CDC Dog Importation Requirements

Info for US and Canadian Veterinarians - Vaccinated Dogs from Low-Risk Countries

For dogs who were vaccinated against rabies in the US and Canada and are returning from rabies-free or low-risk rabies countries, here are the key requirements that veterinarians need to be aware of:

Age and Microchipping:
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
- Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
Health Status:
- Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. If a dog shows signs of illness, it may require isolation, veterinary examination, and additional testing at the importer’s expense to rule out contagious diseases.
Documentation:
- A CDC Dog Import Form receipt is mandatory. The dog owner should fill out this form 2-10 days before arrival, but it can also be completed immediately before entry to the US if internet access is available. Any changes to the form must be updated with a new submission.
  - A clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body must be uploaded. For dogs under one year of age at arrival, the photo should be taken within 10 days before arrival.

For more detailed information on these requirements, please visit the CDC website or CFIA website. Please note that the requirements may be revised before August 1, 2024.

Info for US Veterinarians - US Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries

For dogs who were vaccinated against rabies in the US and are returning from high-risk rabies countries, here are the key requirements that veterinarians need to be aware of:

Age and Microchipping:
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
- A microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner must be implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination. Ensure that the microchip number is documented on all required forms and in the dog's veterinary records.
Health Status:
- Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. If a dog shows signs of illness, it may require isolation, veterinary examination, and additional testing at the importer’s expense to rule out contagious diseases.
Documentation:
- A CDC Dog Import Form receipt is mandatory. The dog owner should fill out this form 2-10 days before arrival, but it can also be completed immediately before entry to the US if internet access is available. Any changes to the form must be updated with a new submission.
  - A clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body must be uploaded. For dogs under one year of age at arrival, the photo should be taken within 10 days before arrival.
- Have a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States.
  - The Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of US-vaccinated dogs that have been in high risk countries for dog rabies within 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
  - Until July 31, 2025, USDA-endorsed export health certificate will be accepted in place of the Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form.

For more detailed information on these requirements, please visit the CDC website. Please note that the requirements may be revised before August 1, 2024.

At this time, dogs that were vaccinated against rabies in Canada and lived in a country at high risk for dog rabies for 6 months before traveling are not eligible to enter the US directly from Canada.
Currently, dogs must wait 6 months in Canada before entering the US, or they must enter the US directly from the country where they are at high risk for dog rabies.
The CFIA is working with the CDC to develop a process and documents needed for this situation. Further guidance will be provided on this page when it becomes available.

The CFIA is continuously working with the CDC to develop a process and documents needed for various situations. Further guidance will be provided on this page when it becomes available.

If you have questions about returning to the US, please contact the CDC at (800) 232-4636 or cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov.

Dogs that were vaccinated against rabies in a country at high risk for dog rabies are not eligible to enter the US directly from Canada.
In this situation, the dog must be re-vaccinated against rabies in Canada and wait 6 months or enter the US directly from the country at high risk for dog rabies.

CDC Dog Importation Requirements: A Guide for Veterinarians

Info for US and Canadian Veterinarians - Vaccinated Dogs from Low-Risk Countries

Info for US Veterinarians - US Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries

Export Documentation

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