New CDC Regulations for Bringing Dogs into the United States
Ashland Animal Hospital would like to inform you of significant changes recently implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the requirements for bringing dogs into the United States. These changes affect travelers from all countries, including Canada and Mexico. Historically, traveling with your dog to these neighboring countries and back into the US has been relatively easy. However, the new regulations introduce additional documentation requirements that you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet.
One of the major updates includes the requirement for endorsed USDA Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) forms. These forms are essential for verifying that your dog meets the necessary health standards before entering the US. To avoid any complications at the border, please ensure that all your documentation is complete and endorsed by the appropriate authorities. We recommend reaching out to our veterinary practice well in advance of your travel dates to assist with the necessary paperwork and health checks.
The following applies to dogs who currently reside within the United States, with plans to travel internationally, and then re-enter the United States. This includes travel to/from Canada and Mexico!
It is important to start planning your pet's travel well in advance to ensure all requirements are met. The CDC requirements for re-entry into the United States are in flux and changing frequently, and it is important to stay informed on any updates that may come up in the future.
For Pets Traveling to Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Rabies Countries: Requirements to re-enter the United States
1. Age Requirement: The dog is at least 6 months old upon arrival into the United States
2. Microchip: The dog has an ISO-compliant (15-digit) microchip
3. Rabies Vaccination: A valid, up-to-date, rabies vaccination certificate
4. CDC Dog Import Form Receipt: A receipt (printed or electronic) for the CDC Dog Import Form. This form is completed online by the owner within 2-10 days of arrival back into the United States.
For Pets Traveling to High-Risk Rabies Countries: Requirements to re-enter the United States
1. Age Requirement: The dog is at least 6 months old upon arrival into the United States
2. Microchip: The dog has an ISO-compliant (15-digit) microchip
3. Rabies Vaccination: The dog must have a rabies vaccine administered by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. If the most recent rabies vaccination was NOT administered by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, it will not be considered valid for re-entry into the United States. This may mean that your dog needs a new rabies booster, even if the current vaccine is still up-to-date.
4. USDA-Endorsed Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination Form: An official CDC document must be submitted to and approved by the USDA, certifying that the dog has a valid microchip and that a Rabies vaccine was appropriately administered in the United States by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This document cannot be submitted to the USDA for endorsement until 28 days AFTER the rabies vaccination has been administered. Your USDA-accredited veterinarian at Ashland Animal Hospital will submit this form on your behalf.
5. CDC Dog Import Form Receipt: A receipt (printed or electronic) for the CDC Dog Import Form. This form is completed online by the owner within 2-10 days of arrival back into the United States.
The above requirements only detail the process for returning to the United States after having traveled internationally. These DO NOT address international requirements for a pet to enter a foreign country. All foreign countries have vastly different requirements for pet travel, and these requirements need to be researched separately.
Our goal is to help you navigate these new regulations smoothly and ensure the health and safety of your beloved pets. We have four USDA-accredited veterinarians on staff who can assist in researching and coordinating international travel documentation. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment for a health check, call us at (508) 881-2400!