New Requirements for Dogs Entering or Returning to the US

New Requirements for Dogs Entering or Returning to the US

July 15, 2024

Starting on August 1, 2024, CDC has implemented new requirements for dogs entering the U.S. The changes that affect all dogs entering or returning to the U.S., including from Canada, are:

• All dogs must be at least six months old to enter the US, even if they are coming from a rabies-free country.
• All dogs must be microchipped, regardless of their country of origin (implanted prior to the required rabies vaccination).
• All importers (including dog owners returning with their dog to the US from an international trip) must submit a *CDC Dog Import Form (available on CDC's website starting July 15, 2024) prior to entering the US with their dog. *CDC recommends printing a copy of the Dog Import Form receipt and traveling with at least two copies of it.
• Have government-endorsed documentation* of their vaccine and/or travel history (specific requirements depend on where the dog has been in the last 6 months and whether or not it was vaccinated against rabies in the U.S.) *A USDA Accredited veterinarian must submit this information through USDA's online platform.

There are additional requirements depending on the country/countries where the dog spent time in the six months prior to U.S. entry, and these can be found here: Bringing a Dog into the United States. AVMA has also created a helpful FAQ document. We recognize that this impacts many animal owners in Maine, and specific questions about the new guidance can be directed to [email protected].