How to Transport Your Dog to the USA (2026 Guide)

Published on June 19, 2025

Last updated: September 2, 2026

Planning to transport your dog to the USA? Whether you’re relocating, going on an extended stay, or reuniting with your furry companion, understanding the latest dog import requirements is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key rules, documents, and procedures you need to follow to move your dog to the United States, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, CDC paperwork, airline regulations, and more.

Looking for detailed, country-specific guidelines?
Visit our United States Pet Travel Regulations page for a complete overview.

Is Your Country High-Risk or Low-Risk for Dog Rabies?

The CDC determines your dog’s requirements based on whether their country of departure, or any country they’ve been in during the past six months, is classified as high-risk for dog rabies. This distinction affects nearly every step of the process, including whether a rabies titer test, quarantine, or entry through a specific airport is required.

The CDC maintains the current list of high-risk countries here: CDC High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies. If your dog’s departure country isn’t on that list, it’s automatically considered low-risk, and the more extensive high-risk requirements outlined below won’t apply.

Moving from a Specific Country?

Every country your dog is traveling from falls into either the CDC’s high-risk or low-risk category for dog rabies, and this classification determines nearly every step of the process ahead… Below are a few common origin countries, along with what to expect for each.

Bringing Your Dog to the USA from the UK
The UK is classified as a dog rabies-free country, so the more extensive high-risk requirements, including the rabies titer test and CDC-approved airport restrictions, do not apply. Your dog will still need a microchip, be at least 6 months old, and meet standard health certificate and CDC Dog Import Form requirements.

Bringing Your Dog to the USA from Canada
Canada shares one of the simplest paths into the U.S. Dogs coming directly from Canada, without having spent time in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, typically only need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and proof of age, no titer test or restricted port of entry involved.

Bringing Your Dog to the USA from Mexico
As a low-risk country, Mexico follows this same simplified pathway. A microchip, proof of age, and a CDC Dog Import Form receipt will usually cover it, though we still recommend confirming requirements with a pet relocation counselor if your dog has traveled through any other countries recently.

Bringing Your Dog to the USA from Germany
Germany is not on the CDC’s high-risk list, but the process has a few country-specific details worth knowing, including vaccine administration by a government-accredited veterinarian and strict document-matching rules. Our full Germany-to-USA guide walks through the checklist in order.

Bringing Your Dog to the USA from Australia
Australia is dog rabies-free, placing it in the same simplified category as the UK and Canada. The titer test and CDC-approved airport restriction don’t apply here either, though standard microchip, age, and health certificate requirements remain in place.

Bringing Your Dog to the USA from Brazil
Brazil is currently classified as high-risk for dog rabies, so additional steps apply. This includes a rabies titer test completed at a CDC-approved laboratory with the required waiting period, and entry through one of the CDC-approved airports listed above. Given the added documentation and timing involved, starting the process several months in advance is strongly recommended.

Feeling overwhelmed by the requirements for your country? Our pet relocation counselors handle this every day, request a free quote and we’ll walk you through your dog’s specific path.

Key Requirements for Bringing Dogs to the USA

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has strict regulations to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases. These requirements vary depending on whether your dog is coming from a high-risk or low-risk rabies country.

Microchip Identification

All dogs must have an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before receiving their rabies vaccination. This microchip must be scannable and match the ID on all health documents.

Rabies Vaccination

The rabies vaccination rules depend on your country of origin:

• High-Risk Rabies Countries:
  
  • The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before travel.
    
  • It must be valid at the time of travel and administered after the microchip.
• Low-Risk Rabies Countries:
  
  • Rabies vaccination is not required by the CDC, but airlines may still require it.
    
  • We strongly recommend all dogs be vaccinated to avoid travel delays.
    

Rabies Titer Test

For dogs from high-risk rabies countries, a rabies titer test (rabies serology test) is highly recommended.

• Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination.
  
• The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved laboratory and there is a 45 day waiting period after the rabies titer test.
  
• This test confirms your dog has built immunity to rabies.
  

Note: If a dog does not have a valid rabies titer result, it can still enter the USA after a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-approved facility.

Health Certificate

Dogs traveling from high-risk rabies countries must have a health certificate completed by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

• Airlines typically require this document regardless of rabies status.
• The certificate must verify that your dog is fit to fly and free from contagious diseases.

CDC Import Form (Dog Import Permit)

This form is mandatory for all dogs entering the United States.

