CDC Dog Import Rule: Dogs from Rabies High-Risk Countries

As a leading pet shipping company based in California, Transcon Pet Movers is dedicated to ensuring the safe and smooth relocation of your beloved pets. With the new CDC dog import regulations coming into effect on August 1, 2024, we want to provide you with a comprehensive overview of how these changes will impact the importation of dogs from rabies high-risk countries such as India, China, Nigeria, and Brazil.

In this post, we assume the following:

• You want to move a dog from a high-risk country to the U.S.
• One of these conditions is true:
  • The dog has never been in the U.S. before.
  • The dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination expired while overseas.

FAQs

What is a high-risk country for dog rabies?

The CDC classifies 111 countries and political units as high-risk for dog rabies (CDC’s list). This list includes some of the world’s largest countries, such as India, China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Nigeria, and Brazil. These countries collectively account for approximately 75% of the world’s population. If your dog has been to any of these countries in the past six months, it will be considered as coming from a high-risk country.

Where can dogs from rabies high-risk countries enter the U.S.?

According to the new regulations, dogs from rabies high-risk countries must have an exam reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility. When the rule took effect in 2024, only six U.S. airports had such facilities: Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington D.C. (IAD). Eight U.S. airports have CDC-registered animal care facilities: those six plus Dallas (DFW) and Seattle (SEA, cargo-only reservations) (CDC’s list of registered animal care facilities). Your dog must arrive at the airport where your facility is located. If your dog is arriving in Los Angeles or New York, see our pages on pet shipping from Los Angeles and New York City.

Is rabies titers test required?

A rabies titers test is required to avoid a mandatory 28-day quarantine upon the dog’s arrival. We highly recommend it (see our guide to the rabies titer test for pet travel). Specifically, the dog must have a valid rabies serologic titer from a CDC-approved laboratory, collected 1) at least 28 days before entry to the U.S. and 2) at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination.

What will happen after the dog enters the U.S.?

Once the dog arrives in the U.S., it will be transported to a CDC-registered animal care facility for an examination by a veterinarian. If all goes well, the veterinarian will administer a rabies booster vaccine and release the dog. You can then pick up the dog at the animal care facility or arrange for delivery to your location. However, if the dog’s documentation is invalid, or its age or microchip number cannot be verified, the dog will be sent back to its country of origin. If any signs of disease are detected, the dog will undergo further testing and may be subject to quarantine.

How long does the examination take?

Based on our experience, if your dog is healthy and all documents are in order, you can expect the process to take at least a few hours if you arrive during regular business hours. If you arrive at night or during holidays, the process may take up to a day or two to complete.

Should I book a ticket for a connecting flight?

If you are traveling with your dog, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take your dog on a connecting flight due to the dog’s vet appointment. However, a professional pet shipper, such as Transcon Pet Movers, can assist with your dog’s domestic transportation. Feel free to contact us if you need advice or assistance.

How much does the exam cost?

Each animal care facility sets its own prices. As a rough estimate, expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the exam. If your flight arrives late in the day or on weekends, additional charges may apply. Quarantine typically costs around $100 per day. A 28-day quarantine package—required if the dog doesn’t have a valid rabies titers test—generally costs $2,500 or more.

Do the new CDC import rules apply to cats?

No. They are for dogs only.

Understanding the New CDC Dog Import Rule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its dog importation regulations to protect public health and prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies into the United States. The new rules, effective from August 1, 2024, include several key requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from high-risk countries:

• Health and Age Requirements:
  • All dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
  • Dogs must be at least six months old.
• Microchipping:
  • Dogs must have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted for identification purposes.
• Documentation:
  • Dogs must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.
  • Additional documentation is required based on the dog’s vaccination status and country of origin.
• Rabies Vaccination:
  • Dogs from high-risk countries must be vaccinated against rabies. If vaccinated in the U.S., they must have a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form.

Specific Requirements for High-Risk Countries

For dogs that have been in high-risk countries within the last six months, the following additional requirements apply:

• Entry Points:

  • Dogs must enter the U.S. through one of eight designated airports with a CDC port health station and a CDC-registered animal care facility (see list below).

• Rabies Titer Test:

  • Dogs must have a valid rabies serologic titer from a CDC-approved laboratory, collected 1) at least 28 days before entry to the U.S., and 2) at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination.
  • If the dog does not have a valid rabies serologic titer, it will face a mandatory 28 day quarantine after entering the U.S.

• Animal Care Facility Reservation:

  • Dogs must have a reservation for examination and revaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility. Eight airports have CDC-registered animal care facilities (CDC’s list of registered animal care facilities):
    • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
    • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
    • Miami International Airport (MIA)
    • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
    • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
    • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
    • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
    • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), cargo-only reservations
  • At the animal care facility, the dog will 1) receive a health exam, 2) has its age, documents and microchip number verified, and 3) receive a rabies booster vaccination.
    • If documents are not valid, or if the dog’s age and microchip number does not match its paperwork, the dog may be denied entry and returned to its origin country at the importer’s expense.
    • If the dog has evidence of illness, additional testing and quarantine will be required.

How Transcon Pet Movers Can Help

• Consultation and Planning:
  • We offer personalized consultations to help you understand the specific requirements for your pet based on their travel history and vaccination status.
• Documentation Assistance:
  • Our experts will guide you through the process of obtaining and completing all necessary documentation, including the CDC Dog Import Form and rabies vaccination certificates.
• Microchipping and Health Checks:
  • We can arrange for ISO-compatible microchipping and health checks to ensure your dog meets all entry requirements.
• Rabies Titer Testing:
  • We will coordinate the collection and submission of rabies titer tests to CDC-approved laboratories, ensuring timely results.
• Animal Care Facility Reservations:
  • If required, we will secure reservations at CDC-registered animal care facilities and manage all logistics related to your pet’s stay.

Preparing for the Transition

The regulations are in force, so start preparing early. Here are some steps you can take now:

• Check Your Dog’s Vaccination Status:
  • Ensure your dog’s rabies vaccination is up-to-date and obtain the necessary certification from your veterinarian. Read why a 3-year rabies vaccination can be considered expired for pet travel.
• Plan Your Travel Dates:
  • Coordinate your travel plans to align with the new entry requirements and ensure all documentation is in order.
• Contact Transcon Pet Movers:
  • Reach out to us for a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of the new regulations.

Conclusion

The updated CDC dog import regulations are designed to protect public health and prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies into the United States. While these changes may seem challenging, Transcon Pet Movers is here to support you and your furry friends through the transition.

Related reading: International Pet Shipping from the USA: A 9-Step Guide, How to get an international health certificate for pet travel

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