Pet import requirements for the United States

The United States at a glance

The detail

BROKER IS NOT REQUIRED UNLESS USING KLM. YES at JFK a broker is required for all pet imports. The U.S. Have the HAWB issued to ALB, BDL, BFL, BNA, BOS, BWI, and 143 other listed airports unless the airline assigns a different live-animal station.

Import requirements

AS OF AUG 1, 2024- Dogs must be 6 months of age or older and have an ISO-compatible microchip to be eligible for importation to the USA.

CATS, BIRDS, ANY AGE ALLOWED

DOGS

Check Disease Status for Country of Origin

https://cdc-786687.workflowcloud.com/forms/090dc543-7b2f-4538-b2c7-2919d12ecc73

Dogs from Low Risk or Rabies Free Countries Requirements in clude:

• The CDC Dog Import Form. You complete this form on line. It will only take a few minutes if you have the required in formation available. [Instructions](https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-in structions.html#cdc_generic_section_2-dogs-coming-from-dog-rabies-free-or-low-risk-countries)
• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.

Dogs from High-Risk Rabies Countries Requirements in clude:

• The CDC Dog Import Form receipt. You complete this form on line. It will only take a few minutes if you have the required in formation available.
• A Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form. This form is filled out by your veterinarian and endorsed by an of ficial government veterinarian.
• If not in cluded on the form above, you will also need a valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Dogs must have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility. If you do not have a valid rabies serology titer, this must in clude a 28-day quarantine reservation.
• Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them. The microchip must be implanted before getting the rabies vaccine, or else the vaccine will be in valid. The microchip number must be in cluded on all required forms and supporting documents.
• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
• Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry.
• All documents and written statements must be in English or have a certified English translation.
• A certified translation is a signed statement on professional letterhead issued by a licensed translator declaring that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document. The translation must in clude the name, address, and contact in formation of the translator and have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator license number in cluded. You can find a certified translation service provider on line.

U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries Requirements in clude:

• The CDC Dog Import Form. You complete this form on line. It will only take a few minutes if you have the required in formation available.
• A Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate: These forms are filled out by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.
• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
• Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them. The microchip must be implanted before getting the rabies vaccine, or else the vaccine will be in valid. The microchip number must be in cluded on all required forms and supporting documents.

Transition Period for US-Vaccinated Dogs in High-Risk Rabies Countries expires July 31, 2025:

• During the transition period:

• If a dog left the United States without the Certification of US-issued Rabies

Vaccination form, the form can be completed retroactively by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.

• As an alternative to the Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination, CDC will accept a USDA-endorsed export health certificate that lists the dog's age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the date of the most recent U.S. issued rabies vaccination. The form is valid for re-entry as long as the rabies vaccination has not expired.

Dogs transiting through a high-risk country as cargo don’t need U.S. entry requirements. Hand-carried or excess baggage dogs MUST meet high-risk country requirements.

Dogs transiting through the U.S. as cargo don’t need U.S. entry requirements. Hand-carried or excess baggage dogs MUST meet U.S. entry requirements.

OTHER SPECIES

USDA APHIS | Bringing a Pet INTO the U.S. From Another Country (Import)

BIRDS

USDA APHIS | Pet Travel - Bringing Five or Fewer Pet Birds into the United States

Aug 2024 -CDC Requirments for Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not regulate the import of reptiles except turtles, to rtoises, and terrapins. Please visit the CDC’s website to view the import requirements related to these animals.

Pet hedgehogs and tenrecs imported into the United States (U.S.) must meet various requirements. The requirements generally in clude a Veterinary Services (VS) import permit, an original health certificate issued or endorsed by a veterinary of ficer of the government in the foreign country your pet hedgehog or tenrec is traveling from, and an examination at the first U.S. port of entry.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) prohibits the import of any rodent of African origin, in cluding any rodents that were caught in Africa and then shipped directly to the U.S. or those shipped to other countries before being imported to the U.S. The ban also applies to rodents whose native habitat is in Africa, even if those rodents were born elsewhere.

Links for the most up to date in formation from the USDAand CDC.

Dogs Imported to the USA for commercial or resale must follow USDA requirements.

