Official Import Rules
Since August 2024 the CDC requires every dog entering the US to appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, be microchipped, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt completed online before travel. Dogs arriving from countries the CDC classifies as high-risk for dog rabies face additional requirements: proof of valid rabies vaccination (US-issued or foreign with serology), and in some cases arrival at a port with a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
No federal breed ban for import, but breed-specific legislation exists at city/county level (pit bull restrictions in some jurisdictions such as parts of Iowa and Missouri) and some states regulate 'dangerous dog' designations. Check the destination city, not just the country.
Muzzle & leash laws
No federal requirement; local leash laws apply almost everywhere.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
US carriers typically allow small dogs in-cabin domestically and on many international routes (carrier must fit under the seat; ~20 lb practical limit). Snub-nosed breeds are widely embargoed from cargo.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
No routine quarantine for compliant dogs (Hawaii and Guam operate their own rabies-quarantine programmes with titer-based direct release options).
City & Housing Notes
New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland are among the most dog-friendly US cities with abundant pet-friendly apartments (most landlords accept dogs with a deposit), excellent veterinary care, and numerous pet supply stores. Many US apartments charge a pet deposit ($200–500) and monthly pet rent ($25–50). Websites like Apartments.com and Zillow allow filtering for pet-friendly rentals.
Vets & Health After Arrival
The US has world-class veterinary care available in every major city. For international travel health certificates, you need a USDA-accredited veterinarian (find one at the USDA APHIS website). Emergency 24-hour clinics are available in most metro areas. Common parasites include fleas, ticks (particularly in the Southeast), heartworm, and roundworm. Year-round flea/tick prevention is recommended.
Leaving United States With Your Dog
Leaving the US, requirements depend entirely on the destination; USDA APHIS endorsement of health certificates is done via the VEHCS portal.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDC Dog Import Form?
A free online form you complete before travel — you receive a receipt by email that airlines and border officers check. It's required for every dog entering the US, even returning US dogs, and is valid for multiple entries for six months.
My dog is under 6 months — can it enter the US?
No. The CDC minimum age is 6 months with no exceptions, because rabies vaccination validity can't be established earlier. Plan travel dates around this.
Which countries count as high-risk?
The CDC maintains a published list of countries it considers high-risk for dog rabies. If your dog has been in one of those countries in the previous 6 months, the extra vaccination and port-of-entry rules apply.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.