Importing Dogs Into the United States

CDC Requirements for Dogs Arriving From High-Risk and Foreign Countries

Import Guide

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All dogs entering the United States must meet CDC entry requirements before arrival. PetTravelUSA ensures all documents are collected and reviewed in advance so your pet can be processed quickly and without delays. Below is the full list of documents required for import into the USA.

📄 Required Documents for Entry Into the United States

✔ 1. Valid Rabies Vaccination Record

Must include:
– Dog’s name & description
– Microchip number
– Rabies manufacturer, lot number, date given
– Veterinarian’s signature

✔ 2. Microchip Certificate

ISO-compatible chip, scanned and verified before arrival.

✔ 3. Rabies Vaccination Certificate (RVC)

Required for dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries.
Must follow CDC format and be signed by a licensed veterinarian.

✔ 4. Photographs of the Dog

CDC requires:
– Head photo
– Full-body photo
– Clear visibility of markings
– Photo must match the dog on arrival

✔ 5. Air Waybill (AWB) or Flight Information

Required for cargo transports and many airline arrivals.
If unavailable at reservation time, it must be submitted within 24 hours of arrival.

✔ 6. Travel History (Last 6 Months)

Countries visited or transited in the last 6 months.

✔ 7. Import Reservation Confirmation (From PetTravelUSA)

Issued only after all documents have been reviewed.

🐾 Eligibility Checklist Before Arrival

Your dog must:

  • Be at least 6 months old

  • Have an ISO microchip

  • Have a valid rabies vaccine (unless age-exempt)

  • Be visually healthy on arrival

  • Be accompanied by complete, accurate documentation

Dogs that arrive with incomplete documentation may be denied entry or placed in quarantine at owner’s expense.

✈️ What Happens When You Arrive

At your designated CDC-compliant facility:

  1. Your dog is scanned for microchip verification

  2. A licensed veterinarian performs the arrival exam

  3. Rabies vaccination and RVC documents are reviewed

  4. Photographs are confirmed

  5. Required CDC entry forms are completed

  6. Clearance is issued (if compliant)

  7. Your dog is released to continue travel

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Arrival Facility: Atlanta, GA

CDC-compliant arrival exams are performed at our partner location, JAH Animal Hospital, near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Services include:

Medical Services

✔ Arrival exam ✔ Rabies verification ✔ Microchip scan ✔ Documentation finalization ✔ Coordination with your airline or handler

Quarantine Support

✔ Evaluation
✔Ability to support the quarantine stay needs
✔ Pet Transport Services


View Atlanta Facility

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