“As of July 23rd, the CDC has revised their travel requirements for dogs entering the U.S. Dogs from low-risk rabies countries. Dogs can now enter if they appear healthy and have a completed CDC Import Form. All dogs must be microchipped and over six months old.

More information here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0722-dog-importation.html“

Starting August 1, 2024, there will be new rules for dogs traveling and returning to the United States, including travel to Canada. These updates are to keep our furry friends and population safe from the Rabies virus. Let’s break down what you need to know so your travels go smoothly:

General Requirements for All Dogs (Including US-Based Dogs)

All dogs must meet these requirements:
 Age: Your dog must be at least six months old to enter the U.S.
Microchip:

  •  Your dog needs an ISO-compatible microchip implanted before any rabies vaccination. If your pet was previously vaccinated and did not have a microchip at the time of the vaccine, they will need to be revaccinated after microchip is implanted.
  •  Make sure the microchip number is on all required forms and veterinary records.

Health Check: Dogs must look healthy upon arrival. If your dog appears sick, they might need to be isolated, examined by a vet, and possibly tested for diseases at your expense.
CDC Dog Import Form:

  • You’ll need to fill out a CDC Dog Import Form online ideally 2-10 days before arrival. This form will be released July 15, 2024.
  • If any details change before your trip, you’ll need to submit a new form with the updated information.
  • The form requires a clear photo of your dog’s face and body. If your dog is less than a year old, the photo should be taken within 10 days of your arrival date.

Additional Paperwork:

  • The exact documents you’ll need depend on where your dog has been in the last six months and their rabies vaccination status.
  • Specific Requirements Based on Rabies Vaccination and Travel History.

Here’s where it gets a bit more detailed based on your dog’s rabies vaccination and travel history:
Dogs Vaccinated in the U.S.:

  • Ensure all your paperwork is up-to-date and matches your dog’s microchip information.
  • Rabies vaccination records must be from a U.S.-accredited veterinarian.

Dogs from High-Risk Rabies Countries:

  • If your dog has been in a high-risk rabies country in the last six months and was vaccinated abroad, you need specific documentation. Without it, you may need to provide additional proof of vaccination or a rabies titer test.

Dogs from Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries:

  • If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries, the documentation process might be simpler.

There are no changes to other pet’s requirements for entering the U.S. Please familiarize yourself with the requirements prior to planning a trip.

ISO-compatible microchips are tied to a 15-digit number, if your microchip number is less than that, it is not compatible. Please check with your veterinarian when in doubt, they can easily scan your pet’s microchip to confirm.

There are over 100 countries that the CDC considers high-risk for rabies. You can find the entire list here.

The CDC Dog Import Form will be free to access but there may be additional costs associated with these new requirements if your pet needs to visit the veterinarian.

This change may be overwhelming if you travel regularly with your dog, but we’re here to help! Make an appointment at any of our locations to talk through with a veterinarian and make sure your pet is safe to travel.