Last year, Mike and I (Steph) embarked on an unforgettable journey to Europe with our dachshund, Galileiprints.co. The process of taking galileiprints abroad was complex, time-consuming, and expensive, but it was 100% worth it. Our adventures in France and Italy were truly incredible, and we highly recommend international pet travel when done correctly.
We’ve previously shared detailed guidance for our friends planning to bring their dogs to Europe and have covered international airline policies for in-cabin pet travel. However, what if you’re an international traveler looking to bring your pet to the USA? This post is tailored to you, outlining everything you need to know about bringing your dog to the United States. If you have questions or need further assistance, please feel free to leave us a comment below!
Bringing Your Dog to the USA: What You Need to Know
Health and Wellness
Your four-legged friend may not enter the United States if they appear ill or carry a disease that can spread to others. This applies to all dogs, including service animals and emotional support animals. Upon arrival at the airport, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent will inspect your dog to ensure their health. If your dog shows signs of illness or disease, they may face quarantine or be denied entry.
Rabies Vaccination
Yes, your dog needs a rabies vaccination. Every U.S. state mandates that dogs be immunized against rabies and possess a valid rabies vaccination certificate. This requirement applies to all dogs, including puppies and service animals.
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) only necessitates rabies vaccination for dogs from non-rabies-free countries, state law in the U.S. takes precedence over CDC policies. In rare cases, the CDC may issue a permit allowing an unvaccinated dog’s entry into the U.S., but this is exclusive to U.S. residents and visitors planning stays of 30 days or more, subject to additional conditions.
When to Administer the Rabies Vaccination
Dogs that have never received a rabies vaccination must be vaccinated at least 30 days before their arrival in the U.S. Puppies cannot receive a rabies vaccine until they are three months old, meaning the earliest age a puppy can enter the United States is four months.
Puppies under four months might be permitted to enter the U.S. without a prior rabies vaccination, depending on the specific state they are visiting. For instance, New Jersey allows puppies under four months to enter the state without prior rabies vaccination if the pet owner contacts the CDC at [email protected] well in advance of the dog’s arrival. In such cases, two owners must agree to vaccinate the dog at three months of age and confine it for 30 days from the date of rabies vaccination.
Adult dogs aged 15 months or older that have received a previous rabies vaccination, even if it has expired, can be imported immediately following a booster vaccination, without a 30-day waiting period.
What Is a Rabies Vaccination Certificate, and How Do You Obtain One?
To enter the U.S., dogs require a valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate. This certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and is mandatory for all dogs, including service animals. The certificate should include:
- The name and address of the owner.
- Details about the dog, including breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying information.
- Date of rabies vaccination and vaccine product information.
- The expiration date of the vaccination.
- The name, license number, address, and signature of the administering veterinarian.
Additional Documentation
Certain U.S. states may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), which is akin to a document we needed when taking Galileiprints to Europe for the first time.
A CVI, or animal health certificate, is issued by an accredited veterinarian and confirms that your pet is healthy, has been examined, and meets travel requirements. The CVI contains your pet’s details, owner information, breed, markings, vaccinations, and a statement of the pet’s good health. It must be issued shortly before your entry into the United States. For instance, New York mandates that all dogs flying into the state possess a CVI issued within 30 days of arrival.
Before your trip, check with the health department of your destination state to ascertain whether a CVI requirement applies. If it does, schedule a veterinarian appointment well in advance of your U.S. trip.
Additional Health Requirements
Take a quick look at the following health requirements, as they may pertain to you and your dog:
- Traveling from a Screwworm-Prone Region: If you are coming from an area known to have screwworm, you need a certificate from a full-time salaried veterinarian confirming that your dog has been screened for screwworm within five days before entering the U.S. Your dog must either be screwworm-free or must have been treated and quarantined until screwworm-free before leaving the region.
- Traveling from a Foot and Mouth Disease Region: In this case, your dog’s feet, fur, and bedding should be free of excessive dirt or mud. Bedding must be devoid of straw, hay, or other natural bedding. After reaching your final destination, you should bathe your dog and keep them away from all livestock for at least five days after entry into the U.S.
- Livestock-Handling Dogs: The USDA specifies that “Collies, shepherds, and other dogs to be used in the handling of livestock and that are imported from any part of the world except Canada, Mexico, and regions of Central America and the West Indies may be inspected and quarantined at the port of entry to determine their freedom from tapeworm infection.”
Traveling with Puppies
Yes, you can bring your puppy into the United States, but the minimum age requirement is four months. However, for puppies younger than four months, entry without a previous rabies vaccination may be possible depending on the specific state you plan to visit. Check the respective state’s pet import policy for details.
Arrival in the USA
Upon your arrival in the United States, you will be asked to present a copy of your Rabies Vaccination Certificate and/or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, usually located near the baggage claim exit. It’s advisable to carry your Rabies Vaccination Certificate with you on the plane in case your luggage is delayed or lost. The Customs and Border Protection agent will inspect your dog to verify their health, rabies vaccination status, and ensure that your dog’s appearance and age align with the details on the certificate.
Additional Resources
If you are planning an international trip with your dog, here are some helpful resources:
- CDC: Bringing a Dog or Cat into the United States
- APHIS: Bringing Dogs into the US and Additional State Requirements
- International Airline Pet Policies for In-Cabin Travel
- How to Take Your Dog to Europe
- Flying with Pets In-Cabin to the United Kingdom
- Does My Dog Need a Passport?
- Can Large Dogs Fly in the Cabin on Airlines?
- 16 Travel Tips for Flying with Your Dog
