Everything You Need to Know to Bring Your Pet to the United States

Bringing your pet to the United States is a process that requires care, planning and attention to detail, but if you follow the correct guidelines, you can ensure that your pet's journey to the United States is safe and hassle-free.

If you are in the process of moving to the United States or are considering doing so in the future and are worried about how to bring your pet with you, don’t worry, we are here to help you.

Bringing your pet companion to the United States is a process that requires care, planning, and attention to detail. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the official source for guidance and regulations during this process. Consult the CDC’s official website for detailed and updated information.

The CDC guidelines regulate the importation of animals and animal products that may pose disease risks to humans. In the case of pets taken out of the United States, upon return, they will be subject to the same rules applied to animals entering for the first time. Additionally, it is important to note that violating regulations can result in severe penalties, such as fines and even the prohibition of the animal’s entry into the country.

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Temporary Suspension of Dog Importation:

The CDC is extending the temporary suspension of dog importation from countries with a high risk of canine rabies until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs coming from countries not considered high-risk for rabies, in case they have been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months. Before planning your pet’s trip, make sure to stay updated with the information available on the CDC’s website.

Essential Documentation for Traveling with Your Dog to the United States:

  • Health Certificate: A veterinarian must issue a health certificate confirming that your animal is fit to travel. Obtain this certificate within 10 days prior to the trip.
  • Microchip: Although highly recommended, the microchip is not mandatory at all entry ports.
  • Rabies Vaccination: All dogs must have a rabies vaccination certificate from countries where the disease is present. Make sure to administer the vaccine after the third month of the animal’s life and at least one month before the trip, whenever you are planning it.
  • Airline Requirements: Without a doubt, it is essential to check and comply with the individual requirements of the airline for traveling with pets. Some airlines may require additional documentation for live animals under certain circumstances, so it is crucial to be aware of these requirements. Ensure that all necessary documents have been provided before the trip, as the lack of proper documentation can result in problems and even prevent the animal from boarding. First, verify the airline’s information for pet transportation on the official website.

Cats do not need proof of rabies vaccination to enter the United States, but some states may have specific requirements. Optional vaccines include feline enteritis, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

Other Pets:

If you plan to bring other pets, such as horses, fish, and small non-African mammals and rodents, please consult the requirements on the USDA APHIS website.

Without a doubt, following the official guidelines is essential to ensure the smooth entry of your pet into the United States. Whenever you plan to bring your companion animal, make sure to be aware of the regulations from the CDC and USDA. Additionally, it is important to follow all provided guidelines to avoid possible complications during the transition process. Planning ahead and being aware of the necessary requirements will ensure a smooth arrival for both you and your pet.

Questions Stipulated by the CDC for Dog Importation:

The CDC establishes a series of questions to determine if you can bring your dog to the United States:

  • If your dog has been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months and is at least 6 months old, the dog can enter through any port of entry with a 6-month travel history and a healthy appearance.
  • However, if your dog is traveling from any of these high-risk countries, the rabies certificate must be in English or have a sworn translation into English. If your dog’s rabies vaccine certificate is not translated or completed by the veterinarian who issued it, your animal is at risk of being returned to its country of origin.
  • The microchip number must be listed on the dog’s rabies vaccination certificate if it is under 6 months old. If you are unsure if your dog has an ISO-compatible microchip, contact your veterinarian for assistance. If the dog does not have an ISO-compatible microchip, the applicant (or owner) can bring their own reader that can read the microchip.
  • Many universal readers in the United States have been unable to detect microchips starting with the numbers 1 or 8 in the past. Consider making sure that your dog’s chip is detected by a universal reader if it starts with a number other than 9. If you are unsure, you should purchase your own reader (available online) that can detect the microchip or have your dog re-microchipped.
  • If the microchip cannot be scanned upon arrival, your dog may be prevented from entering and sent back to the country of origin at your expense.
  • The dog must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued. Rabies vaccination certificates issued in the United States that have expired will not be accepted.
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Ensure a smooth experience

Always consult with authorities in the country of origin to ensure that all export requirements are met to avoid problems. Also, remember that your pet needs an appropriate cage or crate for its size. Consider making it more comfortable and calm by placing, for example, a toy or a blanket it is accustomed to.

To ensure a tranquil experience, when preparing to move to the United States with your pet, consider several factors. Make sure to understand and comply with entry requirements, including necessary documentation and mandatory vaccinations. Choose pet-friendly accommodations and transportation options, as they provide more comfort for your companion. Consult with a veterinarian for a pre-travel check-up and gather information about available veterinary services at your destination. When packing for your pet, don’t forget to include familiar foods, toys, and other items to make the move more enjoyable. With these precautions, we will ensure a safe and pleasant adaptation for both of you.

Finally, by following these guidelines, you can guarantee a safe and hassle-free journey for your pet to the United States. Keep in mind that there are specialized pet transportation companies if you’re not comfortable handling this yourself. However, that’s a topic for another blog… Bon voyage!

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