Before detailing the special requirements for high-risk countries, it is important to understand the general CDC requirements for dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries.

Main general requirements

1. CDC Dog import form
   • If the dog has been exclusively in rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months prior to travel, the only documentation required is the CDC Dog Import Form.
   • The form is completed online, and upon submission, you will receive a receipt that you can print or display on your phone.
   • This receipt is valid for 6 months, as long as the dog does not visit a high-risk country.
   • If you travel frequently between low-risk countries (for example, the U.S. and Canada), the same form can be used as long as its validity period is not exceeded.
2. Dog condition upon arrival
   • The dog must appear healthy upon arrival.
   • Must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or return.
   • Must have a microchip detectable by a universal scanner, and that number must be reflected on the documents.
3. Permitted point of entry
   • If the dog is coming from a rabies-free or low-risk country, it may enter through any U.S. airport, port, or land crossing.

Requirements for Traveling to the U.S. with Dogs from High-Risk Canine Rabies Countries

When the country of origin is considered high-risk for canine rabies, the following additional requirements apply to those already mentioned:

1. Microchip
   • The dog must have a microchip readable by a universal scanner.
   • The microchip number must appear on all travel-related forms and certificates.
2. Rabies vaccination
   Depending on whether the vaccination was performed within the U.S. or abroad:
   • If your dog was vaccinated in the U.S.
     • You must present a valid U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination Certificate.
     • That certificate must be linked to the microchip number.
     • The microchip number must also appear on the dog's import forms.
   • If your dog was vaccinated abroad
     • An import permit must be processed with the CDC for dogs arriving from high-risk countries.
     • You must have a confirmed reservation and email confirmation from a CDC-approved Animal Care Facility (ACF) at one of the authorized airports.
     • Upon arrival, the dog may be evaluated at the ACF to validate documents, vaccinations, microchip, and health status.
     • The information (microchip, reservation, ACF confirmation) must match exactly.
3. Airports authorized for dogs from High-Risk canine rabies countries
   Dogs may only enter through the following CDC-approved airports:

4. Risk of rejection
   • If the dog does not meet the requirements, it may be rejected at the border or returned to the country of origin.
   • It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that all documentation is complete, legible, and consistent before travel.