At a glance
CDC requirements depend on the countries your dog has been in during the previous six months and where it was vaccinated. Use CDC’s current pathway for that history, then check USDA, destination and airline requirements as well.
- Review the previous six months, not only the departure airport.
- U.S. return trips also need an entry review.
- A CDC form does not replace every other travel requirement.
Who this guide is for: Dogs entering or returning to the United States. Cats and other animals follow different requirements.
Start with the dog’s complete country history
CDC separates pathways for dogs that have only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries and dogs that have been in a high-risk country during the six months before entry. The location of the rabies vaccination also matters.
Write a dated country history before asking for a route review. Include previous trips as well as the country you are departing from now. Use CDC’s Dog Importation Navigator to identify the relevant requirements.
Understand the low-risk pathway’s limits
For dogs that have only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous six months, CDC identifies the CDC Dog Import Form as its required documentation. Its guidance also requires dogs to be at least six months old, appear healthy on arrival and have a detectable microchip.
That description is specific to CDC’s low-risk pathway. It should not be used as a checklist for a dog with a high-risk-country history or as confirmation that the airline and destination have no other requirements.
Review high-risk-country travel before booking
CDC distinguishes requirements for U.S.-vaccinated and foreign-vaccinated dogs with high-risk-country history. Do not reuse the low-risk process for these journeys.
Share the actual vaccination records and country history with the team. Ask which documents and arrival arrangements are required before selecting a flight. If a document is missing or a record is unclear, identify that early enough to review the available next steps.
Check the other parts of the journey
CDC states that USDA and U.S. destination regulations also apply, and dogs imported for resale have additional USDA requirements. Airline acceptance and arrival handoffs must be reviewed separately from the federal entry paperwork.
For a round trip, review the return before departing the U.S. Keep a document folder for the outbound trip and another for re-entry so it is clear which papers support each journey.
What we need to start the conversation
We can review the route and support level around the dog’s actual situation. The authorities and operating airline determine the applicable entry and acceptance requirements.
- Every country the dog has visited in the previous six months.
- Where and when the dog was vaccinated, with readable records.
- Age, microchip details, breed, weight and travel-container measurements.
- Proposed U.S. arrival city, dates, receiver and movement purpose.
Official sources & current requirements
Sources checked October 8, 2026. This is a planning overview, not a completed import approval. Confirm the current official rules, veterinary preparation and airline acceptance for the actual pet, dates and route.
Have a question about your journey? Read the FAQs or request a personal quote.