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The CDC’s temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies implemented in July 2021 will be extended until January 2023. Effective June 10, 2022, import eligibility for all dogs (pets and dogs intended for resale/adoption) from high-risk rabies countries will expand and allow import options for dogs vaccinated for rabies in the U.S. as well as in foreign countries provided the dogs meet the requirements outlined on the CDC’s website. Learn more on CDC.gov.The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulates dogs imported into the United States for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption. Congress added this section to the AWA in 2008 and APHIS published specific regulations in 2014. It is the responsibility of the dog’s importer to meet all requirements before bringing the dog into the U.S.
The AWA does not apply to privately-owned dogs not intended for resale. Information on bringing your pet dog into the U.S. is available on the USDA APHIS Pet Travel Website.Dogs must be:
Dogs imported for resale for research purposes, or for veterinary treatment and subsequent resale, are exempt from these requirements. An exemption to the age requirement exists for the import of dogs into Hawaii, as long as they are imported from the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, or Guam.
back to topUse APHIS eFile to apply for a permit online. For help with using APHIS eFile:
Contact us if you instead require a paper copy of the permit application form:
USDA APHIS Animal Care
Attn: Live Dog Import Permit Team
2150 Centre Ave.
Building B, Mailstop 3W11
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
Phone: (816) 737-4223
Fax: (970) 494-7461
E-mail:
ac.dogimport.mailbox@usda.gov
For both options, allow a minimum of 5 business days for processing of your permit application. Applications are processed Monday – Friday, excluding Federal holidays. The day you submit the application and the date the dog arrives in the U.S. does not count toward the 5 business days.
Incomplete applications or applications with incorrect information will cause delays in processing. To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please use the Customer Checklist for Live Dog Import Permit Applications.
back to topIt is the responsibility of the dog’s importer to meet all federal and state requirements for entry. You may need to meet the requirements of the following government agencies:
Read the Live Dog Import Permit Requirements Under the Animal Welfare Act: Q&A [Tech Note]
USDA APHIS Animal Care
Attn: Live Dog Import Permit Team
2150 Centre Ave.
Building B, Mailstop 3W11
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117
Phone: (816) 737-4223
Fax: (970) 494-7461
E-mail:
ac.dogimport.mailbox@usda.gov