Dogs must be:

• At least 6 months (180 days) of age at the time of entry into the United States.
• Examined by a licensed veterinarian in the country of export and found to be in good health and free of in fectious disease, in ternal parasites, and external parasites.
• Vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian at least 30 days before the date of entry into the United States.
• Dogs must be at least 84 days of age at the time of vaccination.
• The vaccination must be current at the time of arrival.
• 2- and 3-year vaccinations are acceptable. However, if the expiration date of the vaccination is not available, a 1-year validity is applied.
• The 30-day wait does not apply to dogs who were previously vaccinated for rabies after at least 84 days of age without a lapse in rabies vaccination status.
• Vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis (DHLPP) within 12 months of entry into the United States.
• Accompanied by a health and rabies vaccination certificate issued in English by a veterinarian with a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the country of export.
• We recommend using the APHIS Form 7041: Live Dog Import Health and Rabies Certificate.

• The certificate must in clude: The breed, sex, age, color, and other identifying in formation for the dog (for example, name, microchip, or tattoo, if applicable). The name, manufacturer, lot number, expiration date, and validity period of the vaccinations. The veterinarian’s license number. The veterinarian must sign all certificates.
• Accompanied by a valid import permit issued by APHIS Animal Care.

Exceptions

Dogs imported for resale, research purposes, or veterinary treatment and subsequent resale are exempt from these requirements. An exemption to the age requirement exists for the import of dogs into Hawaii, as long as they are imported from the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, or Guam.

Additional Requirements

Dogs exported from countries with African swine fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), or screwworm must meet additional requirements.

[USDA APHIS | Commercial Birds](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-in formation/live-animal-imports/sa_avian/commercial-birds/ct_commercial_birds)

USDA APHIS | How to Bring Dogs into the United States for Commercial Sale or Adoption

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulates dogs imported into the United States for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption. Congress added this section to the AWA in 2008 and APHIS published specific regulations in 2014. It is the responsibility of the dog’s importer to meet all requirements before bringing the dog into the U.S.

Effective November 22, 2024, and until further notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) is temporarily suspending the importation of live animals originating from or transiting Mexico based on the confirmation of New World screwworm in cattle.

APHIS is temporarily suspending the importation of ruminants, in cluding live cattle and bison, from Mexico. An updated import alert will be issued with additional guidance once APHIS has implemented mitigations that would allow resumption of imports. Importation of bovine germplasm, sheep and goats and their germplasm, and swine and their germplasm from Mexico are already prohibited.

APHIS will allow the importation of dogs from Mexico if accompanied by a health certificate signed by a full-time, salaried SENASICA veterinary of ficial. The certificate must state that the animal has been in spected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States and the animal is either free from screwworm OR was found to be in fested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to the certificate being issued and the dog being exported to the United States.

Horses originating from or that have resided in Mexico within the 60 days immediately preceding export to the United States must complete the established import screwworm protocol. This in cludes pre-export treatment and examination, as well as treatment, examinations, and a 7- day quarantine in a permanent import quarantine facility upon arrival. Horses transiting Mexico will be required to complete screwworm mitigations upon arrival. Please note that horses that have resided in a screwworm-free country for a minimum of 7 days after residing in Mexico do not need to complete the screwworm protocol, if they are then examined by a veterinarian authorized to do so, found free of screwworm, and certification of this examination accompanies the horses upon arrival to the United States.

Specific in formation about live animal import requirements for all species regulated by APHIS VS can be found at: www.aphis.usda.gov/live-animal-import.

A list of regions APHIS recognizes as affected by screwworm can be found on the USDA APHIS Animal Health Status of Regions website.

For additional in formation about live animal imports regulated by other Agencies, please check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and/or USDA APHIS Animal Care to ensure import requirements of those agencies are met, when applicable.

The UK and the USA have agreed for the UK to carry out an Export Health certificate see link below, you do not require to fill in a form from the CDC to export there.

Export dogs to USA: certificate 8860 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Screwworm

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary of ficial of the region of origin stating:

• The dog has been in spected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and

• The dog is either free from screwworm OR

• The dog was in fested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

Foot and Mouth Disease

Dogs coming from a country that is not declared free of foot and mouth disease must meet the following requirements:

• Their fur and bedding must be 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 5 days after entering the United States.

