Yes, you must declare a dog at the border, and as of August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the U.S. require a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs must appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, and have an ISO-compatible microchip.

What are the new rules for bringing dogs into the US?

Effective August 1, 2024, all dogs imported into the U.S. are required to: (1) Appear healthy upon arrival, (2) Be at least six months of age, (3) Have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted for identification purposes, and (4) Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt (no cost).

Can I take my dog to Mexico and bring him back in 2025?

Yes -- in most cases you can take your dog to Mexico and bring him back to the United States, but you must meet entry and re-entry requirements for health documentation, vaccinations, parasite control, and transport. Below are the essential, practical steps and considerations.

What paperwork do you need to bring a dog into the US?

To bring your dog into the U.S., you need a completed CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a microchip, proof your dog is at least 6 months old, and must appear healthy; dogs from high-risk countries need a CDC permit and potentially a USDA-endorsed health certificate, so always check CDC guidance and your airline/state rules for specifics.

What documents are required to travel with a dog?

Documentation

• Health certificates. ...
• Pregnant animals and health certificates. ...
• Rabies vaccination certification. ...
• Breed verification form. ...
• Temperature acclimation documentation. ...
• Customer acknowledgement form.

Crossing The Border With Your Dog

What does my dog need to cross the border?

CBP Offers Guidance for Dog Owners Crossing the Border

• Name and address of owner.
• Breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying information for the dog.
• Date of rabies vaccination and vaccine product information.
• Date the vaccination expires.

What documents are required for dogs when traveling?

Veterinary health certificate (Fit to fly by road/Air/Train) from any Local Registered Veterinarian. Microchip Certificate. Vaccination details of pet. Passport copy of the owner.

Can I cross the US-Canada border with my dog?

All dogs greater than 3 months of age, with the exception of assistance dogs certified as a guide, hearing or service dogs which accompany their user into Canada, must have proof of current rabies vaccination to travel to Canada.

What do I need to bring my dog back to the USA?

In accordance with the new CDC regulations for dog importation, as of August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must:

1. Appear healthy upon arrival.
2. Be at least six months of age.
3. Be microchipped.
4. Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.

How do I get a US passport for my dog?

While you may also plan for a trip to the vet before the trip, U.S. citizens must visit one certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The vet will provide the owner with the pet passport, composed primarily of all the necessary forms and devices needed for travel.

Can I bring my dog back to the US from Mexico?

All dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs coming from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries do not require any other documents, but must still meet other requirements such appearing healthy, having a microchip, and being at least 6 months of age.

How much does a pet passport cost us?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your destination's vaccination and testing requirements. How much does a pet passport cost? Costs vary by country and services but generally range from $150–$500 USD for veterinary documents and endorsements.

What is required to bring a dog into Mexico from the USA?

To take your dog to Mexico, you'll generally need proof of a current rabies vaccination, a vet-issued health certificate (often within 15 days of travel, though some sources say not needed from US), and potentially other routine vaccinations like distemper, with all documents carried in their original form, plus potential airline rules and recent screwworm concerns requiring APHIS certification if returning to the US after Mexico travel. 

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

What are the TSA rules for pets?

You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

How much does it cost to bring a dog to the US?

Airline Fees

These fees vary depending on whether your pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo. In-Cabin Travel: Small pets (usually under 20 lbs) can travel in the cabin for $100–$200 each way. Checked Baggage: Medium-sized pets may travel as checked baggage for $200–$500 each way.

Can I buy a plane seat for my dog?

Yes, some airlines allow you to buy an extra seat for your dog, but it's not the norm, and rules vary; usually, it's for small dogs in carriers that fit on the seat or larger dogs that must stay leashed on the floor, with JSX being a notable exception that lets bigger dogs sit next to you, while many major carriers only permit pets in carriers under the seat in front, even with an extra ticket.

Why do dogs lick you?

Dogs lick you for a mix of instinct, affection, communication, and sensory exploration, often because it feels good (releasing endorphins), tastes salty, or is a learned behavior for attention, mimicking motherly care, showing submission, or expressing empathy like when comforting you. It's a complex canine behavior that can mean "I love you," "pay attention to me," or "you taste interesting".
 

What documents does a dog need to cross the border?

To cross the U.S. border with your dog, you need the CDC Dog Import Form (receipt) for all entries, but requirements vary by country: dogs from low-risk areas need only this form (plus health/microchip), while those from high-risk countries need a veterinarian-completed Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination, often a titer test, and potentially a quarantine reservation. You must fill the online form before travel, get a receipt, and present it to officials and airlines, showing your dog is healthy, microchipped (if high-risk), and at least 6 months old.

Should I declare everything at the border?

All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise. Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk.

What are the requirements to bring a dog to the US?

Vaccinations Needed To Bring A Dog/Cat To The US

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt – can be submitted here.
• Rabies antibody test.
• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form – you can find the certificate here.

What are the new rules for traveling with pets?

You may need to show your pet's animal health certificate or a valid pet passport, containing proof of their:

• microchip.
• rabies vaccination.
• tapeworm treatment (if required)

Does TSA check pet health certificates?

Does TSA Require Pet Health Certificates? No, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a health certificate for pets to go through security. However, airlines and state authorities may require one, depending on the travel destination.

What papers do you need to travel with a dog?

Certification Requirements

However, most countries require that your pet be checked by a federally-accredited veterinarian and that a United States Interstate and International Certificate for Health Examination for Small Animals (7001 USDA-APHIS Form ) be issued by that veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.

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