must have them translated and certified that the translation is accurate. 

You can find a list of CDC-registered animal care facilities here

Note: If your dog has a foreign rabies vacation and microchip form and has been in a high-risk rabies country in the past 6 months, you may only enter through an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility. 

Additionally, dogs with a foreign rabies vacation and microchip who have been in a high-risk country within the last 6 months may not enter by land border. 

There is an exception for service dogs to enter through a seaport with their disabled handler. 

***It’s very important that whichever way your dog enters the country the information matches the Dog Import Form.***

Are there any other requirements if I’m arriving by airplane with my dog?

You will need an airline waybill (AWB) which you can get from your airline. This tracks your dog in the cargo bin. However, you can request a waiver from the CDC, if your dog will be traveling in the passenger section. Again, remember if your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country you will need to arrive at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility.

Also, if your dog travels in the passenger section (rather than in cargo) then any exceptions for transitioning through a high-risk country or the US en route to another destination do not apply.

Are there any exceptions to these CDC travel rules for dogs?

Thank goodness there are a few exceptions.

Military

a military dog prepares to return home

You’ll need to contact your base veterinarian to have your dog properly vaccinated and receive your Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination. All Department of Defense vets are USDA accredited. 

US government employees

You will need to contact the Department of State Travel Management and Policy Office about returning to the States with a personal dog or a pet dog from a high-risk rabies country.

Service dog

a service dog prepares to travel to the US and follow the CDC rules

Only service dogs that meet the federal definition of a service dog under 14 CFR 382.3 have an exception. This means your pup is a:

  “…dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

~ 14 CFR 382.3

Note: If you have a service animal that is not a dog, then these regulations do not apply. However other entry requirements may still be applicable.

Your service dog can bypass a CDC-registered animal care facility if:

  • Your service dog has only been in low-risk rabies countries for the past 6 months
  • Have a completed Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form 
  • Has a Dog Import Form with matching information

Your service dog has been in a high-risk rabies country within the last 6 months, you will need to:

  • Have a completed Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form 
  • Your dog has passed the rabies serology titer prior to arriving
  • Have a receipt for a Dog Import Form with matching information
  • Confirmation reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility (although your dog most likely won’t be quarantined)

Note: You will need to notify the care facility and the airline that you and your dog will need transportation to the facility. Once your service dog is examined by a facility vet and deemed not a rabies threat, then you both should be able to leave without needing quarantine. This is only possible with a service dog.

If you’re arriving by sea from a high-risk country with your service dog, you can avoid quarantine if you:

  • Have a completed Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form
  • A passing or valid rabies serology titer from a CDC-approved laboratory
  • A CDC Dog Import Form receipt with all information matching your port entry and other documents

Note: If your ship anchors at a high-risk country, but your dog does not get off the ship, then your dog is not considered to have been in a high-risk rabies country. 

What about dogs transitioning as cargo through the US en route to another country?

If your dog will be in the cargo section and not get off the plane (even if your pup was in a high-risk country) no documentation is needed. 

What about canines placed in cargo and only transiting through high-risk countries?

If your dog transitions through a high-risk country without actually touching a paw on the land, then your pup is not considered to have been in the land.

However, if a dog travels in the passenger section and is not placed in cargo, then all the regulations apply, whether from high-risk or low-risk countries.

Do I need to adhere to these CDC rules if I’m going on a cruise with my dog?

a dog on a cruise plans to return to the US and follow the CDC rules


You will need to follow all the instructions and preparation for a high or low-risk country. Keep in mind, if you disembark in a high-risk rabies country then your dog will need to adhere to the rules of a high-risk rabies country. 

What if my dog was vaccinated by a non-USDA-accredited veterinarian?

Honestly, I don’t even know if my vet is USDA-accredited. So, first ask. If he/she isn’t then you can request they become accredited.

However, if that’s not an option, then you will need to make an appointment with your nearest USDA-accredited veterinarian. Make sure to take the rabies documents you have received. The USDA-accredited veterinarian should be able to issue an endorsed export health certificate. But, if the USDA vet is not able to do this then unfortunately your pup will need to receive the vaccine again. 

What if my dog left the US without a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Form?


This could cause a bit of panic. But there are two options in a case like this:

  1. Contact your vet and have him/her complete the form retroactively
  2. Obtain a USDA-endorsed export health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This is only possible if the rabies vaccine has not expired. Additionally, this option is only available through July 31, 2025. 

What if my dog received a rabies booster in a foreign country?


If your dog’s rabies vaccine expires while out of the country and your pup needs an updated or booster shot, then you’ll need to follow the instructions for a foreign vaccinated dog and high or low-risk country visits within the last 6 months. 

What if my dog received the rabies vaccine in a foreign country?

Your vet will need to fill out a foreign rabies and microchip form. You can find it here.

What if I want to adopt a dog from a high-risk rabies country?

a rescue dog prepares to travel to the US

Who’s heart does want to adopt a dog in need? But all dogs must adhere to the CDC travel requirements. Since the past history (or at least the past 6 months) of most dogs in high-risk rabies countries is difficult to determine, they will most likely need to be quarantined or need to pass the serologic titer test. 

Also, your adopted dog will need to:

  • Appear healthy 
  • Have a form of Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination. Or have a form endorsed by an official government veterinarian.
  • Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form printed out (2 copies – one for the airline and one for you to carry)
  • Have a confirmation at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility for your dog’s 28-day quarantine stay
  • Must arrive at an entry point with a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility which must match what’s listed on your Dog Import Form
  • Have a receipt for your completed CDC Dog Import Form 
  • Your adopted dog can’t be younger than 6 months of age
  • If your forms were completed in other than English or Spanish, then you must have them translated and certified that the translation is accurate. 

