Pets (Dogs) 🇺🇸 United States
CDC import rules tightened in 2024
Can I bring Pets (Dogs) into United States?
CDC import rules tightened in 2024
Personal pets
- CDC Dog Import Form
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Health certificate
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
The CDC tightened dog import rules effective August 2024. All dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and appear healthy. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries require additional documentation including serology. CDC Dog Import Form required for all entries. Import through approved ports only.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 300–10000 USD
- Civil penalty only
Leaving United States with pets (dogs)
Dog export from United States requires a veterinary export health certificate issued shortly before departure (typically within 10 days), an ISO microchip, and current rabies vaccination. The destination's import rules drive the real timeline: rabies-titre blood tests with waiting periods (up to 180 days for rabies-free jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan), import permits, and quarantine bookings must be arranged months ahead. Airlines add their own container (IATA Live Animals Regulations) and breed restrictions. Start with the destination's official import checklist and work backwards.
United States restricts import of Pets (Dogs). Personal-use retail-packaged quantities may clear with declaration and inspection but home-prepared, loose-packed, or above-personal-use quantities typically require a Phytosanitary Certificate (plants) or Export Health Certificate (animal-origin). Verify current rules with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before travel — biosecurity rules change frequently on specific commodities.
Personal pets
- CDC Dog Import Form
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- Health certificate
CDC Interim Final Rule 2024
This page covers destination customs rules in United States. Whether you can carry pets (dogs) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pets (Dogs) rules in other countries
Pets (Dogs)
🇦🇺 Australia
Minimum 10-day quarantine, extensive documentation
Pets (Dogs)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Pet passport or health certificate required
Pets (Dogs)
🇯🇵 Japan
180-day quarantine unless pre-qualified
Pets (Dogs)
🇸🇬 Singapore
AVS licence required, breed restrictions apply
Pets (Dogs)
🇩🇪 Germany
EU Pet Passport from EU; AHC from non-EU
Pets (Dogs)
🇨🇦 Canada
Valid rabies vaccination required