• You must submit the form online for free.
  
• Keep the receipt and permit ready to show the airline and U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
  

Learn more about the CDC Dog Import Permit.

U.S. Dog Travel Timeline

Preparing your dog’s documents, tests, and vaccinations may take several weeks. Start early, especially if traveling from a high-risk rabies country. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Travel to the USA

Which U.S. airports can my dog arrive at?

• Low-risk rabies countries: Dogs can enter through any airport or land border crossing.
  
• High-risk rabies countries: Entry is only allowed through the following CDC-approved airports:
• • JFK (New York)
    
  • LAX (Los Angeles)
    
  • MIA (Miami)
    
  • ORD (Chicago O’Hare)
    
  • ATL (Atlanta)
  • IAH (Houston)

How old must my dog be to enter the USA?

Your dog must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry, regardless of origin country.

Are any dog breeds banned in the USA?

No. The United States does not restrict any specific dog breeds for entry.

What if my dog is coming from a country with screwworm?

If your dog is traveling from a country with screwworm, you must provide official certification from a government-authorized veterinarian. This certificate must confirm that:

• Your dog was inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to departure, and

• One of the following is true:

  • The dog is free of screwworm, or

  • The dog was previously infested, treated, and quarantined until fully cleared before travel.

Where do I get a certification for screwworm?

Contact your country’s Animal Health Competent Authority,  usually part of the national veterinary or agriculture department.

Will my dog be inspected upon arrival?

Yes. Your dog will be physically inspected at the port of entry, and all documentation will be reviewed.

How many dogs can be listed on a CDC form?

You must submit one CDC import form per dog, even if they’re traveling together.

What if my dog is coming from a country with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?

Follow these guidelines:

• Your dog’s fur and bedding must be clean and free of straw/hay.
  
• Bathe your dog immediately after arrival.
  
• Keep your dog away from livestock for at least 5 days after entering the U.S.

Do all countries need a rabies titer test to enter the USA?

No. The rabies titer test is only required for dogs traveling from high-risk rabies countries. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries typically only need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and proof of age.

Can I bring my dog to the USA without quarantine from a high-risk country?

Yes, as long as your dog has a valid rabies titer test result completed at a CDC-approved laboratory. Without a valid titer result, dogs from high-risk countries must complete a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-approved facility upon arrival.

How do I know if my country is considered high-risk or low-risk for rabies?

The CDC maintains an official list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. If your dog’s country of departure, or any country they’ve been in during the past 6 months, isn’t on that list, they’re automatically considered low-risk.

Additional Travel Considerations

Keep Original Documents Handy

Your dog’s health certificates and CDC permit act as their passport for travel, do not pack them in checked luggage.

Recommended (But Not Required) Vaccinations

To keep your dog protected during travel, we suggest:

• DHPPL+L: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
  

Check Airline Requirements

Each airline has its own pet policies, including crate dimensions, breed restrictions, and required documents. Confirm with the airline before booking your dog’s flight.

Ground Transportation:

Your dog may require ground transportation depending on their port of entry into the United States. Additional restrictions may apply within the U.S. based on your dog’s age, size, or breed, or weather embargoes. Certain routes or services may be limited accordingly.

Real Story: Transporting Dogs from Chile to the USA

Winnie and Rocky made the journey from Chile to New York with help from WorldCare Pet. Here’s what their pet parent had to say:

“I was amazed by such a wonderful service. Winnie and Rocky were very well taken care of and moved smoothly from Chile to NY… I would recommend 100% this service. All of the staff was very caring and involved in the whole process. Thank you all!!”
— Velazquez Family, Chile to U.S.

Final Thoughts: Stress-Free Dog Transport 

Moving your dog to the USA doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the proper steps and preparing early, you can ensure a safe and smooth entry into the United States.

Reaching out from outside the U.S.? While our main line, +1-866-926-8845, is a U.S. toll-free number, distance shouldn’t stand in the way of getting started. Simply request a free quote online, and a pet relocation counselor will personally call or email you to walk through your dog’s move, whichever works best for you. Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll set you up with a dedicated WhatsApp group for real-time updates throughout the journey.

Request a Free Quote for U.S. Pet Relocation Services

Our pet relocation counselors work with clients across time zones worldwide, so reaching out from outside the U.S. doesn’t mean waiting for business hours to align. We’ll schedule a consultation time that works for you.