As of August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the U.S. (including from Canada or Mexico) must be at least 6 months old, appear healthy, have an ISO-compatible microchip, and be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. A valid, signed rabies vaccination certificate is required, with additional, stricter documentation needed for dogs from high-risk countries.

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.

What are the new rules for crossing the border with dogs?

Comments Section The rules are changing as of August 1. As of Aug 1, dogs crossing into the US must: Appear healthy upon arrival; Be at least six months of age; Be microchipped; and Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt. What's the current rule?

What documents are needed to travel with a dog?

You need your dog's USDA-endorsed health certificate, and his rabies vaccination certificate - and make sure the rabies certificate has been signed by the vet that gave the vaccination AND that it includes the dog's microchip number. I always recommend having extra copies of both, just in case.

What is required to bring a dog into the US?

To bring your dog into the USA, you'll need the following documents: Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. This certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and include details such as the date of vaccination, vaccine manufacturer, and vaccine lot number.

Crossing The Border With Your Dog

How to bring a dog from Vietnam to the US?

Before entering the USA your pet must have:

1. Microchip.
2. Vaccinations against Rabies and core dog vaccine.
3. Rabies Titer test for dogs.
4. Import Permit for dogs.
5. Parasite Treatment.
6. Screwworm Certificate.
7. Veterinary Health Certificate.
8. Government International Health Certificate to fly.

Can I bring my dog with me to the USA?

Your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months. You must follow CDC's dog importation requirements*, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.

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.

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)

How much is a travel certificate for a dog?

The cost of these requirements can vary depending on your pet's age, health, and vaccination status. On average, pet owners can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for these preliminary veterinary requirements.

What are the requirements to take a dog out of the country?

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.

What does my dog need to travel to America?

Your pet must have an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 compliant microchip. The chip must be scanned before any vaccination is given. Rabies vaccination must be valid and given within the timeframe set by US authorities. Some US states require the rabies shot to be between 30 days and one year old before entry.

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

Yes, as long as your dog is healthy. Mexico doesn't require health certificates for dogs crossing the border anymore (they used to before 2019). ¹ However, your pet will still get inspected by SENASICA (Mexico's agricultural inspection service) when you arrive.

What are the new rules for crossing the US border with dogs?

At a glance

• 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.

Why do I need a health certificate for my pet?

For example, there is no requirement for pets to have a health certificate to enter into California. Instead, the owner needs to provide proof of current rabies vaccination only. However, in other states, pets are required to have a valid health certificate in order to cross state lines.

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.

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 is the process for traveling with pets?

For Domestic travel:

• Document/pet passport with an up-to-date record of vaccinations.
• Valid health and rabies vaccination certificate (duly signed and stamped) by a registered veterinarian.
• Health certificate stating that the pet is fit to travel by air.

Does my dog need a passport?

Taking a pet abroad

Many countries have strict rules or bans on bringing pets into their country. Your pet does not need a U.S. passport. However, you may be required to obtain formal documentation to enter or remain in the foreign country with your pet.

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.

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 certificate does a dog need to fly?

California Entry Requirements for Dogs

Effective January 1, 2025, per SB 312, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, for all dogs imported into California for the purpose of sale, resale, adoption, or any other change of ownership.

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.

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.

Do dogs need to quarantine when entering the USA?

Most US states and territories do not require quarantine for dogs and cats coming from other countries, provided other health, and veterinary conditions are met. However, Hawaii and Guam are rabies-free territories and have quarantine requirements for pet dogs and cats entering the territories.

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