Updated CDC Rules for Importing Dogs into the United States
Updated CDC regulations for dogs entering or returning to the United States have come into force. The requirements depend on which countries the dog has visited during the last six months and whether it has a valid rabies vaccination.
The specialists at Delivery Animal have carefully reviewed the new rules and prepared a clear and easy-to-understand explanation.
Requirements for Importing Dogs into the USA
- The minimum age of the dog is 6 months.
- The dog must have a valid rabies vaccination and an ISO-approved microchip.
- Upon arrival, the dog must appear clinically healthy.
- A completed CDC Dog Import Form, submitted 2 to 10 days before arrival.
- Additional documentation based on the dog’s travel history and vaccination records.
CDC Rules for Importing Dogs into the United States
Starting August 1, 2024, dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries, including Ukraine and Kazakhstan, may enter the United States only through six designated airports: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, and Miami.
Prior approval from the CDC is required before travel. Even if the final destination is another city, the initial inspection must be completed at one of these airports, after which domestic travel within the U.S. is permitted.
CDC Dog Import Form Receipt
- The form is submitted online or by email, depending on the airport.
- Submission timeframe: 2 to 10 days before entry.
- Previous CDC Dog Import Permits are no longer valid and are not accepted.
Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Certificate
This certificate consists of two pages and is valid for 30 days.
- Owner and recipient information: In Section B, recipient details may differ from the owner’s information.
- Section D: The last three rabies vaccinations must be listed if administered without gaps.
- Section E: For rabies antibody titer testing, the laboratory name, country, sample collection date, test date, and result must be provided based on the official test certificate.
- Certification: The document must be signed at a government veterinary clinic no earlier than 30 days before departure.
Rabies Antibody Titer Test Verification
The rabies antibody titer test must be certified by a government veterinarian, confirming that the test was performed in an accredited laboratory. The antibody level must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. If the result is lower, the dog will be placed in a 28-day quarantine.
Key points:
- The blood sample can be taken 30 days after rabies vaccination.
- A high-quality vaccine is essential, as it directly affects antibody levels.
- Even with recent vaccination, a mandatory 90-day waiting period applies. Without completing this period, an international health certificate cannot be issued.
If the vaccination is valid and the waiting period has been observed, Form No. 1 must be obtained from a veterinarian 5 days before departure, exchanged for an international certificate, and the dog may enter the United States through one of the approved airports.
CDC Import Application Deadlines
- The CDC import request must be submitted no later than 10 days before entry.
- The CDC Dog Import Form can be submitted 2 to 10 days before arrival.
For dogs under one year of age, the photo must be taken no earlier than 10 days before arrival. Depending on the airport of entry, the application may be submitted online or by email. The submission is free of charge.
Inspection at Quarantine Facilities
All dogs must undergo inspection at an approved quarantine facility, and an import quota must be requested in advance. Entry is permitted only through airports equipped with animal quarantine centers.
Upon arrival, the dog is examined, and if all requirements are met, it is immediately released to the owner.
If the rabies titer test is missing, the antibody level is below 0.5 IU/ml, or there are doubts about the test’s validity, the dog will be placed in 28-day quarantine with revaccination. All related costs are the responsibility of the owner.
If there is suspicion of infectious or dangerous diseases, additional examinations may be required. If requirements are not met, the dog will be returned to the country of last departure at the owner’s expense.
Airline regulations and export country requirements must also be taken into account in advance.
Professional Assistance from Delivery Animal
Complying with U.S. dog import regulations can be a complex and time-consuming process. Multiple requirements and strict CDC documentation rules make it easy to miss critical details, which can put your pet’s entry at risk.
Delivery Animal is here to handle the entire process for you. Our legal and veterinary specialists manage every step of preparation, ensure full compliance with CDC regulations, and prepare the complete documentation package.
Your peace of mind is our priority. Trust Delivery Animal with your pet’s journey, and we guarantee a high level of service. With Delivery Animal, you can be confident that your beloved pet will safely and legally arrive from Ukraine to the United States.
