The CDC is extending its temporary suspension on the importation of dogs from high-risk rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension also applies to dogs from non-high-risk countries if they have been in a high-risk country within the past six months.
Rules for Bringing Dogs into the United States
The CDC enforces regulations on the entry of all dogs, including puppies and service animals, into the U.S. These rules apply to U.S. citizens, legal residents, and foreign nationals.
❗ Failure to comply will result in denied entry. If a dog is not allowed into the U.S., it will be sent back to the country of departure at the owner's expense. The country of departure refers to the last country the dog traveled from – not its birthplace or home country.
Additionally, dog importers must follow regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state or territorial authorities, which may impose stricter requirements. Dogs imported for commercial purposes (resale or adoption) must meet additional USDA regulations.
Can You Bring a Dog into the U.S.?
The ability to bring a dog into the U.S. depends on where the dog has been in the past six months.
Step 1: Has the dog been in a country with high-risk rabies within the last 6 months?
NO: The dog may enter at any port of entry with a 6-month travel history statement and must appear healthy.
YES: Proceed to Step 2.
❗ Dogs not in a high-risk country in the last six months do not need a rabies vaccination certificate for entry. However, owners must provide a written or verbal confirmation of the dog’s travel history. While the CDC does not require rabies vaccination in this case, it strongly recommends all dogs be vaccinated. Some U.S. states may have additional vaccination requirements.
Step 2: Is the dog at least 6 months old?
YES: Proceed to Step 3.
NO: Entry is not allowed.
Dogs in a country with high-risk rabies must be at least 6 months old before entering the U.S.
Step 3: Does the dog have an ISO-compatible microchip?
YES: Proceed to Step 4.
NO: Entry is not allowed.
📌 Important: The dog's rabies vaccination certificate must list the microchip number. Owners should verify compatibility with a universal scanner before travel. The dog may be denied entry if the microchip cannot be scanned upon arrival.
Step 4: Does the dog have a valid U.S.-issued rabies vaccination certificate?
YES: The dog may enter under certain conditions. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the U.S.
NO: Proceed to Step 5.
📌 Note: Expired rabies vaccination certificates will not be accepted.
Step 5: Does the dog have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record?
YES: If you are importing 1-2 dogs, proceed to Step 6. If you are importing three or more dogs, proceed to Step 7.
NO: Entry is not allowed.
Dogs without valid documentation will be denied entry and returned at the owner's expense.
Step 6: Does the dog have an adequate rabies serology titer from an approved laboratory?
YES: The dog may enter with a CDC Dog Import Permit through an approved airport or without a permit through an airport with a CDC-approved animal care facility.
NO: Upon arrival, the dog must have a quarantine reservation at an approved facility.
Step 7: Are you importing three or more dogs?
YES: Follow regulations for commercial importation. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the U.S.
NO: Follow the guidelines for importing 1-2 dogs.
Why Are These Restrictions in Place?
✅ Rabies is deadly. The disease is over 99% fatal but 100% preventable with proper vaccination. The U.S. eliminated dog rabies in 2007, but over 100 countries still struggle to control the disease. Preventing infected dogs from entering the country remains a public health priority.
✅ Recent rabies cases raise concerns. Since 2015, four rabid dogs have been imported into the U.S. In 2020 alone, more than 450 dogs arrived with incomplete, inadequate, or fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates, increasing the risk of rabies transmission.
✅ Protecting dogs and people. The CDC uses this extended suspension period to improve the dog importation process and enhance public safety. Each rabid imported dog poses a significant threat, potentially exposing humans and animals to rabies and costing over $500,000 to contain outbreaks.
Mary Watson
