New rules regarding the entry of dogs into the US went into effect on August 1, 2024, aimed at preventing the reintroduction of canine rabies. These changes, introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are expected to impact thousands of travelers flying with their pets. With an estimated 700,000 dogs imported into the US annually, the new guidelines apply to dogs arriving from both low-risk and high-risk rabies countries.
Determining Rabies Risk
The first step for travelers bringing dogs into the US is to determine whether the country they are traveling from is considered low-risk or high-risk for rabies. The CDC provides a list of countries classified according to their rabies risk. Depending on the country’s risk level, different documentation and requirements will apply.
Traveling from Low-Risk and No-Rabies Countries
For travelers coming from low-risk or rabies-free countries, the process is fairly straightforward. These travelers only need to fill out the CDC dog import form. This form is simple and can be completed by the traveler themselves. It’s recommended to complete the form a few days to several months before travel to avoid any last-minute issues. The form is valid for six months and can be used multiple times during that period, provided the dog doesn’t travel to a high-risk country.
Using the CDC Dog Import Form
Once the form is completed, it can either be shown digitally or printed for customs officials and airline employees upon arrival. Each dog entering the US must have its own form. Unlike previous rules, which required proof of rabies vaccination or a health certificate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the new system is designed to simplify entry for dogs from low-risk countries.
Health and Microchip Requirements
In addition to the new form, there are a few health-related requirements that must be met. All dogs must appear healthy, be at least six months old, and have a microchip that can be recognized by universal scanners. As long as these conditions are met, dogs are allowed to enter the US through any airport, seaport, or border crossing.
Traveling from High-Risk Countries
For dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries, the process becomes more complex. Dogs that were vaccinated for rabies in the US need a certification of US-issued rabies vaccination or, during a transition period until July 2025, a USDA-endorsed health certificate. After July 2025, only the rabies vaccination certification will be accepted. Travelers will need to ensure that their vet is USDA-endorsed to avoid complications.
Microchip and Photo Requirements for High-Risk Countries
Another important aspect of the new rules for high-risk countries is the requirement for a microchip, which must have been implanted before the dog received its rabies vaccine. The CDC dog import form for dogs from high-risk countries must also include a clear photo of the dog’s face and body. For younger dogs, under one year of age, the photo must be taken within 15 days of travel. Each dog needs a separate form for each trip, and the form cannot be reused for future travels.
Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
If a dog was vaccinated outside of the US, there are additional steps. These dogs must have a foreign rabies vaccination certificate, a rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved lab (if not included with the certificate), and a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility. If the dog does not have a valid rabies titer report, it will need to stay in quarantine at the facility for 28 days to ensure it is rabies-free before being allowed into the US.
Service Dogs Exception
There are a few exceptions to the rules, particularly for service dogs. Service dogs, but not emotional support animals, may be able to bypass the CDC facility process. If they are traveling by sea with their owner, they do not need to make an appointment with a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Approved Airports for High-Risk Countries
Dogs arriving from high-risk countries must enter the US through one of only six approved airports:
- Los Angeles (LAX),
- Atlanta (ATL),
- Miami (MIA),
- New York (JFK),
- Philadelphia (PHL), or
- Washington Dulles (IAD).
Previously, there were 18 airports approved for dog arrivals, but that number has now been reduced to six. This change means that travelers from high-risk countries will need to plan their trips carefully, ensuring they arrive at one of these designated airports.
Airline Policies for Pet Travel
The new rules may also vary depending on the airline, so it is important for travelers to check the policies of their airline before booking a flight. Some airlines may only allow dogs from high-risk countries to travel in cargo, while others might have additional documentation requirements. It’s essential to confirm these details with the airline ahead of time to avoid issues on the day of travel.
Preparing for Travel with Dogs
Overall, the new CDC dog import rules are designed to prevent the reintroduction of rabies into the US while simplifying the process for travelers from low-risk countries. However, the requirements for dogs from high-risk countries are more stringent, and travelers need to plan well in advance to ensure their dogs meet all the conditions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Travelers should also be aware that any mistakes or missing documentation could result in hefty fees or, in the worst case, their pets being refused entry and returned to the country of origin. To avoid these problems, careful planning and attention to detail are crucial for anyone traveling with a dog to the US.
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