These requirements also include people who want to return to the US with a dog they have adopted abroad in a high-risk rabies country. 

What if my dog doesn’t meet any of the requirements of the CDC regulations?

dog is preparing to be returned after not meeting the CDC requirements for importation

Regardless if your dog is from the US or not, and despite if your dog is returning from in a low or high-risk rabies country, if he/she:

  • Appears “sick”
  • Doesn’t have a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form or Endorsement form
  • Is without a Dog Import Form

Your dog will be returned to the country he/she just arrived from, which would be absolutely heartbreaking!

What is required on the CDC Dog Import form?

You can fill out the form online here.


You will need to provide:

  • Certification of USDA-accredited veterinarian rabies vaccine
  • Universal microchip number
  • Current photo showing your dog’s face and body provided as a jpg, png, or gif.
     

Note: Dogs under one year need to have a photo taken within 15 days of arrival.

How can I avoid a 28-day quarantine for my dog when coming from a high-risk country?


Honestly, I can’t imagine my dog, Henry being quarantined for 28 days. Thank goodness there is a way you can forgo the quarantine process. Again, preparation is key. You will need your vet to run a serologic titer test on your dog. 

This test will need to be: 

  • At least 28 days before arrival to the US
  • Administer at least 30 days after the first approved rabies vaccine
  • The test (blood sample) will also need to be sent to the nearest CDC-approved lab

You can find a list of CDC-approved laboratories here.

Additionally, when the test is returned it must show your dog ≥0.5 IU/mL. If your dog fails this test, then your pup will need to be revaccinated after at least 14 days and the test redone. 

If the serologic titer is not provided when entering from a high-risk country, then your pup will be quarantined for 28 days. You will need to provide confirmation of your pup’s reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility at your point of entry, which should be an airport with a care facility. 

What if I want to bring more than one dog into the US or back into the US?

two greyhounds are preparing to come to the US and follow the CDC requirements


There is currently no limit on the number of dogs you may import. However, each dog must meet the requirements. Additionally, all the forms must be submitted and presented for each dog.

Are there any other rules for importing a dog into the US?


Yes, some states and US territories have their own requirements for importing dogs into their borders. You will need to check with the state or territory you plan on visiting. 

Does my vet need to fill out any paperwork for me to import my dog to the US?

Henry has left the country or needed to worry about the CDC rules yet
While Henry loves to travel, he hasn’t left the US.

Yes. Your vet will need to fill out one of these forms:

  • Certification of U.S. Issued Rabies Vaccination Form
  • USDA Endorsed Export Health Certificate Form
  • Certificate of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Form

Regardless if your vet is US-based or foreign-based, all the forms and instructions can be found here. 

What if I still have questions about importing my dog into or back into the US?

For more information about your dog’s situation, you can contact the CDC information line online at CDC-INFO or by phone at (800) 232-4636.

Are there costs or fees I will need to pay when importing or preparing to import my dog into the US?

Yes, there are a few costs you will incur. Consider the following for a moment:

ItemExpense
Universal microchipFree – $50
Rabies vaccine from a USDA-accredited veterinarian$40 – 75
Vet visit$64 – 72
Serologic titer test$50 – 250
28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility with a valid titer test$908
28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility without a valid titer test $3950
CDC Dog Import FormFree
Leaving your dog in a foreign countryHEARTBREAKING!!!!

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A cute husky dreams of traveling the world

My dog, Henry would love to be a world traveler. Yet, I know it is overwhelming to plan a trip, especially an international trip.

But if you want to take your dog with you, then you must plan ahead or your landing home will be bouncy. Yes, you can avoid quarantines, but you need to be prepared before you depart. The last thing you want is to be flying to the US and not have any paperwork for your dog.

When you break down the steps, it’s doable and that’s a great way to be one of the 78% of pet parents traveling with their furry buddy. Your dog will be grateful you took the time to be prepared.

About Terri Rodefer

Terri Rodefer is the founder of Tail Wag Wisdom, a blog focused on affordable pet care. She likes to say helping pet parents afford and love their animals even more, makes her tail wag. As a lifelong lover of all animals with a background in economics, biology, and marketing, allows Terri to bring a unique spin to pet care. 

4 thoughts on “Your Ultimate Guide to Master the CDC Travel Rules for Dogs”

  1. This is so important to know about. I didn’t know there were low risk and high risk rabies countries!

    I really appreciate how you give the approximate costs for dogs. It is something people will really need to know and add to their budget.

    Reply
  2. This is such an informative post, Terri! I wondered about some of these things as I have friends who travel with their dogs, and also rescuers, and no longer are they quarantined. I’m happy the dogs can travel with them and not have them be separated. (I can’t imagine how scary it is for a dog to be crated in cargo, and also the worry). I didn’t realize there were “high” and “low” risk countries. This explained so much! While I don’t travel by plane (I have never been on one, except to do a photo shoot, believe it or not!) this is such a great roundup of information and links. Bravo!

    I’m sharing this important information with my readers!

    Reply
    • Flying is a bit un-easy. I always say a prayer. I’d never put Henry in the cargo section. I have bad ears now and I don’t know if I could even fly anymore without severe pain. I have a friend who’s husband works for the FAA. Hearing her stories, I don’t want to ever fly again. Thank you for your kind words and sharing!

      Reply

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