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:
Your dog is scanned for microchip verification
A licensed veterinarian performs the arrival exam
Rabies vaccination and RVC documents are reviewed
Photographs are confirmed
Required CDC entry forms are completed
Clearance is issued (if compliant)
Your dog is released to continue travel
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
Quarantine Support
Evaluation
Ability to support the quarantine stay needs
Pet Transport Services
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