by Krista Halling DVM CCRP DAVCS
Following feedback from governments, industries and the public, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has now simplified the requirements for importing a dog to the US if coming from a rabies-free or low-risk country.
As of August 1, 2024, the Dog Import Form is the only document required to enter the US if coming from a country free of or at low-risk for dog rabies.
This now means that dogs entering the US from dog-rabies-free or dog-rabies-low-risk countries (this currently includes Canada and Mexico) have only the following requirements:
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Be at least 6 months of age
- Have a universally-readable microchip
- Have completed a Dog Import Form (one form per dog; valid for 6 months from date of completion and can be used for re-entry)
- Have not been in a dog-rabies-high-risk country in the previous 6 months
In the above situation, signed documentation from your veterinarian is no longer required to enter or return to the US. It is, however, still advised for your dog to be vaccinated against rabies and in many countries it’s a by-law. Proof of rabies vaccination is still required to enter Canada and many other countries. An ISO-compatible microchip is also a good idea for improved readability by a scanner, since your dog could be denied entry if border agents’ scanner can’t read the microchip.
Dogs entering the US who have been in a high-risk-for-dog-rabies country in the previous 6 months have more criteria to fulfill, listed here.
List of High-Risk-for-Dog-Rabies Countries
CDC’s News Update – July 22, 2024
As these regulations have been dynamic, they may change again, so be sure to check with the CDC when planning travel to the US with your dog.
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