1. Rabies Vaccination Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before arrival in the U.S., unless they are coming from a country considered rabies-free.
2. Health Certificate Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before travel. This certificate should confirm that the dog is healthy and free from contagious diseases.
3. Microchip While not always mandatory, having your dog microchipped is recommended for easy identification and proof of ownership.
4. Country-Specific Requirements Depending on the country of origin, there may be additional requirements, such as tests for screwworm or other specific health checks.
5. Import Permit For dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries, a CDC Dog Import Permit is required. The application for this permit should be submitted at least 30 business days before travel.
6. Quarantine Some states may have specific quarantine requirements upon arrival, depending on the dog's health status and country of origin.