Bringing a Dog into the U.S.

At a glance

If you are bringing a dog to the U.S., starting on August 1, 2024, there are new steps you need to take. These steps depend on where your dog has been in the past 6 months.

Dogs looking at the camera

Background

ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø strives to protect America’s families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies into the United States. Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority. ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø recommends all dogs be vaccinated against dog rabies.

Recent Changes

ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø values the feedback received from various countries, industry partners, and the public. ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø simplified the process for meeting requirements for dogs arriving from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries. This means that for dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last 6 months, the one form you will need is the ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Dog Import Form, which should take a few minutes to complete.

Requirements are based on your dog's situation

What countries are high risk?‎

Review the list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. If your dog has been in any of these countries within the 6 months before arriving to the U.S., follow the requirements for dogs from high-risk countries.

In the 6 months prior to entering the U.S., your dog has been

ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last 6 months
In ANY high-risk countries in the last 6 months
In ANY high-risk country and is NOT vaccinated
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 ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø’s dog importation requirements*, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.

*In addition, you must comply with . Please be aware that dogs imported for commercial (resale) purposes have .

Questions?‎

If you have questions or need more information, please contact ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø-INFO at (800) 232-4636.