• Dogs used in livestock handling that are imported from any part of the world except Canada, Mexico, and certain regions of Central America and the West Indies should have no evidence of tapeworm in fection.

Dogs from high-risk countries must have valid rabies vaccine, rabies titer and import permit

Destination country may have specific health requirements that must be met before your pet can enter the country. Since export requirements are determined by each country and can change frequently, every time you plan pet travel you will need to verify the export requirements. Please note that airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any.

Identification and microchip

Microchip required for all dogs.

MC or Band for birds is encouraged but not required UNLESS CITES.

Rabies and vaccinations

AUG 2024 CDC REGULATIONS

• Proof of rabies vaccination is only required for dogs traveling from High-Risk Rabies Countries.

NOT REQUIRED FOR DOGS FROM LOW RISK OR RABIES FREE COUNTRIES or ALL CATS AND OTHER SPECIES

Proof of rabies vaccination is only required for dogs traveling from High-Risk Rabies Countries. However, they must have a CDC Dog Import Form completed before arrival

If importing with a broker, then rabies vaccine & Microchip required, with proof of microchip.

NOT technically REQUIRED FOR DOGS FROM LOW RISK OR RABIES FREE COUNTRIES or ALL CATS AND OTHER SPECIES

Tests and treatments

Rabies Titer Test highly recommended for dogs traveling fromHigh-Risk Rabies Countries. The veterinarian must send the blood sample to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory.

If a Dog arriving from a High-Risk Rabies Countries does not have a valid rabies serology titer, the dog can be admitted to the U.S. after it has been quarantined for 28 days at a CDC-registered animal care facility. The quarantine period can be shortened if certain criteria are met.

Dogs traveling from screwworm-affected regions must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary of ficial stating that:

• The dog was in spected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment.
• The dog is free from screwworm OR
• If in fested, the dog was quarantined and treated until free from screwworm before export.: USDA APHIS Screwworm Import Guidelines

Only required for birds during quarantine.

However, animals must appear healthy and be parasite free.

All Birds are subject to test for HPAI either at US entry port or in quarantine.

All pet hedgehogs and tenrecs entering the United States from any country must be treated for external parasites (ectoparasites) 3–14 days before travel. This treatment must be administered by a veterinarian and documented on the required health certificate from the country of origin (see step 5 below).

Health certificate and permits

Only required for dogs from High-Risk Rabies Countries. Most airlines require a health certificate within 10 days of travel.

USDA Requirements

CDC Regulations

CDC Dog Import Form is required for all dogs entering the USA. More in formation here: [CDC Dog Import Form Instructions.](https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-in structions.html)

VS Permitting Assistant (usda.gov) – bird import

CDC Dog Import Form and Instructions - [Link](https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-in structions.html)

CITES – Import/export - 3-200-46: Import/Export/Re-Export of Personal Pets under CITES and / or the ESA | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

USDA APHIS | Importing Pet Birds - Non-U.S. Origin

Export health certificates can be found HEREhttps://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/take-pet-to-foreign-country/export-petsby entering the country of destination in the dropdown on this page.

Quarantine

pets-wildlife-unitedstates

Reserve a spot at a CDC-registered animal care facility.

All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk countrymust have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility for examination and revaccination. If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, the reservation must also in clude a 28-day quarantine.

The reservation is made by importer or owner of the dog. Before reserving a spot, you need copies of the required veterinary documents. We recommend you call the CDC-registered animal care facility before making a reservation to determine their requirements. When the dog arrives, the CDC-registered animal care facility will review the dog’s documents. If they determine the documents are not valid, CDC might not allow the dog to enter the U.S. or may require a 28-day quarantine period. If the dog is not allowed to enter the U.S., the dog will be returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense.

To reserve a spot, call the CDC-registered animal care facility at the port of entry where the dog will arrive.

What will happen to the dog at the CDC-registered animal care facility is all foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the 6 months before entering the U.S., must have the following services at a CDC-registered animal care facility:

• Examination by a veterinarian
• Revaccination with a U.S. rabies vaccine

If the veterinarian determines the dog is sick or has parasites, CDC might require additional tests or treatments. Dogs that arrive sick may be denied entry to the U.S.

