Has the dog been in a high-risk rabies country?
Use the full decision path to determine the vaccination-document and CDC Registered Animal Care Facility requirements.
Open the CDC high-risk dog guide →Dogs entering the United States
Start with the dog’s six-month travel history.
The CDC pathway depends on whether the dog has been physically present in a country classified as high risk for dog rabies during the six months before U.S. entry.
Choose the dog pathway
Only rabies-free or low-risk countries?
Use the shorter checklist for the CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, age, health, and separate travel checks.
Open the low-risk dog checklist →Checks outside the CDC pathway
CDC clearance is only one part of the movement.
USDA disease rules
APHIS may impose requirements when a dog comes from a screwworm-affected or foot-and-mouth-disease-affected country or region.
Purpose of import
Dogs imported for resale, adoption, livestock handling, research, or another commercial purpose may follow additional rules.
Destination rules
Check the receiving state or territory. Hawaii and Guam have separate animal-entry programs.
Airline acceptance
Confirm route, aircraft, temperature, crate, booking method, and any breed restrictions directly with the operating airline.