Importing a Dog into the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a crucial role in protecting America’s families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies into the United States. Dog rabies is a serious public health concern, and preventing infected dogs from entering the country is a top priority for the CDC. One of the key recommendations made by the CDC is for all dogs to be vaccinated against dog rabies to help prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

In recent years, the CDC has made some significant changes to its requirements for dogs entering the United States. The agency has taken into account feedback from various countries, industry partners, and the public to simplify the process for meeting requirements for dogs arriving from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries. This means that for dogs that have only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last 6 months, the process has been streamlined, and now only requires the completion of the CDC Dog Import Form, which should only take a few minutes to complete.

It is important to note that the requirements for importing dogs into the United States are based on the dog’s situation, particularly in relation to the countries the dog has been in within the 6 months prior to entering the U.S. If a dog has been in any high-risk countries for dog rabies within this timeframe, specific requirements must be followed to ensure the safety of the public and other animals in the country.

Failure to comply with CDC’s dog importation requirements may result in the dog not being allowed to enter the United States. Additionally, it is important to also comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) regulations and the regulations of the U.S. destination where the dog will be entering. It is crucial to be aware that dogs imported for commercial purposes may have additional requirements from the USDA that must be met.

If you have any questions or need more information about importing a dog into the United States, you can contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636 for assistance. It is important to follow all guidelines and requirements set forth by the CDC and other relevant agencies to ensure a smooth and safe importation process for your furry friend.