CDC Dog Import Requirements 2025: Complete Guide to New Regulations

The CDC implemented significant changes to dog import rules in August 2024. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about bringing your dog into the United States in 2025.

Key Changes You Need to Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overhauled dog import regulations to better protect against rabies introduction. These rules affect all dogs entering the United States, regardless of where they've been.

Major updates include:

New vaccination timing requirements
Country-specific documentation tiers
Mandatory USDA endorsement for many countries
Expanded microchip requirements
New CDC Dog Import Form requirement

Quick Reference: Requirements by Country Category

High-Risk Countries (Over 100 Countries)

Dogs from CDC-designated high-risk rabies countries face the strictest requirements:

Valid rabies vaccination at least 28 days before entry
Rabies antibody titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) from approved lab
USDA-endorsed veterinary certificate
Microchip implanted before or at time of vaccination
CDC Dog Import Form submitted online
Minimum age of 6 months

Low-Risk Countries

Dogs from low-risk countries (including most of Western Europe, Canada, Australia) need:

Valid rabies vaccination (if over 12 weeks old)
Microchip readable at entry
CDC Dog Import Form
Health certificate from licensed veterinarian

Dogs Returning to the USA

U.S.-vaccinated dogs returning home have a streamlined process:

Proof of U.S. rabies vaccination
Microchip matching vaccination records
CDC Dog Import Form
Must not have visited high-risk countries for 6+ months

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Country Category

Check the CDC's official list to determine if your departure country is classified as high-risk or low-risk for rabies.

Step 2: Microchip Your Dog

Requirement: ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip

Must be implanted before or at the same time as rabies vaccination
Bring your own reader if your microchip isn't ISO-compatible
Record the microchip number—it must match all documentation

Step 3: Rabies Vaccination Timeline

For high-risk countries:

Dog must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination
Wait 28 days after vaccination before travel
Vaccination must be valid at time of entry
No expired vaccinations accepted

For low-risk countries:

Current rabies vaccination required for dogs over 12 weeks
Some flexibility on timing for puppies with proper documentation

Step 4: Obtain Required Testing (High-Risk Countries Only)

The rabies antibody titer test must show:

Result of 0.5 IU/mL or greater
Testing performed at CDC-approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination
Valid for 12 months from blood draw date

Approved laboratories include:

Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory (USA)
DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory (USA)
EU-approved laboratories (for EU-originating dogs)

Step 5: Health Certificate & USDA Endorsement

From high-risk countries:

Licensed veterinarian completes health certificate
Government veterinary authority endorses certificate
USDA APHIS endorses the certificate (for import into USA)

From low-risk countries:

Health certificate from licensed vet (often within 10 days of travel)
USDA endorsement typically not required

Step 6: Submit CDC Dog Import Form

All dogs require this form:

Complete online at CDC Dog Import Portal
Submit 2 business days before arrival
Receive confirmation receipt
Present receipt at port of entry

Timeline Planning

| Task | High-Risk Country | Low-Risk Country | |------|-------------------|------------------| | Microchip implantation | 4-6 months before | 1-2 months before | | Rabies vaccination | 4-5 months before | 1 month before | | Titer test blood draw | 3-4 months before | Not required | | Health certificate | 10 days before | 10 days before | | USDA endorsement | 7-10 days before | Not required | | CDC form submission | 2+ days before | 2+ days before |

Pro tip: Start the process 6 months ahead for high-risk countries to allow for potential delays in titer results or documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Microchip After Vaccination

The microchip must be implanted before or at the same vaccination appointment. Vaccinations given before microchipping may not be valid.

2. Expired Vaccinations

Your dog's rabies vaccination must be current on the day of arrival, not just the day of departure.

3. Wrong Health Certificate

International Health Certificates (APHIS Form 7001) are required—not domestic rabies certificates.

4. Missing CDC Form

Even dogs from Canada need the CDC Dog Import Form. No exceptions.

5. Insufficient Titer Wait Time

Blood for titer testing must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. Earlier tests will be rejected.

Costs to Expect

| Item | Estimated Cost | |------|----------------| | ISO microchip | $25-75 | | Rabies vaccination | $15-35 | | Titer test | $150-300 | | Health certificate | $50-150 | | USDA endorsement | $38+ | | CDC form | Free |

Total estimated cost: $280-600+ depending on country category and veterinary fees.

Airline Considerations

Beyond CDC requirements, airlines have their own policies:

Most require health certificates within 10 days
Some airlines won't fly dogs from certain high-risk countries
Temperature embargoes may affect travel timing
Breed restrictions apply (especially snub-nosed dogs)

Learn about snub-nosed breed restrictions →

What Happens at the Border?

At the U.S. port of entry, CDC officials may:

Scan your dog's microchip
Verify all documentation matches
Inspect rabies vaccination records
Review titer test results (if applicable)
Confirm CDC Dog Import Form receipt

If documentation is incomplete:

Dogs may be denied entry
Re-export at owner's expense
Quarantine may be required (rare)

Puppies Under 6 Months

Special rules apply to young puppies:

From high-risk countries:

Generally cannot enter until 6 months old
Must complete full vaccination and titer protocol

From low-risk countries:

Puppies under 12 weeks may enter without rabies vaccine
Must have health certificate stating age
Owner assumes rabies vaccination responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these rules apply to service dogs?

Yes. Service dogs, emotional support animals, and all other dogs must meet the same CDC requirements. No exemptions exist.

What if my dog's titer test fails?

Revaccinate and wait 30 days before redrawing blood. This can add 2-3 months to your timeline.

Can I use a foreign microchip?

Yes, if it's ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15 digits). Bring a compatible reader if using a non-standard chip.

How long is my titer test valid?

12 months from the blood draw date, as long as rabies vaccinations remain current.

What about cats and other pets?

CDC dog import rules apply only to dogs. Cats and other pets have different requirements—typically just a health certificate.

Need Help Navigating CDC Requirements?

The new regulations are complex, and mistakes can delay your pet's entry or result in denial. BestPetTravel has helped hundreds of families navigate these requirements successfully.

We coordinate documentation, timing, and logistics so your dog arrives safely and in compliance with all CDC requirements.