Bringing Your Dog to the U.S.? Here’s How Rue’s Kennels at LAX Makes the Import Process Simple

Planning your spring break getaway? While you're dreaming of sandy beaches, mountain adventures, or city exploration, there's one important family member you might be wondering about: your beloved dog. Gone are the days of stressing over pet care during your vacation. Professional dog boarding isn't just an option – it's the smartest choice for both you and your four-legged companion.

A complete guide to importing dogs into the U.S. and how Rue’s Kennels at LAX makes it easy

Importing a dog into the United States is a whole process. It’s not just a matter of hopping on a plane and landing in Los Angeles with your dog in tow. There are rules—lots of them. If you’re coming from a high-risk rabies country, the CDC has a list of requirements that must be met before your dog can enter the country. If those aren’t met, your dog could be denied entry or held for quarantine. For most pet owners, that’s a nightmare scenario. But it doesn’t have to be. Rue’s Kennels at LAX is one of the few CDC-approved animal care facilities in the country, and they’re set up specifically to help you and your dog navigate this exact situation.


Here’s what to expect when importing a dog and how Rue’s Kennels makes the entire experience smoother, safer, and less stressful for everyone involved.


Let’s start with the basics. If you’re bringing a dog into the U.S. through Los Angeles International Airport, you need to follow the guidelines laid out by the CDC, USDA, and U.S. Customs. The rules vary depending on where the dog is coming from, its age, and its vaccination history. Starting August 1, 2024, new CDC regulations require that all dogs entering the U.S. be at least six months old, appear healthy upon arrival, and have a valid rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. Your dog also needs a microchip that complies with ISO standards. And if this is your dog’s first rabies vaccine, it must be given at least 28 days before travel.


One of the most overlooked steps in the process is the CDC Dog Import Form. It’s required for all dogs entering the country and has to be completed and submitted before arrival. Depending on your dog’s vaccination history and where it's coming from, you may also need a rabies serologic titer test and an import permit. It’s a lot to coordinate, and mistakes or delays in paperwork can cause major problems. That’s where Rue’s Kennels becomes more than just a holding facility—they become your logistics partner.


Rue’s Kennels at LAX works directly with veterinarians, customs agents, and government agencies to ensure that everything is in order before your dog arrives. Their team helps you gather the right documents, verify vaccination records, and get your dog scheduled for inspection or quarantine if needed. And if your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country and doesn’t have the proper paperwork, they’re also one of the few places in the U.S. allowed to conduct the mandatory 28-day quarantine.


They don’t just house dogs—they take care of them. Their facility is designed to keep pets safe, clean, and calm during what can be a stressful time. Dogs in quarantine receive regular vet checks, appropriate vaccinations, daily care, and attention. It’s not a holding pen. It’s a place built to protect your dog and give you peace of mind. You’ll get updates, and if something unexpected comes up, they’ll reach out directly to work through it with you.


But Rue’s doesn’t just serve people with complex cases. Even if your dog meets all CDC requirements and doesn’t need to quarantine, Rue’s Kennels can help with hand-carry arrivals. If you’re flying in with your pet in-cabin or as checked baggage, they can coordinate with your airline and customs officials to make the handoff smooth and compliant. They’re also equipped to receive dogs flying as manifest cargo. In every situation, they serve as your boots on the ground at LAX.


Something that sets Rue’s Kennels apart is that they’ve adapted quickly to the changes in CDC policy. A lot of facilities aren’t authorized to handle these new regulations. Rue’s is not only authorized—they’ve built their business around it. They’ve worked with pet owners, breeders, rescue organizations, and transport professionals all over the world. Whether it’s a one-time relocation or a regular shipping need, they know the process inside and out.


One of the most common reasons people get in touch with Rue’s Kennels is that they’re overwhelmed. Maybe they’ve read the CDC guidelines but still aren’t sure which category their dog falls under. Maybe they’re getting conflicting information from different agencies. Or maybe they’re just worried they’ll make a mistake that delays their dog’s entry or puts them in jeopardy. The team at Rue’s walks people through every scenario. They’ll tell you exactly what’s needed based on your specific case and country of origin. They’ll help you figure out if your dog qualifies for home quarantine, if you need to schedule CDC inspection upon arrival, or if you need to plan for the full 28-day stay at their facility.


They’re also incredibly responsive. While government sites and airline reps can be hard to reach, Rue’s Kennels offers direct phone and email contact. They even have an emergency number in case you’re traveling outside of business hours or run into an unexpected situation on the ground. That kind of accessibility makes a huge difference during an already complicated process.


Beyond the importation and quarantine services, Rue’s Kennels also offers daycare and boarding. So even if you’re a local pet owner in Los Angeles who isn’t traveling internationally, you can still take advantage of their care and facilities. Their experience with international travel and health protocols just means that your dog is in especially good hands.


The truth is, trying to handle all of this on your own can feel like a full-time job. The paperwork, the timing, the health certifications—it’s a lot. One misstep and your dog could be delayed, quarantined unexpectedly, or even sent back. But with Rue’s Kennels at LAX, you have a team that knows the regulations and works daily with these agencies. They’ve streamlined the process to give your pet the smoothest, safest transition into the U.S.


