Updates for Dog suspension from rabies high-risk countries: November 19

November 19, 2021 Important Updates about CDC's Suspension of Dogs from High-Risk Countries for Rabies

Planning to bring a dog into the United States after December 1, 2021?

Updates to the Current Suspension Are you an eligible traveler, a US citizen, or a lawful US resident with a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate traveling with your personal pet dog(s) from a high-risk country for rabies? There’s good news! Effective December 1, 2021, you’re no longer required to apply for a CDC Dog Import permit. You’re also able to travel with your dog(s) during the remainder of the suspension. To re-enter the United States, dogs with a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate must: Appear healthy on arrival Be at least 6 months old Have a microchip for identification listed on their rabies vaccination certificate Provide proof of a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival

The rabies vaccine must be administered by a US-licensed veterinarian in the United States on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s initial vaccination. Booster rabies vaccines administered in the United States after 15 months of age are valid immediately.

Eligible travelers with dogs that have a foreign-issued rabies vaccination certificate are still required to obtain a rabies titer and apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit at least 6 weeks before travel if coming from a high-risk country for rabies.

Permits will not be issued for foreign-vaccinated dogs if the dogs are: Traveling temporarily to the United States with their owners (such as for vacation or to visit friends and family). Being imported for rescue, resale, or transfer of ownership Participating in conformation shows (dog shows) Participating in obedience trials or dog sport shows Participating in other types of exhibition not meeting the definition in 42 CFR 71.50

All dogs arriving from high-risk countries for rabies must enter the United States at an approved port of entry for the remainder of the suspension.

Good news! The list of approved ports of entry for the remainder of the suspension will include all 18 US airports that have a CDC Quarantine Station:

Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD). Dogs arriving at unapproved ports of entry will not be allowed to enter the United States and will be returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense.

Important: Get your dog microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before you travel outside the United States. Keep a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate with you during your travel.

For more information on CDC’s suspension of dogs from high-risk countries for rabies, see www.cdc.gov/dogtravel.

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