If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, the dog will also need to be quarantined for 28 days at the CDC-registered animal care facility. The quarantine period can be shortened if certain criteria are met. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more in formation.

All costs at CDC-registered animal care facilities are the responsibility of the importer. These in clude examination, revaccination, and quarantine (if required). Call the CDC-registered animal care facility to determine costs based on the dog’s situation.

An animal from that have been ina high-risk country with the past 6 months, must arrive on in ternational flight directly at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility. All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where a CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation for an examination, revaccination, and quarantine (if required).

This must also be the airport listed on the* CDC Dog Import Form* receipt.

Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not allowed until after the dog receives required services at the CDC-registered animal care facility.

Restrictions and banned breeds

The following to rtoise species are prohibited from entering the United States:

• Leopard to rtoise (*Geochelone pardalis*)
• African spurred to rtoise (*Geochelone sulcata*)
• Bell's hingeback to rtoise (*Kinixys belliana*)

Prohibited Hedgehogs and Tenrecs

Hedgehogs that have been in countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease are not allowed entry into the United States. Additionally, hedgehogs and tenrecs from New Zealand are prohibited from entering the United States. View a list of countries free of (not affected with) foot-and-mouth disease.

Some States and municipalities prohibit the import of these animals, in cluding Georgia; California; Hawaii; Pennsylvania; Washington, D.C.; and all five boroughs of New York City. It's the responsibility of the importer or their representative to contact local authorities to ensure all laws are followed.

CATTLE - Effective November 22, 2024, and until further notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) is temporarily suspending the importation of live animals originating from or transiting Mexico based on the confirmation of New World screwworm in cattle.

APHIS is temporarily suspending the importation of ruminants, in cluding live cattle and bison, from Mexico. An updated import alert will be issued with additional guidance once APHIS has implemented mitigations that would allow resumption of imports. Importation of bovine germplasm, sheep and goats and their germplasm, and swine and their germplasm from Mexico are already prohibited.

APHIS will allow the importation of dogs from Mexico if accompanied by a health certificate signed by a full-time, salaried SENASICA veterinary of ficial. The certificate must state that the animal has been in spected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States and the animal is either free from screwworm OR was found to be in fested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to the certificate being issued and the dog being exported to the United States.

Horses originating from or that have resided in Mexico within the 60 days immediately preceding export to the United States must complete the established import screwworm protocol. This in cludes pre-export treatment and examination, as well as treatment, examinations, and a 7- day quarantine in a permanent import quarantine facility upon arrival. Horses transiting Mexico will be required to complete screwworm mitigations upon arrival. Please note that horses that have resided in a screwworm-free country for a minimum of 7 days after residing in Mexico do not need to complete the screwworm protocol, if they are then examined by a veterinarian authorized to do so, found free of screwworm, and certification of this examination accompanies the horses upon arrival to the United States.

Specific in formation about live animal import requirements for all species regulated by APHIS VS can be found at: www.aphis.usda.gov/live-animal-import.

A list of regions APHIS recognizes as affected by screwworm can be found on the USDA APHIS Animal Health Status of Regions website.

For additional in formation about live animal imports regulated by other Agencies, please check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and/or USDA APHIS Animal Care to ensure import requirements of those agencies are met, when applicable.

Birds- NON US origin birds can only arrive to JFK or MIA with a 30 day quarantine required.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) prohibits the import of any rodent of African origin, in cluding any rodents that were caught in Africa and then shipped directly to the U.S. or those shipped to other countries before being imported to the U.S. The ban also applies to rodents whose native habitat is in Africa, even if those rodents were born elsewhere.

Dogs exported from countries with African Swine Fever (ASF), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), or screwworm must meet additional requirements.

Customs, agents, and airports

BROKER IS NOT REQUIRED UNLESS USING KLM

YES at JFK a broker is required for all pet imports.