If you’re planning to import a dog through LAX, don’t wait until the last minute. Reach out to Rue’s Kennels as early as possible to start the process. They’ll walk you through every form, every test, and every option available. It’s not just about getting your dog through customs—it’s about making sure they’re healthy, comfortable, and safe every step of the way.


You can contact Rue’s Kennels at LAX by calling 310-692-0843 or emailing cdcreservation@rueskennelsatlax.com. If you’re in a time crunch or traveling outside normal hours, they also have an emergency contact at 919-619-4374. They’ve made it their mission to help pets and their people get where they’re going—without the stress and uncertainty that often comes with international travel.


So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the import process, don’t try to figure it all out on your own. Let Rue’s Kennels at LAX take the lead. Your dog deserves a smooth welcome into the U.S., and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted partner by your side.

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Traveling Internationally With Your Dog? Here’s How to Prepare for Arrival at LAX

April 27, 2025
Bringing your dog into the United States from another country can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. There are rules, paperwork, deadlines, and government agencies involved. If you’re flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you’re coming through one of the few approved entry points for dogs arriving from countries considered high-risk for rabies. That makes preparation even more important.  I work with Rue’s Kennels at LAX, a CDC-registered facility designed to help dog owners and rescue organizations navigate this process. We’ve seen just about every situation you can imagine. Some dogs arrive fully compliant and are picked up the same day. Others are missing documents or vaccinations and end up needing a full 28-day quarantine. Either way, there’s a lot you can do before travel to make sure things go smoothly when your dog lands. If you’re just starting your planning, here’s a clear look at how to get ready for international travel with your dog and what to expect when using a facility like ours at LAX. Start by checking whether the country your dog is traveling from is considered high-risk for rabies. The CDC publishes this list on their site and updates it regularly. Some of the most common high-risk countries include China, India, Russia, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic. If your country is on that list, your dog must meet additional requirements before entering the U.S. If your dog is coming from a high-risk country, here’s what you need to have in order: A valid rabies vaccination certificate that includes the date of vaccination, expiration, and the microchip number Proof that the dog is at least six months old at the time of travel A properly implanted microchip that was placed before the rabies vaccine was given A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, depending on the country A CDC Dog Import Permit if required based on your dog’s history or destination Make sure you have originals or certified copies of every document. The CDC does not accept handwritten records or anything that looks suspicious. If your dog was vaccinated too recently before travel, the vaccine might not be considered valid yet, which can lead to quarantine upon arrival. Timing matters. You’ll want to start this process at least 30 days before the travel date. If your dog needs to be revaccinated or microchipped, it needs to happen with enough time for everything to take effect. Don’t assume that paperwork from your local vet is enough. International travel has stricter standards and it’s on you to make sure your dog’s paperwork will be accepted. Once you know your dog qualifies, contact a CDC-registered facility like Rue’s Kennels to reserve space. We can help you confirm the documents, walk you through what to expect, and prepare to receive your dog once the plane lands. If something is missing when your dog arrives, the CDC may order a 28-day quarantine, which we handle in our facility just minutes from LAX. When your dog lands at LAX, we coordinate pickup and handle the customs clearance on your behalf. We transport the dog safely to our kennel and begin the intake process. If all documentation is valid, your dog may be released that same day. If there’s an issue, we provide care and follow CDC protocols while we sort out the next steps. If quarantine is needed, we manage the full 28-day process with feeding, cleaning, daily monitoring, and regular updates to you. Traveling internationally with a dog is not just about the flight. You need to plan every detail before departure. This includes booking your CDC-registered facility in advance, having all documents printed and ready, and knowing what to do in case something goes wrong. If your dog is denied entry, they may be sent back to their country of origin at your expense. This can be avoided with proper planning. If you’re flying with your dog, double-check airline requirements, too. Each airline has its own pet policy and not all international routes allow pets in cargo. Make sure your carrier is approved and that your dog’s crate meets travel standards. Give your dog time to get used to the crate before the flight, and plan for hydration and comfort during travel. We see a lot of dogs arrive tired and stressed from long flights, so anything you can do to reduce anxiety helps. One mistake we see often is travelers assuming their pet won’t need quarantine because they "look healthy" or "just got vaccinated." That’s not how the CDC works. It’s all about documentation, timing, and meeting specific criteria. If one piece is off, quarantine becomes mandatory. It’s not optional and we can’t override that decision. We also recommend preparing for the cost of pet importation. In addition to your airline fees, you’ll be responsible for vet appointments, CDC permit fees if needed, and quarantine or boarding costs if applicable. Ask about our pricing ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard. At Rue’s Kennels, we’re used to handling all the logistics. Our team is trained to manage everything from airport pickup and customs to quarantine and document submission. We stay in contact with the CDC, USDA, and Customs and Border Protection so you don’t have to juggle all of that on your own. If you’re not sure whether your dog will need quarantine or whether your documents are in order, reach out. We’re happy to review what you have and let you know what the next steps should be. It’s better to ask in advance than deal with problems after your dog has landed. International travel with a dog takes planning and precision. If you’re coming through LAX and need help making sure your dog is cleared to enter the U.S., we’re here to walk you through the process and provide the care they need. Preparing now saves time, money, and stress later. Let me know if you want to get on the schedule or if you have any questions. We’ve done this for hundreds of dogs from all over the world and are always here to help.
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