Pets (Dogs) → United States

CDC import rules tightened in 2024

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.

Quantity limit

Personal pets

Documentation required

• CDC Dog Import Form
• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Health certificate

Legal reference

CDC Interim Final Rule 2024

Leaving with this item

Taking a dog out of United States requires an export health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination — with destination rules driving the timeline.

Practical advice

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.

Customs authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) · https://www.cbp.gov