Bringing Dogs to the U.S. from High-Risk Rabies Countries
If you are bringing a dog into the United States from a high-risk rabies country, the CDC requires specific steps to ensure safe entry. Dogs vaccinated in the U.S. need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination completed by a veterinarian before departure. Dogs vaccinated outside the U.S. must provide a rabies titer test, a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination, a microchip, and a reservation at a CDC- approved animal care facility. All dogs must be healthy, at least six months old, and arrive at an approved airport. Following these rules prevents quarantine delays and ensures your pet's safe return.
Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs Returning from High-Risk Countries
If your dog received its rabies vaccine in the United States but has been in a high-risk rabies country within the past six months, two documents are required before returning to the U.S.
Required Documents:
- CDC Dog Import Form Receipt Complete this form online through the CDC website and bring the receipt during travel.
- Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form A licensed veterinarian must complete this before your dog leaves the United States.
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Don't miss a step!
Dr. Walter Woolf: "Many pet owners don't realize that missing a step — even something as simple as the vaccination certification — can delay entry or trigger quarantine. That's why early planning is critical."
Requirements
Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs
Dogs vaccinated outside the United States must meet additional CDC requirements from high-risk rabies countries:
- Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, completed by a veterinarian and endorsed by a government official
- Rabies serology (titer) test from a CDC-approved laboratory. Dogs without a valid rabies titer test must complete a 28-day quarantine at an approved facility.
- Reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility
- Arrival at the airport where the approved facility is located
- Microchip implanted before rabies vaccination
- Minimum age of six months
- Healthy appearance upon arrival
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High-Risk Rabies Countries
Review the list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. If your dog has been in any of these countries within the 6 months before arriving to the U.S., follow the requirements for dogs from high-risk countries.