Beginning August 1, 2024, new rules for dogs entering or returning to the United States were enacted. Depending on where the dogs have been for the last six months and their rabies vaccination status, requirements for animals may vary. Delivery Animal experts have looked into the updated rules and prepared an accessible summary:
Requirements for importing dogs into the USA:
- The minimum age of the dog is 6 months.
- Rabies vaccination and ISO-approved microchip.
- The dog should appear healthy upon arrival.
- Completed CDC Dog Import Form, completed 2 – 10 days before arrival.
- Additional documentation based on the dog’s travel history and vaccination list.
New CDC Rules for Bringing Dogs into the U.S.
What changes were implemented?
1. As of August 1, 2024, the number of airports permitted to handle dog imports from countries at high risk for rabies (including Ukraine and Kazakhstan) was reduced from 18 to 6. Dogs can now only be imported through Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, and Miami. Before importation, approval from the CDC became mandatory. Even if the final destination is elsewhere, inspection at one of these designated airports is required before taking a domestic flight.
2. A new application form, known as the CDC Dog Import Form, was rolled out.
3. The Vaccination and Microchipping Certificate is revised into a new two-page format, with its validity now restricted to 30 days.
Here you can see the template of the new form.
- Owner and recipient details. In section B, you can specify the recipient’s details if they differ from the owner’s details.
- Section D. The last three vaccines are indicated if they were given without any gaps.
- Section E. For testing for rabies titers: indicate the name of the laboratory, country, date of sample submission and analysis, and result. This data is taken from the certificate of analysis.
- Signing the certificate. The certificate must be signed no earlier than 30 days before the trip at the state veterinary station.
4. Certification of titer analysis. The titer analysis must be certified by a state veterinarian, confirming that the analysis was performed in an accredited laboratory. The result must be at least 0.5 ME/ml, otherwise, the animal is quarantined for 28 days.
- For titer analysis, you must wait 30 days after rabies vaccination. The vaccine must be of high quality, otherwise the antibody level may be low.
- Even if the vaccine was given recently, a 90-day quarantine is mandatory. Without it, the veterinarian will not be able to issue an international certificate.
- With a valid vaccine and quarantine, 5 days before departure, get Form 1 from the veterinarian, exchange it for an international certificate, and cross the border through the above-mentioned airports in the USA.
5. The deadline for applying for a CDC permit was reduced to 10 days before entry. The new form for importing dogs can be submitted 2-10 days before entry. For dogs under one year old, the photo must be taken no earlier than 10 days before arrival in the United States. At some entry points, the application can be submitted by email, and at others – online through a special form. Submitting the form is free. 6. Checking at the quarantine center. Previously, upon arrival with a dog, you could immediately leave the airport, now all dogs must be checked at the quarantine center, for which it is necessary to request an import quota. Contacts of the centers can be found here.
- Import of dogs into the United States is only permitted through airports with animal quarantine facilities. Upon arrival, the dog will be tested and if all requirements are met, it will be returned to the owner.
- If the titer test is missing, the indicator is below 0.5 IU/ml, or there is a suspicion that the test is unreliable, the animal will be quarantined for 28 days and re-vaccinated. All expenses for the maintenance of the pet are paid by the owner.
- Additional tests are carried out if dangerous diseases are suspected.
- If the requirements are not met, the animal will be sent back to the country of the last flight at the owner’s expense.
- Previous CDC Dog Import Permits were valid until August 31 and are no longer accepted after this date.
It is also necessary to take into account the regulations of the airline and the country of origin.
Complying with the new regulations for importing dogs into the United States can be complicated and tiring, as there are many CDC requirements and paperwork to complete. It’s easy to overlook important details, and your pet’s entry may be at risk. Turn to Delivery Animal – we will handle this difficult task for you. Our lawyers and veterinarians will take care of all the stages of travel preparation, ensuring compliance with all regulations and completing all necessary paperwork. With our experience, we guarantee a smooth entry or return of your furry friend. Your comfort is our top priority. Trust us with the care of your pet, and we guarantee impeccable quality of work. With Delivery Animal, you can be sure that your pet will arrive safely from Ukraine to the United States.
