Frequently Asked Questions | Changes in Importation Process for Dogs Inadequately Immunized Against Rabies

Your dog is properly immunized if the following apply:

• Your dog was at least 3 months old at the first rabies vaccination, and
• Your dog was vaccinated at least 30 days before traveling to the United States (if first vaccination). If less than 30 days, your dog is NOT immunized against rabies and cannot enter the United States.

Note: Adult dogs (15 months or older) are considered to be immunized if they have a history and record of previous and current rabies vaccinations. They don’t have to wait before traveling.

Yes.  Always travel with a copy of your dog’s valid rabies vaccination certificate and make sure it is current for the duration of your trip.

Regardless of whether you are a US citizen or resident entering the United States by air, land, or sea, you will need your dog’s current valid rabies vaccination certificate so your dog can re-enter the United States.

We recommend that you contact your veterinarian immediately. Ask your veterinarian to email your dog’s valid rabies vaccination certificate to you. You should print it, and then show the certificate to the Customs and Border Protection officer at the US port of entry.  Regardless of whether you are entering the United States by air, land, or sea, you will need your dog’s current valid rabies vaccination certificate, so your dog can re-enter the United States.

With limited exceptions, your dog must be healthy, fully immunized against rabies (30 days have passed after last rabies vaccine), and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate to enter the United States by air, land, or sea. Only valid rabies vaccination certificates are accepted.

It’s important to start planning early, because your travel plans may be disrupted if your dog is not fully immunized. Your dog has to be at least 3 months old to get a rabies vaccination and you must wait at least 30 days before traveling for the vaccine to take effect. After your dog is fully immunized against rabies, you may travel by air, land, or sea into the United States with your dog as long as you have a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

Each permit is valid only for one dog and for the travel dates specified—just one use only. Permits are not reusable.

The online application is available on the Importation forms page. Dog owners and importers should apply online for a Permit to Import a Dog Inadequately Immunized against Rabies at least 10 business days prior to travel.

The online application is available on the Importation forms page. Apply as soon as your travel is arranged and at least 10 business days before traveling to the United States – one permit per dog per trip. Please keep in mind it may take CDC up to 10 business days to respond to your request. CDC reserves the right to deny requests for unimmunized dog permits.