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Pet Travel Policy Information

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Quarantine Possible

Pet Travel Requirements for United States

Pet Entry Requirements for United States

Step 1

Country Classifications – Dogs Only

With regard to theimport of dogs, the United States classifies countries as either rabies-free countries or countries with a high risk of rabies:

Step 2

Pet Microchip – Cats and Dogs

CATS: It is recommended that cats be identified with a microchip prior to import; however, microchipping is not required for cats imported to the United States. DOGS:The United States does not require that your dog be identified with aif your pet is a dog and is entering the United States under one of the following conditions: Your dog is entering the United States from any country on or after August 1, 2024. The microchip must be administered before the rabies vaccination (when required).Your dog is entering the United States from a country with a high risk of rabies (see step 1).Your dog has entered a country with a high risk of rabies country within the previous six months of entry.Your dog is entering the United States for commercial reasons (resale, adoption, etc.).Your dog is entering the United States from a country identified as having African Swine Fever (see step 5). OTHER ANIMALS:Microchipping is not required except in the case of birds (step 14).

Step 3

Vaccinations – Cats and Dogs

Not specified

Step 4

Rabies Titer (Serology) Test – Dogs Only

To avoid quarantine when entering the United States, a rabies titer (serology) test is required for all dogs entering from countries classified as having a high risk of rabies (step 1). The preferred test is the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) Test. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories. The test must be administered at least 45 days in advance of entry to avoid quarantine. Pets entering the United States will need to enter at an airport with an Animal Quarantine Facility. Reservations must be made in advance.

Step 5

CDC Import Permits – Dogs Only

After August 1, 2024,dog owners from ALL COUNTRIES must apply for a Dog Import Form. This can be done online. After submittal and approval, a receipt will be issued which must accompany the dog at entry. Again, this is a new requirement and applies to ALL DOGS entering the United States from any country.

Step 6

Other Requirements to Import a Dog to the United States

After August 1, 2024,all dogsentering the United States from any country must also conform to the following requirements: Your dog must be healthy and fit for travelYour dog must be at least six months of ageA clear photograph of your dog showing face and body must be available. If your dog is less than one year, the photograph must be taken within ten days of arrival. If your dog has a US-based rabies vaccination and has not been in a high-risk country within the past six months,your dog will need one of the following: An endorsedCertification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination FormorACDC Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Certification Formcompleted in a low-risk country orAn endorsed USDA export health certificate (reentries only) documenting age, microchip number and rabies vaccination (until 31 July 2025) orA foreign export certificate documenting age, microchip number and proof of 6-month residency in a low-risk country (veterinary records) orACertification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-risk Country into the United States Formand proof of 6-month residency in a low-risk country (veterinary records) If your dog has a US-based rabies vaccination and has been in a high-risk country within the past six months, your dog will need one of the following: An endorsedCertification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination FormorAn endorsed USDA export health certificate (dogs that departed the United States prior to August 1, 2024, and are reentering the country) documenting age, microchip number and rabies vaccination orReservations at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility If your dog has a foreign-based rabies vaccination and has been in a high-risk country within the past six months, your dog will needallof the following: An endorsedCertification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Formreflecting current rabies vaccination administered at the same time or after rabies vaccination andResults of a rabies titer (serology) test (see step 4) andThe dog must enter the United States at designated ports with Animal Care Facilities (ACF). Exception: U.S. Government employees (civilian and military) entering the US prior to September 14, 2025, can apply for special permissions exempting them from entering at ACF ports; however, they must enter the US at ports with CDC inspectors. A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must complete and sign an export pet health certificate. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a version translated in English. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination, the manufacturer and the expiration date of the rabies vaccine. Health certificates are required for most US States and commercial airlines. Additionally, export health certificates are required as a part of export procedures for most countries worldwide.

Step 8

Screwworm Inspections – Dogs Only

If your dog is traveling from the following countries, it must be inspected for certain screwworms within five days prior to entering the United States. Your veterinarian must verify that your pet has been inspected for screwworm, and the results are negative. Screwworm Countries: Angola, Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic, Dominican Republic, Easter Island, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, French Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paracel Islands, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Spratly Islands, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Step 9

USDA Import Permit – Dogs for Commercial Resale

All dogs being imported to the United States for commercial resale or adoption must have an import permit issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). An import permit will be required for many live animals including birds entering Alaska from Canada via a land border port. Cats and dogs are not included in this requirement; however, they will need a health certificate with a traceable number. Forms downloaded from the Internet will not be accepted. Dogs entering the United States from these high-rabies countries will require a rabies certificate and should be vaccinated for rabies no sooner than 3 months of age and wait for 28 days before entering the United States.

