Frequently Asked Questions about Importing Pet Dogs into the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) regulate different aspects of pet dog imports into the United States (this includes U.S.-origin returning dogs). Each agency has import requirements that must be met.

CDC is the primary government authority for dogs imported into the United States. You can find CDC’s dog import requirements on their website.  For questions related to CDC’s updated requirements for dogs entering or returning to the United States, call 800-232-4636 or go to www.cdc.gov/cdc-info.  

APHIS VS has import requirements that apply to all dogs imported from countries affected by certain diseases. View APHIS VS requirements. 

As the importer, you are responsible for making sure that your animal also meets the import requirements of the destination U.S. State or Territory. Visit the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to find your destination's agriculture department and check its website for requirements. For questions or clarification on State requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian's office. 

APHIS Animal Care oversees the import of dogs intended for commercial sale or adoption.  An Animal Care import permit is required, and certain health certifications and criteria must be met. View APHIS Animal Care requirements, including how to obtain a permit.

In addition to APHIS Animal Care requirements for commercial dogs, CDC and VS import requirements apply to these imports as well.  Information regarding these requirements can be found on the CDC website and the APHIS website. 

CDC import requirements stipulate that dogs imported into the United States be a minimum of 6-months of age and meet all CDC import requirements.  Additional information can be found on the CDC website.  Additionally, all pertinent APHIS VS import requirements will apply. 

The U.S. importer (owner) is responsible for making sure that the puppy meets the import requirements of the destination U.S. State or Territory. Visit the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to find your destination's agriculture department and check its website for requirements. For questions or clarification on State requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian's office.

Yes.  All CDC and APHIS VS import requirements apply to all dogs imported into the United States, including U.S.-origin dogs returning to the United States.

You can find information regarding CDC dog import requirements on the CDC website.  For questions related to CDC’s updated requirements for dogs entering or returning to the United States, call 800-232-4636 or go to www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/.

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they're accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin (official government veterinarian).  If the certificate is issued and signed by an accredited veterinarian in the country of origin, it should be countersigned by an official government veterinarian.  The screwworm freedom certificate can be a standalone document, or the statements can be incorporated into an export health certificate issued in the country of origin.