Bringing a Dog into the United States
Key takeaways
- Every dog needs a CDC Dog Import Form.
- Low-risk travel, including Canada, also needs a microchip and a dog at least 6 months old.
- APHIS screwworm rules are separate and apply to dogs from affected countries.
Bringing a dog into the United States starts with CDC, not a pet passport. CDC, checked on 14 November 2026, says the requirements depend on where the dog was vaccinated and which countries it was in during the previous 6 months. Every dog needs a Dog Import Form receipt. A dog that has only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries also has to appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, and have a microchip a universal scanner can read. CDC's own example is travel from Canada. The steps are on bringing a dog from Canada.
A dog that is not vaccinated and has been in a high-risk country in those 6 months will not be allowed to enter. Vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries need CDC's additional documents. This hub does not restate them.
APHIS adds screwworm rules for dogs from affected countries, including Mexico. Commercial imports have further USDA rules. The export side, for a dog leaving the United States, is on the USDA pet travel page.
FAQ
- What form does every dog need to enter the US?
- A CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Low-risk dogs also need a microchip and must be at least 6 months old.
- Can an unvaccinated dog from a high-risk country enter?
- No. CDC says that dog will not be allowed to enter.
Sources
- Bringing a dog into the U.S. — CDC
- Dogs from low-risk countries — CDC
- Pet dogs imported into the US — USDA APHIS