Bringing a Dog into the U.S.: New Regulations Starting August 1, 2024

Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Dogs Vets

Starting August 1, 2024, there are new regulations for bringing dogs into the U.S. These steps depend on where your dog has been in the past six months.

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to protect families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies into the U.S. Vaccinating all dogs against rabies is a crucial public health measure recommended by the CDC.

Recent Changes

The CDC has streamlined the process based on feedback from various countries, industry partners, and the public. For dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries, only the CDC Dog Import Form is required. This form is quick to complete, making the process simpler for owners.

New Requirements Starting August 1, 2024

The requirements for bringing a dog into the U.S. vary depending on the dog’s travel history in the past six months:

1. Review High-Risk Countries: Check the list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. If your dog has been in any of these countries in the past six months, follow the high-risk country requirements.
2. Dogs from Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries: If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries for the past six months, you only need to complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
3. Dogs from High-Risk Countries: There are separate requirements based on the dog’s vaccination status:
   • U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries: Follow the specific entry requirements for these dogs.
   • Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries: Follow the specific entry requirements for these dogs.
   • Unvaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries: Dogs that are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in high-risk countries in the past six months will not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Updates to CDC’s August 1 dog importation rule: If you are bringing a dog into the US from a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, you now only need to fill out the simple CDC Dog Import Form. Read the full requirements: https://t.co/v2cY37L0y7 pic.twitter.com/vpPNzT96w5

— CDC (@CDCgov) July 22, 2024

Dogs Arriving Before August 1, 2024

For dogs arriving in the U.S. before August 1, 2024, follow the CDC’s current dog importation requirements. Additionally, comply with the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) regulations and the regulations of your U.S. destination. Note that dogs imported for commercial purposes (resale) have additional USDA requirements.

For more details, visit the CDC Dog Importation Requirements.