Airports:

• LAX, Los Angeles, CA
• JFK, New York, NY
• ATL, Atlanta, GA
• MIA, Miami, FL
• IAD, Washington DC
• PHL, Philladelphia PA
• SFO, San Francisco, CA
• SEA, Seattlle, WA
• DFW, Dallas TX
• ORD, Chicago,IL

Ground:

• Blaine WA for US/Canada imports
• Detroit, MI Ambassador Bridge

Water Port:

• Port of Los Angeles, CA
• Port of Miami, FL
• Port of New York/New Jersey
• Port of Houston, TXDogs fromor that have been in a high-risk country with in the past 6 months, must arrive on in ternational flight directly at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility. You must have a reservation prior to arrival.

Currently, CDC-registered Animal Care Facility currently only available at ATL, LAX, MIA, JFK, IAD, or PHL (CDC Link)

More planned in 2025 – several Ports under final review

BIRDS NON US ORIGIN – can only enter JFK, MIA, or IAH.

Airports listed on this destination file: ALB, BDL, BFL, BNA, BOS, BWI, CLE, CLT, ORD, DFW, HFD, JFK, LAX, MIA, MKE, MSP, PHL, SEA, SFO, STL, TPA, HOU, CMH, DAY, LGA, EWR, IAD, DCA, ATL, CHA, DEN, FAT, FLL, ABE, IND, LGB, OAK, OKC, HSV, SYR, ONT, SJC, SNA, CVG, MCO, PHX, SMF, TUS, TTN, SWF, PIE, DAL, IAH, ISP, MDW, MHT, ANC, LNS, MDT, ORH, PBI, HVN, PVD, BUR, BDR, BUF, SAT, COS, MCI, PDX, SLC, AUS, GEG, LAS, SAN, BHM, DTW, GSO, HNL, ITO, OGG, RSW, ACK, BED, EUG, RNO, RIC, RDU, TVL, GSP, CAE, BTV, CHO, HYA, ORF, PWM, TYS, MSY, NONE IN DC., JAC, IDA, CHS, SAV, SDF, PIT, MLB, JAX, ROC, LIH, ROA, MRB, FTW, AVP, DSM, FAR, FSD, MSN, BOI, PSP, LEX, MEM, MKK, KOA, BTR, ELP, ABQ, MFR, HPN, SAF, GRR, ACY, APA, FNL, EGE, CYS, LNY, TUL, ELD, KSM, LIT, ICT, SLG, JAN, OMA, LNK, RST, TEB, FAI, JNU.

Relocation

When relocating to the United States with a pet, please provide owners passport copy, visa when applicable, AWB, rabies certificate and health certificate and Import Permit if needed.

Commercial

When relocating to the United States with a commercial pet for re-sale, please provide owners passport copy, visa when applicable, AWB, rabies certificate, health certificate and APHIS import permit.

Export notes

For questions about exporting live animals, contact the [USDA office](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/accredited-veterinarians/endorsement-of fices) closest to you.

Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS)

In person endorsement services are available by appointment only. Please call or e-mail to schedule your appointment.

Endorsement services of fered via FedEx/UPS/US Mail.

Include the following items when mailing/coming in for endorsement:

• ORIGINAL health certificate or document. The health certificate MUST be completed, signed, and dated by a USDA accredited veterinarian.
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Import permit and test results (if required by importing country)
• Payment for endorsement services
• Payment types accepted: User Fee Account, check, money order, credit/debit card
• More in formation about User Fees - Charges for Health Certificate Endorsement
• Prepaid, pre-addressed return shipping label (FedEx, UPS, USPS)
• The “TO” and “FROM” name/address that of the pet owner/caretaker (whoever is on the health certificates). Return shipping labels that contain a USDA address may be rejected.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

3-200-46: Import/Export/Re-Export of Personal Pets under CITES and / or the ESA | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Other Animal Requirements

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not regulate the import of reptiles except turtles, to rtoises, and terrapins. Please visit the CDC’s website to view the import requirements related to these animals.

Pet hedgehogs and tenrecs imported into the United States (U.S.) must meet various requirements. The requirements generally in clude a Veterinary Services (VS) import permit, an original health certificate issued or endorsed by a veterinary of ficer of the government in the foreign country your pet hedgehog or tenrec is traveling from, and an examination at the first U.S. port of entry.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) prohibits the import of any rodent of African origin, in cluding any rodents that were caught in Africa and then shipped directly to the U.S. or those shipped to other countries before being imported to the U.S. The ban also applies to rodents whose native habitat is in Africa, even if those rodents were born elsewhere.

