The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 700,000 dogs enter the U.S. by air each year. New entry requirements for dogs flying into the U.S. started on August 1, 2024, to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Rules for Dogs Coming to the U.S. – from Low-Risk or Rabies-Free Countries
If someone is flying with a dog from a “low-risk” or “rabies-free” country, the process is much simpler now: dogs from these countries only need the CDC dog import form to enter the U.S., as long as they haven’t been in a high-risk country in the last six months.
This form can be filled out at any time before travel, but it should be completed well in advance to avoid delays. Travelers need one form per dog, which is valid for six months and can be used multiple times during that period. Dogs must still meet a few requirements, though:
- they need to be at least six months old,
- look healthy upon arrival, and
- have a microchip that can be read by universal scanners.
The previous requirement for a rabies vaccination certificate or U.S.D.A. health certificate is no longer needed for dogs from low-risk countries.
2. Rules for Dogs Coming to the U.S. – from High-Risk Rabies Countries
The new rules are strict for dogs entering from the 111 countries the CDC cites by as high-risk rabies countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, the Philippines, Turkey, the UAE, and others. See the CDC’s full list at: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html.
U.S.-vaccinated dogs need the CDC import form, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a microchip. If a dog was vaccinated abroad, the owner must provide a certification of foreign rabies vaccination and a rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved lab. These dogs also need a recent photo showing the dog’s face and body.
If the rabies serology titer report isn’t available, the dog must be quarantined and tested at a CDC-registered animal care facility upon entry. Individuals will need to make a reservation at one of these care facilities before arriving in the U.S. The CDC dog import form is only valid for one (1) trip and a new form must be completed for each entry into the country.
Dogs Arriving from High-Risk Countries Can Only Enter at Six Approved U.S. Airports Now
Another major change is that all dogs arriving in the U.S. from a high-risk rabies country must fly into one of only six (6) approved airports:
- Dulles International Airport (IAD),
- Miami International Airport (MIA),
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK),
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL),
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Previously, pet owners were able to fly into twelve (12) additional airports.
There is, however, an exception. Service dogs can enter the U.S. through seaports, as long as they accompany their owner.
It is also critical to check with airlines before flying. Some airlines’ policies will vary and some will now only allow pets from high-risk countries to travel as cargo, rather than in the cabin. Airlines may also require extra documentation and fees, depending on their specific policies. Always check in advance.
Prepare Early
“The journey of life is sweeter when traveled with a dog.” — Unknown
If traveling with a dog from a high-risk country, planning ahead is key. Make sure to have all necessary paperwork, book a reservation at a CDC-approved facility in advance, if needed, and check airline rules to avoid any last-minute issues.
”Relocating with pets adds a level of stress to the overall process,” says NEI’s Mollie Ivancic, SVP, International Services. “It is crucial to be informed of current regulations -- by country -- to ensure there are no issues along the way when travelling globally.”
If you would like to discuss this topic further, please reach out to your NEI Global Relocation representative at any time.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 700,000 dogs enter the U.S. by air each year. New entry requirements for dogs flying into the U.S. started on August 1, 2024, to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Rules for Dogs Coming to the U.S. – from Low-Risk or Rabies-Free Countries
If someone is flying with a dog from a “low-risk” or “rabies-free” country, the process is much simpler now: dogs from these countries only need the CDC dog import form to enter the U.S., as long as they haven’t been in a high-risk country in the last six months.
This form can be filled out at any time before travel, but it should be completed well in advance to avoid delays. Travelers need one form per dog, which is valid for six months and can be used multiple times during that period. Dogs must still meet a few requirements, though:
- they need to be at least six months old,
- look healthy upon arrival, and
- have a microchip that can be read by universal scanners.
The previous requirement for a rabies vaccination certificate or U.S.D.A. health certificate is no longer needed for dogs from low-risk countries.
2. Rules for Dogs Coming to the U.S. – from High-Risk Rabies Countries
The new rules are strict for dogs entering from the 111 countries the CDC cites by as high-risk rabies countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, the Philippines, Turkey, the UAE, and others. See the CDC’s full list at: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html.
U.S.-vaccinated dogs need the CDC import form, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a microchip. If a dog was vaccinated abroad, the owner must provide a certification of foreign rabies vaccination and a rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved lab. These dogs also need a recent photo showing the dog’s face and body.
If the rabies serology titer report isn’t available, the dog must be quarantined and tested at a CDC-registered animal care facility upon entry. Individuals will need to make a reservation at one of these care facilities before arriving in the U.S. The CDC dog import form is only valid for one (1) trip and a new form must be completed for each entry into the country.
Dogs Arriving from High-Risk Countries Can Only Enter at Six Approved U.S. Airports Now
Another major change is that all dogs arriving in the U.S. from a high-risk rabies country must fly into one of only six (6) approved airports:
- Dulles International Airport (IAD),
- Miami International Airport (MIA),
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK),
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL),
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Previously, pet owners were able to fly into twelve (12) additional airports.
There is, however, an exception. Service dogs can enter the U.S. through seaports, as long as they accompany their owner.
It is also critical to check with airlines before flying. Some airlines’ policies will vary and some will now only allow pets from high-risk countries to travel as cargo, rather than in the cabin. Airlines may also require extra documentation and fees, depending on their specific policies. Always check in advance.
Prepare Early
“The journey of life is sweeter when traveled with a dog.” — Unknown
If traveling with a dog from a high-risk country, planning ahead is key. Make sure to have all necessary paperwork, book a reservation at a CDC-approved facility in advance, if needed, and check airline rules to avoid any last-minute issues.
”Relocating with pets adds a level of stress to the overall process,” says NEI’s Mollie Ivancic, SVP, International Services. “It is crucial to be informed of current regulations -- by country -- to ensure there are no issues along the way when travelling globally.”
If you would like to discuss this topic further, please reach out to your NEI Global Relocation representative at any time.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
