Travel With a Pet
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated rabies vaccination requirements for all dogs entering or returning to the United States. Certain requirements must be met before departing the United States. Learn More
Rabies Alert
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary Government authority for all dogs imported into the United States, including returning U.S.-origin dogs. The following requirements related to rabies are established by CDC, not APHIS.
- Certification Required
- Dogs traveling to or returning from a high-risk country for dog rabies must have the "Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination" form completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and submitted before departing the United States.
- This form cannot be issued retroactively after your dog leaves the United States.
- Veterinarians: Instructions for completing the form
- Additional CDC Requirements
- Learn More: Entry Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs From High-Risk Countries | CDC
- Questions? Contact CDC at 800-232-4636 or visit CDC-INFO.
Related Information
- APHIS may have separate requirements for dogs entering the United States. These differ from the CDC import requirements.
- Learn More: Bringing a Pet Dog into the United States | APHIS
- VEHCS Access and Help (for veterinarians): Using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS)
If you're planning to travel with your pet, you may need to complete certain paperwork or tasks before you go. Meeting these requirements takes time, so don't delay. The information on this page will help you get started.
Are you taking your pet from the United States to another country? Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination country's pet entry requirements and assist you through the process.
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel
Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you:
- Don't see your pet listed below.
- Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal.
- Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
The following animals qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to pet travel requirements:
The following birds DON'T qualify as pets, meaning they're subject to different regulations:
Because they may carry and transmit certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, these birds are regulated as poultry.
- Chickens
- Doves
- Ducks
- Geese
- Grouse
- Guinea fowl
- Partridges
- Pea fowl
- Pheasants
- Pigeons
- Quail
- Swans
- Turkeys
View import regulations and export regulations if the type of animal you have does not qualify as a pet.
I Want To...
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
If you are planning to take your pet from the United States to another country, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel. They will help you determine your destination country's pet entry requirements, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments, and assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate or other needed paperwork.
Related Resources
Traveling with a dog or cat? Find out what you can do to improve their safe air journey and increase the likelihood that they will arrive healthy at their destination.
