dogs without a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC Dog Import Permit

This is the only option for persons importing 3 or more dogs into the United States.

Step 1

• Your dog must be accompanied by a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record [PDF – 1 page] upon arrival
• The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.
• Booster rabies vaccines administered after 15 months of age are valid immediately.
  

Step 2

You must make a reservation at one of the CDC-approved animal care facilities with necessary follow-up services* at your (the importer’s or owner’s) expense.

Step 3

• Your dog must arrive at the port of entry where the CDC-approved animal care facility is located. The facility will determine if the dog has a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record [PDF – 1 page] and serology titer.
• If invalid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record: dog will be denied entry.
• If valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record: CDC-approved facility will determine if the dog has a valid rabies serology titer**
• If valid titer: Each dog must be examined and re-vaccinated with a US-licensed rabies vaccine by a USDA-accredited veterinarian at the CDC-approved animal care facility upon arrival at your (the importer’s or owner’s) expense.
• If invalid titer or no titer: Each dog must have a reservation to quarantine at the CDC-approved animal care facility for 28 days after the exam and re-vaccination at your (the importer’s or owner’s) expense.

**Titer must be from an approved lab drawn at least 45 days and no more than 1 year before arrival.

Like your passport, your dog’s documents should accompany your dog while traveling. CDC recommends that you bring all of your dog’s documents with you when you travel to the United States. This includes the CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record [PDF – 1 page] and the rabies titer test result (if applicable) in addition to your dog’s CDC Dog Import Permit or proof of a reservation at an approved animal care facility.

Step 4

You must obtain a USDA Issued Live Dog Import Permit:

• Create an account in the USDA Efile system.
• In addition to the CDC’s required rabies certificate, you must also complete a Health Certificate,

using USDA Form 7041.

• Use this checklist to ensure you have everything for submittal.

Check on the USDA site for additional requirements for the country of export – i.e. screwworm, African

Swine Fever, etc.

Check on destination of state import requirements to ensure compliance.

OWNERS OF U.S. RABIES VACCINATED DOGS

Present a valid U.S.-issued rabies vaccination certificate at one of 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station.

For dogs vaccinated in the USA