CDC sets rules to control the entry of dogs into the United States from other countries. These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning.
Important: If CDC rules are not followed, your dog may be denied entry and returned to the last country of departure at your expense.
Determine what is needed to bring a dog into the United States
Requirements depend on when your dog arrives, where your dog has been during the previous 6 months, and where your dog was vaccinated against rabies, if required.
Why dog entry is controlled
Rabies is more than 99% fatal but preventable. The United States eliminated dog rabies in 2007, but imported dogs can still create risk if they come from countries where dog rabies is not controlled.
The updated process includes standardized requirements for minimum age, microchips, CDC forms, and documentation.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.