Bringing a dog into the United States? Every dog needs the free CDC Dog Import Form, must be at least 6 months old, have a microchip readable by a universal scanner, and appear healthy. If your dog has been in a CDC high-risk rabies country in the past 6 months, additional requirements apply on top of that. Here’s the full framework, plus where to go for the details specific to your situation.
In 2007, the United States successfully eliminated the canine rabies virus variant — the dog-to-dog strain of rabies. CDC’s dog import rules exist to keep that disease from being reintroduced by dogs arriving from countries where it still circulates. The rules apply to every dog entering the US: tourists, returning residents, service dogs, and relocating pet owners alike.
Two Pathways: Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Countries
CDC splits requirements into two pathways based on your dog’s travel history over the past 6 months:
Low-Risk Pathway (includes Canada)
If your dog has only been in Canada, Mexico, or the US in the past 6 months, you just need the free CDC Dog Import Form, completed online before travel. Your dog must be at least 6 months old, microchipped with any brand detectable by a universal scanner, and appear healthy. CDC doesn’t affirmatively certify Canada “rabies-free” — it simply isn’t on CDC’s high-risk list, which is the relevant distinction. For the full Canada-specific walkthrough, see our guide to traveling with your dog to the USA from Canada.
High-Risk Pathway
If your dog has been in a country on CDC’s high-risk list in the past 6 months, additional requirements apply on top of the basics above, and they differ depending on whether your dog was vaccinated in the US or abroad. An unvaccinated dog from a high-risk country will not be allowed to enter. Because the specifics (documentation, microchip-to-vaccination timing, and port-of-entry rules) genuinely vary by situation, we’d rather send you to CDC’s own tool than guess: use the Dog Importation Navigator, or call us at 647-477-5858 and we’ll help you work through it.
One rule that does apply broadly here: as of 1 August 2025, USDA export health certificates issued after 31 July 2025 are no longer accepted as an alternative for these dogs. You’ll need a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination, USDA-endorsed via VEHCS before the dog leaves the US — it cannot be issued after the fact.
What Changed Recently
On 5 February 2026, CDC updated the Dog Import Form web system — a new look and formatting for the receipt, with no change to the underlying requirements. And CDC’s old “DogBot” assistant tool has been retired; its replacement is the Dog Importation Navigator linked above.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Arriving without the correct documentation can mean your dog is denied entry, and in some cases dogs have been returned to their country of departure at the owner’s expense. Complete the CDC Dog Import Form before you travel — not at the airport — and keep a copy of your receipt accessible, not packed in checked luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum I need to bring my dog into the US?
For a dog that’s only been in Canada, Mexico, or the US in the past 6 months: the free CDC Dog Import Form, a universal-scanner-readable microchip, at least 6 months of age, and a clean bill of health.
Does my dog need an ISO-compliant microchip?
No. CDC accepts any brand of microchip as long as it’s readable by a universal scanner.
What if my dog visited a high-risk rabies country recently?
Additional requirements apply, and they differ based on where your dog was vaccinated. Use CDC’s Dog Importation Navigator or call us — we don’t want to guess at requirements that are genuinely situation-specific.
Is there a CDC tool to check my dog’s specific requirements?
Yes — the Dog Importation Navigator, which replaced the older DogBot tool.
Is Canada considered rabies-free?
Not officially. CDC only maintains a high-risk list, and Canada isn’t on it — that’s a different thing from an affirmative rabies-free certification, which CDC doesn’t issue.
What happens if I arrive without the right paperwork?
Your dog can be denied entry, and in some cases dogs are returned to the country of departure at the owner’s expense. Complete the Dog Import Form before you travel.
How old must my dog be to enter the US?
At least 6 months old, regardless of which country you’re coming from. See our dedicated age-requirement guide for more detail.
Let Us Handle Your Border Crossing
Whether you’re crossing from Canada or arriving from further afield, our international pet relocation team helps GTA families get the CDC paperwork right the first time. If you’re coming specifically from Canada, see our Canada-to-US guide. Call us at 647-477-5858 or reserve your ride to get started.
