What Do I Need to Take My Dog to the USA? (2026 Entry Checklist)

Published on January 5, 2026

To bring a dog into the United States, you must meet CDC dog import requirements based on where your dog has been in the last 6 months. Most dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, and dogs with recent travel to high-risk rabies countries need additional rabies documentation and may need extra steps. USDA APHIS may also require precautions if the dog is coming from certain foot-and-mouth disease or screwworm-affected countries, and some states have additional entry rules.

Step 1: Check where your dog has been in the last 6 months (this changes everything)

The CDC’s entry rules depend on whether your dog has been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries or has been in any high-risk rabies country during the past 6 months.

If your dog has been ONLY in rabies-free or low-risk countries (past 6 months)

You generally need:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt (required starting Aug 1, 2024)
  
• Your dog must meet CDC baseline expectations like minimum age and being healthy on arrival (CDC outlines these requirements as part of entry eligibility)
  

Tip: CDC notes that only high-risk countries are listed, if a country is not on the high-risk list, it is considered dog rabies-free or low-risk.

If your dog has been in ANY high-risk rabies country (past 6 months)

Your dog needs additional CDC requirements based on whether they are U.S.-vaccinated or foreign-vaccinated. Also, a dog that is not vaccinated against rabies and has been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months will not be allowed to enter the U.S. 

Step 2: Complete the CDC Dog Import Form (most common requirement)

Starting August 1, 2024, the CDC Dog Import Form is required to bring your dog into the U.S.

What to do:

1. Fill out the CDC Dog Import Form online.
   
2. Save the receipt.

Step 3: If applicable, prepare rabies documentation (high-risk travel scenarios)

If your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, CDC requires additional proof and steps.

For U.S.-vaccinated dogs coming from high-risk countries

CDC lists these requirements, including:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt, and
  
• A Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form endorsed by USDA
  • The CDC notes the certification of U.S. issued rabies vaccination forms may no longer be retroactively issued after a dog has departed from the United States.
    

Tip: Work with your veterinarian early if you have high-risk country travel history so you have time for endorsements and any timing rules.

Step 4: Check USDA APHIS rules (only in specific cases)

The CDC is the primary authority for importing pet dogs into the U.S., but USDA APHIS Veterinary Services has requirements ONLY if your dog is coming from certain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) or screwworm-affected countries.

Step 5: Confirm state entry rules and inspection expectations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection notes that importing pets may be subject to state or municipality veterinary health regulations, in addition to federal requirements.

Check the rules for your destination state (and any stopover states if you are driving after arrival).

Step 6: Airline and crate compliance 

Even when your documents are perfect, airlines can deny travel if the crate or booking type is not compliant.

Basic best practices (airline and IATA-aligned)

• Use an airline-accepted, secure, escape-proof crate and follow ventilation rules.
• Follow live animal handling guidance and container requirements where applicable.
  

Pro tip for pet parents: Confirm your airline’s pet policy for your exact routing (in-cabin vs checked vs manifest cargo), because requirements can differ by aircraft type, season, and destination.

USA Dog Import Checklist

Bring this to the airport:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt
  
• Rabies documentation if high-risk country history applies (U.S.-vaccinated vs foreign-vaccinated rules) 
• Any USDA APHIS items if arriving from FMD or screwworm-affected countries
  
• Airline booking confirmation and pet reservation details
  
• Crate that meets airline and live animal container requirements

FAQ – Moving a Dog to the United States

Do I need a health certificate to bring my dog to the USA?

It depends on your route and risk category. The CDC is the primary authority for dog import requirements, and requirements vary based on where your dog has been in the last 6 months. Some scenarios also involve USDA-endorsed rabies certification for U.S.-vaccinated dogs returning from high-risk countries.

What is the CDC Dog Import Form and who needs it?

The CDC Dog Import Form is an online form with a receipt that is required for dogs entering the U.S. starting Aug 1, 2024.

Can my dog enter the U.S. if not vaccinated for rabies?

If your dog has been in a high-risk rabies country within the last 6 months and is not vaccinated, CDC says the dog will not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Do U.S. states have extra rules for dogs entering?

They can. Pets may be subject to state and local veterinary health regulations, in addition to federal rules.

 

Need help transporting your dog to the USA? Let WorldCare Pet assist! Visit our Request a Free Quote page today.