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Bringing a Dog or Cat to the USA
Every dog entering the United States must be at least 6 months old, have an ISO-compatible microchip and arrive with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs that were in a high-risk rabies country in the last 6 months need extra rabies paperwork. Cats have no federal CDC requirement, but most states require a current rabies vaccine.
Requirements at a glance
| Dog age | At least 6 months on arrival |
|---|---|
| Microchip (dogs) | ISO-compatible, implanted before any required rabies vaccine |
| CDC Dog Import Form | Required for every dog; submit online 2 to 10 days before arrival |
| Rabies (dogs) | Extra documents only if the dog was in a high-risk rabies country |
| Cats | No CDC requirement; most states and airlines want a current rabies vaccine |
| Hawaii | Separate, stricter rules (rabies-free state) |
| Plan ahead | At least 2 weeks; months from high-risk countries |
Step-by-step timeline
- Weeks beforeCheck your dog is or will be 6 months old on arrival and that the microchip reads. Check your airline's rules and the rules of the state you are going to.
- 10 to 2 days beforeSubmit the CDC Dog Import Form online and print or save the receipt. You need it at check-in and at the border.
- 10 days beforeMost airlines ask for a vet health certificate issued within 10 days of the flight, for dogs and cats.
- ArrivalShow the receipt and any rabies documents. Dogs from high-risk countries may have to arrive at specific airports and go through a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Dogs vs cats
The CDC rules apply to dogs only. Cats must look healthy on arrival and may be examined if they do not. Many states, and Hawaii in particular, have their own rabies rules for both dogs and cats.
Common mistakes
- Flying a puppy under 6 months old. The CDC does not allow it, whatever country the puppy comes from.
- Submitting the CDC form too late or forgetting the receipt. Airlines can refuse boarding without it.
- Assuming cats need nothing. The CDC does not regulate cats, but your state, landlord or airline may ask for rabies proof.
- Heading to Hawaii on mainland rules. Hawaii needs a rabies antibody test and planning months ahead to avoid quarantine.
Official source: CDC: bringing a dog into the United States
Other destinations
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Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need a rabies vaccine to enter the US?
Only if your dog was in a country the CDC lists as high-risk for dog rabies during the last 6 months. Dogs from low-risk countries need the age, microchip and CDC Dog Import Form. Many states still require a current rabies vaccine.
What is the CDC Dog Import Form?
An online form every dog entering the US needs since August 2024. You fill it in before travel and get a receipt to show the airline and border officers.
Can I bring a puppy into the US?
Only if the puppy is at least 6 months old on arrival. Younger puppies cannot be imported.
What does a cat need to enter the US?
There is no CDC import requirement for cats. They must appear healthy. Check the state you are moving to and your airline, which often ask for a rabies certificate and a recent health certificate.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.