To safeguard the health and safety of both people and animals, the CDC is updating its dog importation regulations.
Starting August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must meet the following requirements:
- Appear healthy upon arrival;
- Be at least six months of age;
- Be microchipped;
- Have a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.
Additional Regulations
Additional regulations depend on the dog’s travel history and vaccination status. Dogs from countries with a high risk of dog rabies must be vaccinated to prevent the reintroduction of the rabies virus variant carried by dogs, which was eradicated in the U.S. in 2007.
These updates reflect lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic when a temporary suspension of dog imports from high-risk rabies countries was in place. The new regulations will align with the World Organisation for Animal Health’s standards and address issues like fraudulent documentation and unsafe conditions for dogs that do not meet entry requirements.
Our Guidebook: Navigating CDC’s Updated Dog Importation Regulations for Veterinarians
We designed this downloadable guide specifically for our member veterinarians, providing a thorough overview of these updated dog importation regulations. It outlines the essential steps to ensure that dogs entering the United States meet the required health and safety standards.
Each section includes:
- Requirements for all dogs
- Specific requirements based on whether the dog is entering from a high-risk or low-risk country
- A travel checklist
Disclaimer: The information in this guidebook is derived from the CDC’s official guidance. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, veterinarians should consult the CDC’s official resources. It is crucial to verify all details with the CDC to ensure full compliance with the regulations.
To read the official press release from the CDC, visit their website.
