When traveling with a pet, it’s important to consider the safety of the animal, as well as other individuals. This is especially important when crossing international borders. With the COVID-19 pandemic making international travel a more complex endeavor, many pet owners are asking the question, “Do dogs need to be quarantined when going to the USA?”
The answer to this question is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Every country has its own set of regulations, and it’s important to know the specifics before traveling. While quarantines are typically reserved for animals coming from countries where rabies is present, there are additional requirements for dogs traveling to the US, regardless of the country of origin. Understanding these regulations can help ensure a safe and successful journey for both the pet and their human companions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the regulations, requirements, and potential risks associated with bringing a dog into the US. We’ll also look
Determining If You Can Bring a Dog into the United States
If the dog is coming from a nation where there is a high risk of dog rabies, you may be able to bring it into the United States.
Your dog will need to fulfill certain requirements in order to enter the United States. If you want to know if you can bring a dog into the United States, start by responding to the questions below. STEP.
NO: A dog with a 6-month travel history statement and a clean appearance may enter at any port of entry.
The CDC does not require dogs to present a rabies vaccination certificate if they have not traveled to a high-risk country in the previous six months. However, in order to enter the United States, you must certify in writing or orally that your dogs have not traveled to a nation with a high risk of rabies in the previous six months, or from birth if they are younger than six months. All dogs should be vaccinated against rabies, even though the CDC does not require proof of vaccination, and your US destination may have additional requirements. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States. STEP.
NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.
Any dog entering the United States after spending the previous six months in a high-risk nation must be at least six months old. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States. STEP.
NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.
The dog’s rabies vaccination record must include the microchip number. Please ask your vet for guidance if you’re unsure whether your dog has an ISO-compatible microchip. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States.
*The applicant shall ensure that the dog has an ISO-compliant microchip. The applicant (or permit holder) may bring their own scanner that can read the microchip if the dog does not have an ISO-compatible microchip.
*A large number of universal scanners in the US have trouble spotting microchips that start with the numbers 1 or 8. If your dog’s chip starts with a number other than 9 make sure a universal scanner can read it. If you are unsure, you should buy a scanner for yourself that can find the microchip (available online) or have your dog get re-microchipped.
*Your dog might not be allowed entry and be sent back to the country of origin at your expense if the microchip cannot be read upon arrival. STEP.
YES: Provided certain conditions are met, the dog may enter the United States.
What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States, Option A
Note: expired US rabies vaccination certificates will not be accepted. Step 5 should be followed if your dog’s US rabies vaccination certificate is no longer valid. STEP.
YES, see Step 6 if you’re bringing in just one or two dogs.
See Step 7 if you are bringing in three or more dogs.
NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.
Your dog will be refused entry if you try to bring it into the United States and will have to be sent back at your expense. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States. STEP.
Yes, the dog may enter through one of the 18 authorized airports with a CDC Dog Import Permit (Option B) OR without a permit through an airport with a CDC-approved animal care facility (Option C). See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States.
NO: Upon arrival, the dog must have a reservation for quarantine at an authorized animal care facility in the US and must enter through the airport where the facility is located. What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States STEP: Option C
If so, go to What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States and select Option C.
NO: Go back to Step 6 for bringing 1-2 dogs.
General Information for Bringing a Pet into the United States from Another Country
Animals entering the U. S. may be governed by USDA-APHIS and other federal organizations Your pet might also need to satisfy additional health requirements, depending on the state where you intend to travel. Not all birds or animals qualify as pets. Find out if your pet qualifies to travel.
Requirements for all dogs imported or returning from nations with screwworm are listed on this website, take note.
When bringing dogs into the country, consult the CDC website. Any port of entry is acceptable for the entry of dogs into the United States that have not spent the previous six months in a high-risk country, and importers are not required by the CDC to provide proof of rabies vaccination. But when bringing your dog into the United States, you must state in writing or orally that it has only ever visited a low-risk country for at least six months, or from birth if it is younger than six months. There is no restriction on the number of dogs in this situation. See the details below regarding dogs coming into the United States from nations with a high rabies risk.
Notice of Temporary Suspension for Dogs Entering the United States from 113 Countries Classified as High-risk for Dog Rabies
Dogs entering the United States are temporarily prohibited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), particularly those that do not have a valid U S. the CDC’s list of 113 countries with a high risk of rabies and have received the rabies vaccine. Check out the list of recent changes, which are valid from June 2022 through January 2023.
dogs arriving from a nation where rabies risk is high without a U S. Only owners of dogs with a CDC-approved animal care (quarantine) facility-issued rabies vaccination certificate or CDC Dog Import Permit issued prior to arrival are permitted to bring their dogs into the United States through ports of entry. Currently, there are five CDC-approved animal care facilities spread out across the country: Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and Washington, DC (IAD). These facilities are available for pet owners who:
* Up to two CDC import permits (Option B) may be requested by each adult residing in a household. Consequently, a household with two adults may obtain a total of four permits, two for each adult. CDC is prepared to offer support to staff members who own three or more dogs. For the most recent information and guidelines regarding the CDC dog import ban, please visit the CDC website.
You must submit an email to CDC at CDCanimalimports@cdc and adhere to the guidelines at How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit in order to request advance written approval. gov, at least 30 business days (6 weeks) prior to your intended entry into the US. When entering the United States, requests cannot be made at the port of entry. Without prior written CDC approval, dogs arriving from high-risk regions will be refused entry and sent back to their country of origin at the importer’s expense. All dog owners traveling with their dogs from their home countries must carefully read the Permit Application Requirement and the Approved Ports of Entry.
The same veterinarian who gave the rabies vaccination must fill out all paperwork, which must be in English or have a certified English translation. A licensed translator must sign and stamp a letterhead document stating on it that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. The translation must have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator’s license number on it, as well as the translator’s name, address, and phone number. A certified translation service provider can be found online. Visit the CDC’s FAQs website and What Your Animal Needs to Enter the United States for more details.
Importers should keep checking other federal laws as well as the rabies vaccination requirements of state and local governments at their final destination before entering or reentering the United States with a dog.
FAQ
Can I travel to the US with my dog?
Requirements to bring your pets to the U. S. All pets must have current rabies and other vaccinations, and you should carry a certificate from your veterinarian at all times attesting to your pet’s overall health and vaccination records.
How long is quarantine for pets USA?
Dogs are not required to be quarantined in the United States, with the exception of Hawaii and the territory of Guam.
What do I need to cross my dog to USA?
Dogs must have a current, valid rabies vaccination certificate with the following details: The owner’s name and address. The dog’s breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other distinguishing characteristics. Date of rabies vaccination and vaccine product information.
Can dogs enter the US from Canada?
Traveling From Canada to the U.S. Canadian tourists planning trips to the U.S. may bring their cats and dogs with them without any restrictions, but U S. Dogs must have rabies vaccination documentation for customs no later than 30 days prior to arrival.