Step 10

African Swine Flu – Dogs for Commercial Resale

Additional requirements will apply to dogs entering the US for commercial resale from the following countries identified for African Swine Fever: Continent of Africa, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Kingdom of Brazil, excluding the State of Santa Catarina, Burma (aka Myanmar), Cambodia, China, People’s Republic of, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), India, Indonesia (Republic of), Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of, Korea, Republic of, Kosovo, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Additionally, any restricted zone in the European Union (EU) established by the EU or any EU Member State because of detection of African swine fever in domestic or feral swine is affected by these requirements. The dog and their crate must be free of dirt, wood shavings, hay, straw, or any other organic or natural bedding material.All bedding that accompanies the dog during transit must be properly disposed of at the U.S. port of entry.Each dog must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted, and the individual microchip number must be verified immediately before each dog is bathed.Each dog must be bathed at the U.S. port of entry within 2 calendar days of arrival in the United States. Bathing must be documented in the Veterinary Services Dog Import Record.

Step 11

Tapeworm Treatment – Dogs Only

Collies, shepherds, and other dogs to be used in the handling of livestock and that are imported from any part of the world except Canada, Mexico, and regions of Central America and the West Indies must have a tapeworm treatment administered by a licensed veterinarian shortly prior to entry to the United States and are subject to inspection and quarantine.

Complete all 10 steps to enter United States with your pet

Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.

Is Quarantine Required for Pets in United States?

Not specified

What Additional Information Do I Need for United States?

  • Comments:

    Not specified

  • Breaking News:

    The United States Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has just placed a restriction on the import of dogs from Germany, Hungary and Slovakia due to an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. APHIS will permit the importation of dogs from these countries if their fur and bedding is free of excessive dirt, hay, or straw. The dog should be bathed as soon as it reaches its destination and kept separate from all livestock for five days after entering the United States.   Be sure your dog is cleaned and do not use organic materials such as hay as bedding. (Hay and straw are not recommended as bedding when transporting a pet to any country.)

  • Other Information:

    Not specified

  • Current Information:

    To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on wagsandwanders.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following United States pet import requirements.

  • What is a Pet Passport?:

    We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to United States pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. These import requirements do not include pet import requirements forHawaiiorGuam. Click on those States for those regulations. Your dog’s passport will depend on the following information: The type of pet you are importing.Your country of origin.What countries your pet has entered within the past six months.Proof of microchipDog Import Form receiptCertification of U.S-issued Rabies Vaccination and Microchip FormorCertification of Foreign-Based Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Form(countries classified ashigh risk of rabies)Where your pet received its most current rabies vaccination (non-rabies-free countries). If you are importing a cat to the United States, then refer to step 2, step 3, and step 8 for regulations.

  • Pets in the United States:

    As of 2024, more than 66% of households in the United States own a pet. Dogs and cats are the most popular pets, but pet ownership includes many other types of animals and reptiles. The bond between pets and their owners is strong, with pets often receiving a high level of care and attention. Pet ownership regulations vary by state and local jurisdictions. Most States require proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate. Common regulations include mandatory vaccinations, licensing, and leash laws for dogs. Some areas have breed-specific legislation (BSL) restricting certain breeds. Stray and feral animals are a concern, particularly in urban areas; however, animal control services, spay/neuter programs, and adoption initiatives work to address this issue. The United States has a vast network of veterinary clinics and hospitals offering a full range of services including basic services as well as specialized veterinary services like dermatology, oncology, and orthopedics. This is important for pet owners looking to export their pets from the United States or those planning further travel. Many parks, beaches, and hiking trails are pet-friendly, providing areas where pets can exercise and socialize. Some cities also have designated dog parks. Pet-friendly businesses, including cafes and hotels, are also common in the United States.

  • Leave a Reply Cancel reply:

    Not specified

  • Find a Licensed Veterinarian:

    Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.

  • Pets Entering the United States:

    Not specified

  • Flying a Pet to the United States:

    There are a vast majority of commercial airlines offering service for pets that fly to the United States including but not limited to British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Avianca, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and more. US-based airlines include American and Alaska Airlines (cabin, checked baggage, cargo), Delta (cabin, cargo), United, Southwest, JetBlue and Frontier (cabin only). Flights to the United States should be direct or transit through arabies-controlled countryor another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

  • Exporting Pets from the United States:

    All resident pets leaving the United States must send relevant paperwork required for the destination country to the State USDA office for endorsement prior to leaving the country. Additionally, transiting pets whose permits or health certificates have expired will be required to obtain these documents in the United States and have them endorsed by the USDA prior to leaving the country. Pets returning to the United States are subject to the same passport requirements as those entering for the first time. (see steps above). Pet owners returning to the United States should get a new health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country you are visiting if you stay for more than 30 days. Other requirements will apply depending on the classification of the country of origin and whether your pet is a cat or dog.

  • United States Pet Import Requirements:

    Not specified

  • Animals Eligible for These Regulations:

    Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats including service and assistance dogs and cats. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree.

  • Breeds Banned from Import to the United States:

    The United States does not ban breeds; however, there are some cities that do.

  • Quarantine for Pets Entering the United States:

    Quarantine will not be imposed on your pet if the following regulations are met. Dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries will be subject to 28 days of quarantine if requirements in step 4 are not met. Dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries without proper proof of rabies vaccination (step 3) will be seized and returned to the country of origin. All costs are the responsibility of the importer and/or the airline.

  • Importing Other Pet Animals to the United States:

    There are no rabies requirements for other species of rodents, rabbits, ornamental fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles imported to the United States. These pets should travel with health certificates issued prior to travel.

