CDC Dog Import Rules for the USA: The 2024 Changes Explained
The United States overhauled its dog import rules in 2024 in ways that catch a lot of people off guard. If you’re bringing a dog to the USA, or taking your dog abroad and returning, the rules are not what they were before August 2024.
Here is what actually changed and what it means in practice.
The core change: CDC now manages all dog imports
Before 2024, USDA (specifically APHIS) handled dog import health requirements. The CDC has taken over as the primary agency for dog imports. The practical implication is a new system: the CDC Dog Import Form.
Every dog entering the USA now needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Every single dog, regardless of breed, age, origin country, or vaccination status. The form is free, completed online at cdc.gov/importation before travel, and generates a QR code you present at the border or airport.
For dogs from low-risk countries, this form plus appearing healthy is the entire process.
High-risk vs low-risk: what the CDC means
The CDC classifies every country as either high-risk or low-risk for dog rabies. The classification is based on the country’s rabies prevalence in dogs specifically (not wildlife).
Low-risk countries include the UK, all EU member states, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, among others. Pets from these countries had no elevated rabies risk from dogs in the CDC’s view.
High-risk countries include the UAE, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Mexico (certain states), most of Africa, much of Asia and South America. The full list is on the CDC website.
If your dog has lived entirely in low-risk countries for the past six months: CDC Dog Import Form receipt plus a healthy-looking dog at the border. Done.
If your dog is from a high-risk country, or has spent time there: the process depends on their vaccination status.
High-risk dogs: US-vaccinated vs foreign-vaccinated
The CDC distinguishes between dogs with US-issued rabies vaccinations and dogs with foreign-issued vaccinations.
US-vaccinated dogs returning from high-risk countries need:
- CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form, completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA
- Arrival at an airport with CBP inspection (most major airports)
Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries need:
- CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, completed by a vet and endorsed by government vet in the departure country
- Reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility
- Either: a valid rabies serology titre from a CDC-approved lab (blood drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine, at least 28 days before US entry), OR: willingness to complete 28-day quarantine at the CDC-registered facility
The airport restriction for high-risk foreign-vaccinated dogs
This is the rule that creates the most problems for people who don’t know about it.
If your dog is from a high-risk country, has a foreign-issued rabies vaccination, and doesn’t have a valid titre: your dog must arrive at a US airport that has a CDC-registered animal care facility. You cannot fly to a different city first. No domestic connections.
The reason: the CDC-registered facility needs to complete their services before the dog enters the US domestic network. This can force people to change their planned routing significantly.
The 6-month age requirement
All dogs entering the USA must be at least 6 months old. No exceptions. Puppies under 6 months cannot enter. This applies regardless of country of origin, vaccination status, or owner circumstances.
What this means for common routes
Dubai to New York: The UAE is high-risk. Your dog needs a titre test or CDC facility reservation. You must arrive at JFK or another CDC-registered airport. No connecting through another US city first.
London to New York: UK is low-risk. CDC Dog Import Form plus healthy appearance. That’s it.
Johannesburg to Los Angeles: South Africa is high-risk. Same process as UAE route. Must arrive at LAX or another CDC facility airport.
Toronto to Boston: Canada is low-risk. CDC form only.
What about cats?
US federal law has no animal health requirements for importing pet cats. No CDC form, no health certificate, no vaccination requirement from the federal side. Individual states may have rules, so check your destination state. But at the federal border, a healthy cat is not your documentation problem.
Checking current requirements
The CDC list of high-risk countries and the list of CDC-registered animal care facilities both change. Check cdc.gov/importation for the current versions before booking any travel. Don’t rely on guides published more than six months ago for the specific lists.