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As global travel continues to evolve, so do the regulations that govern the safe movement of pets across borders. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Customs have introduced new regulations aimed at preventing the spread of canine rabies—a critical public health concern. These changes, which take effect on August 1, 2024, are particularly important for dogs re-entering the United States from international locations. While these regulations currently exempt cats, dog owners need to be aware of the new requirements to ensure a smooth and safe re-entry for their pets.

Key Changes Effective August 1, 2024

General Requirements for All Imported Dogs:

• Age and Health: All dogs entering the U.S. must be at least six months old and appear healthy upon arrival.
• Microchip: An ISO-compatible microchip is mandatory for identification.
• CDC DogImport Form: Owners must complete the CDC Dog Import Form online before arrival. A submission receipt is required for customs inspection.
• Health Certificate: A pet health certificate will be required. This certificate should be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel out of the U.S.

For Dogs Re-entering the U.S. from Low-Risk Rabies Countries:

• Beyond the pet health certificate and the CDC import form submission receipt, no additional veterinary documentation is required.

For Dogs Re-entering the U.S. from High-Risk Rabies Countries:

Option One: U.S. Rabies Vaccination Form

• Obtain a USDA-endorsed certification of U.S.-issued rabies vaccination, completed by the USDA-accredited veterinarian who administered the vaccine. This form must be submitted through the VEHCS system and is valid for multiple entries until the rabies vaccination expires.
• The ISO-compatible microchip must be implanted before vaccine administration to validate the vaccine.
• If the administering veterinarian is not USDA accredited, another accredited veterinarian at the same practice can complete the form using verified information from the clinic's records.
• Until July 31, 2025, the form can be completed retroactively using existing veterinary files.

Option Two: USDA-Endorsed Export Health Certificate

• This certificate must document the dog’s age, microchip number, and valid U.S. rabies vaccine, valid on the return date.
• The certificate, issued before July 31, 2025, is valid for re-entry as long as the U.S. rabies vaccination has not expired.

Expert Advice: How to Prepare for These Changes

"Before leaving the U.S., if you plan to return on or after August 1, we strongly recommend obtaining a USDA-endorsed Rabies Vaccination Certificate in addition to your international health certificate," advises Cory Baizan Robinette, International Pet Move Manager at Air Animal Pet Movers, with 35 years of experience.

"Whether traveling to a low-risk or high-risk country, regulations may change, so it is crucial that your dog returns with the correct documentation. Also, ensure you complete the CDC Import Form before entry," Robinette adds.

HowAir Animal is Supporting You Through These Changes

At Air Animal, we recognize the importance of staying informed about these evolving regulations, and are committed to helping our clients and partners navigate these updates. Our experienced pet move managers are ready to ensure that your dog’s re-entry into the U.S. is as smooth and safe as possible. By working together, we can protect both pets and people while complying with these essential public health measures.

For more information or assistance with your pet's travel plans, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help every step of the way.