  • Importing Puppies and Kittens to the United States:

    Kittens are not required to be vaccinated for rabies to enter the United States; however, they should travel with a recent health certificate and can be subject to State requirements which generally require a health certificate. As of August 1, 2024, the minimum age of import for all puppies is six months of age.

  • Need More Pet Import Requirements for the United States?:

    Visit Wags and WandersStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for the United States at minimal cost.Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.

  • 6 responses to “United States Pet Import Requirements”:

    Raul Mairata[January 29, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/united-states-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-145)Pet Travel Requirements for My Son’s VisitI hope you’re doing well. My son will be coming to visit from Uruguay and plans to bring his dog, a Jack Russell, with him. He will be flying with the dog in the cabin. They will be staying with us for two or three weeks, and after his visit, he will return to Uruguay.Could you please clarify the requirements for his dog to enter the US as a tourist? Are they the same as the general requirements for all dogs coming into the country? Additionally, could you provide any information on the requirements for his dog when he travels back to Uruguay?Thank you for helping us get this clarification.Best regards,[[[[[Reply](#comment-401)](#comment-206)](#comment-200)](#comment-146)](#comment-145)[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[January 29, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/united-states-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-145)Hello Raul – dogs entering and country, even for temporary purposes like tourism, must conform to the same entrance requirements as a pet entering for changes of residence. To enter the US from Uruguay, your son’s dog will need to be healthy, over six months of age, microchipped prior to rabies vaccination, have a Certification of Foreign-Based Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Form, results of a rabies titer test and receipt from submitting a Dog Import Form. The pup must enter the US at specific ports with a reservation for inspection which can take a day or two. Unfortunately, if these requirements are not met, your son’s dog must go into quarantine. To return to Uruguay, requirements are listed here:https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/uruguay-pet-import-requirements/.[[[[[Reply](#comment-401)](#comment-206)](#comment-200)](#comment-146)](#comment-145)Migdalia CortesFebruary 2, 2025Hello. I am a US Citizen. Will be traveling from Argentina to El Paso Texas with my cat. Please let me know the requirements/forms to be completed or needed for this purpose. Thank you.[[[[[Reply](#comment-401)](#comment-206)](#comment-200)](#comment-146)](#comment-145)[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)February 3, 2025Migdalia – the US is very cat friendly. To depart from Argentina, your cat should be microchipped and must be current on all vaccinations. A health certificate issued shortly prior to travel is also part of traveling internationally.[[[[[Reply](#comment-401)](#comment-206)](#comment-200)](#comment-146)](#comment-145)Amber[February 28, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/united-states-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-401)Hello, I’m a US Citizen and I will be travelling from Canada to the US with my pet snakes is there any paper work I would need to go back to the US with snakes. I will most likely be travelling by car.[[[[[Reply](#comment-401)](#comment-206)](#comment-200)](#comment-146)](#comment-145)[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[February 28, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/united-states-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-401)Amber – we assume that your snake is not poisonous or rare which would subject it to CITES permits. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and APHIS do not have import regulations for reptiles. You may want to confirm with US Customs and Border Protection as to any requirements to import your snake to the US.https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/questions?language=en_US[[[[[Reply](#comment-401)](#comment-206)](#comment-200)](#comment-146)](#comment-145)

  • Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to the United States?:

    Have a comment about importing a pet to the United States? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to ourBlog,[X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/Wags and Wanderscom/),[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Wags and Wanders/), orEmailor follow our activities on[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Wags and Wanderstransport/profilecard/)andTikTok. Please note that the accuracy of comments made from Facebook users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

  • Here’s what is included in the United States pet passport package::

    Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to the United States from any country available in six languagesCommercial versus non-commercial importRequired Vaccinations and IntervalsISO 11784/11785 Compliant Microchip Information (when required)instructions for Rabies CertificatesCDC Requirements for Importing DogsImporting Pets from CanadaIATA Carrier and Crate RequirementsLayover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet TravelResponsibilities of a Pet TransporterFREE unlimited email supportboth for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions Also included at no additional cost: Microchip CertificateAirline Health Certificate

  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

    If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countriesparticipate and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES.

Related Resources

Hawaii Guam high risk of rabies rabies-controlled country Search the CITES database Search the Species+ database Read more about CITES. Blog Email Instagram [January 29, 2025 [[[[[Reply [[Susan [January 29, 2025 https://www.pettravel.com/information/pet-passports/uruguay-pet-import-requirements/ [[[[[Reply February 2, 2025 [[[[[Reply [[Susan February 3, 2025 [[[[[Reply [February 28, 2025 [[[[[Reply [[Susan [February 28, 2025 https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/questions?language=en_US [[[[[Reply
Last updated: March 15, 2025

Traveler Tips & Experiences

Emily Parker

Emily Parker

February 12, 2025

24

I visited United States last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.

Michael Chen

Michael Chen

January 3, 2025

18

Air travel to United States was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!

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    How to Import Pets to United States? Expert Pet Travel Requirements & Tips | Wags and Wanders