Updated Rules for Dogs Entering the United States from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies

Updated Rules for Dogs Entering the United States from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies

June 13, 2022   Updated Rules for Dogs Entering the United States from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies

As of June 10, 2022, CDC is extending the temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies.

All dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must: Appear healthy, Have a valid rabies vaccination certificate,* Have a microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate, and Be at least 6 months old. Meet the requirements for one of the following options (A, B, or C) below.	Red countries denote high-risk countries for rabies.

New Options   CDC is providing more options for importers of dogs from high-risk countries. Options depend on where your dogs received their rabies vaccine and how many dogs you're importing (see below). Option A: For dogs with a valid (unexpired) US-issued rabies vaccination certificate (RVC). Dogs must enter at one of 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station. Option B: For dogs with a valid CDC Dog Import Permit.  Dogs must enter at one of 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station. CDC will only issue permits for 1 or 2 personal pet dogs per applicant. Dogs must have a valid foreign-issued rabies vaccination certificate and a valid rabies titer** Importers must receive their permits before arrival. Option C: For dogs not meeting or eligible for Options A or B, importers or owners must make a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility at Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), or New York (JFK) before arrival. All dogs must have a valid RVC before arrival. Dogs without a valid RVC will be denied entry. Dogs with a valid rabies titer** must be examined by a US Department of Agriculture-accredited veterinarian and re-vaccinated at a CDC-approved animal care facility at the importer's expense. Dogs without a valid rabies titer** must be examined by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, re-vaccinated, and quarantined for 28 days at a CDC-approved animal care facility at the importer's expense.

	CDC is taking this action to protect US communities, families, and pets against the re-introduction of dog rabies and to ensure the health and safety of dogs imported into the United States. Please read Bringing a Dog into the United States for more information on new requirements for the temporary suspension of dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies.

Dogs not meeting CDC's entry requirements will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at the importer's expense. *The initial rabies vaccine must be administered on or after the dog is 12 weeks old and at least 28 days before entering the United States. **Rabies serologic titers must be from an approved laboratory and drawn at least 45 days and not more than one year before arrival.

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