What HAS CHANGED in the CDC’s new rules effective August 1

For Rabies-Free and Low-Risk Countries

• elimination of all dog import documents and veterinarian certifications (excluding the CDC Dog Import Form which is still required)
• elimination of the requirement that *only *a USDA-accredited veterinarian can administer rabies vaccinations for import documents in the U.S.
• elimination of required veterinary records for import documents
• CDC Dog Import Form-simplification of this form, removing many of the previously required fields
• removing the single-use limitation, now can be used for multiple entries for 6 months

FOR RABIES-FREE AND LOW-RISK COUNTRIES

• Dogs can enter the U.S. from *rabies-free and low-risk countries* without any CDC import documents, only a CDC Dog Import Form needs to be submitted by the owners (for each dog) shortly before departing for the U.S.
• No*Certification of Dogs Arriving from DMRRV-free and Low-Risk Countries* documentNo requirement that *only* USDA-accredited veterinarians can administer vaccinations for dog import documents in the United States
• No confusing mix of import/export documents that can be used for dogs arriving from rabies-free and low-risk countries
• No single-entry documents and forms
• No veterinary examination and completion of dog import documents
• No of ficial government veterinarian’s certification of dog import documents
• No veterinary records required to prove that a dog has not been in a high-risk country in 6 months
• No requirement that vaccinations and dog import documents be issued *only* in the country where travel originated

Please check you final US destination local governments (State, County, City) for any additional requirements.

FOR EXPORTS TO CANADA

Starting December 4, 2024, shipments, shipments to CANADA will be turned away if they arrive without the required map document.

Note: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prohibits the movement of all live birds (in cluding pet birds) which originate from, or transit through trade restriction zones established due to detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry.

Exporters are advised to plan transit routes in advance of travel to avoid transit through restricted zones or otherwise risk delays or rejection of shipments.

Exporters MUST provide documentation to demonstrate the route of travel to Canadian border/port of ficials. This documentation must accompany the health certificate but is NOT endorsed by APHIS. The documentation must in clude:

• a map of the in tended route of transit
• a statement attesting that the consignment has not traveled a route that transited any control zone for HPAI. Example: [Insert Commodity Type, e.g. Hatching eggs] covered by certificate(s) [Insert health certificate number] will travel in a closed conveyance via the following route. To the best of my knowledge, this route does not transit any restriction areas established due to detections of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry.
• commodity being exported and certificate numbers associated with the shipment
• signature of the accredited veterinarian and date of signature

For birds traveling by air from the United States to Canada, in addition to the guidance above:

• The exporter should provide a map of their route from the place of origin to the first airport, to demonstrate that the first part of their travel does not transit through any restricted zones.
• For any layovers, rather than provide a map of the layover airport, the exporter can in clude a comment that the travel in cludes a second airport in the United States and this second airport is not located in a restricted zone.

For those needing to evaluate routes and generate maps, the Veterinary Services Trade Route Mapping Tool has been developed to support these processes. Follow the steps in the document entitled "Veterinary Services Trade Route Mapping Tool Access Guide" below to access the Trade Route Mapping Tool.

Veterinary Services Trade Route Mapping Tool Access Guide (539.44 KB) - June 2024

Official contacts

U.S. TERRITORIES: Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Midway Island, Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll as well as Baker, Howland and Jarvis Islands. CDC Office Contact:

800-CDC-INFO & Contact Form

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1600 Clifton Rd, MS E03 / Atlanta, Georgia 30333

Office: 1-800-232-4636 / 24 Hours/Every Day / cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Traveling with Pets

USDA Veterinary Services Contacts and Offices:

[- USDA Contacts and Help Line

• Finding a USDA Office to Endorse Your Export Health Certificates or to answer questions](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/service-centers-endorsement-of fices)(search by State)

Check List for Shipping Health Certificate to US Endorsement Office

USDA Animal Care: USDA Animal Care and Animal Welfare Act

US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Tel: 1-703-358-2095 / Fax: 1-703-358-2281

Website

US Customs and Border Protection:

Import & Export guidelines

Up to Date As of June 2025

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-08-19.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

Other destinations: Bermuda · British Virgin Islands · Canada · all destinations