Summer is a great time to travel with your best furry friends! Whether you’re planning a vacation, moving, or simply traveling with your furry friend, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has added new requirements that will affect dog travel to and from the United States starting August 1, 2024. These new requirements are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both pets and people.
New Travel Requirements for Dogs Entering or Returning to the United States
Starting August 1, 2024, dogs traveling to or returning to the United States must comply with new regulations based on their travel history in the past six months and their rabies vaccination status.
Requirements for All Dogs:
- Age: Dogs must be at least six months old at the time of entry or return to the United States.
- Microchip: Dogs must have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted:
- The microchip must be implanted before any required rabies vaccination.
- The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and veterinary records.
- Health Appearance: Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival:
- Dogs cannot enter the U.S. if they are carrying a disease contagious to humans. Isolation, veterinary examination, and additional testing may be required at the importer’s expense if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.
- Import Form: Dogs must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt:
- This form should be completed online ideally 2-10 days before arrival but can be done just before travel if internet access is available. If the information on the form changes before arrival, a new form must be submitted.
- Additional Documentation: Requirements vary depending on the dog’s travel history in the past six months and its rabies vaccination status.
Special Considerations for Dogs from Canada:
- Rabies Vaccination: Dogs without rabies vaccinations may still enter the U.S. as Canada is considered a ‘low risk’ country (provided the dog has not traveled to certain high-risk countries within the past six months).
- Documentation and Microchip: Required documentation and a microchip are necessary.
- Single Entry Validity: Without a rabies vaccination, entry paperwork is valid for a single entry into the U.S. for up to 30 days. Vaccinated dogs enjoy significantly longer validity and multiple entries.
Action Steps for Pet Owners:
- Check Requirements: Visit the CDC website and use the “DogBot” tool to learn the specific requirements for your pet.
- Consult Your Veterinarian: Ensure your dog has the necessary vaccinations, microchip, and examinations.
As we adapt to these new travel regulations, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Ensuring your dog meets these requirements will help avoid any travel disruptions and keep your pet safe and healthy. Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and for taking these steps to protect your pet and the community.
