Bringing a cat from Australia to the USA: rules 2026
Taking a cat from Australia to the USA is one of the most straightforward long-haul pet routes available. There are minimal federal restrictions for cats, and Australia is CDC-approved, so no titer test or quarantine applies.
Destination requirements
Dogs — always
- appear healthy;
- ≥6 months old;
- ISO microchip (15 digits), implanted before the rabies vaccination;
- CDC Dog Import Form (free, online; the receipt is valid 6 months).
From rabies-free / low-risk countries (EU, UK, Canada, etc. — NOT on the CDC high-risk list): the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is enough. Any airport/port/border. No titer, certificate or quarantine.
From a HIGH-risk country, vaccinated in the USA: also a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination (CDC-endorsed); via an approved port.
From a HIGH-risk country, vaccinated abroad: also a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip + EITHER a valid titer (CDC-approved lab; vaccine ≥30 days before the blood draw) OR a booked 28-day quarantine. Arrival by air only to 6 ports with a CDC-registered facility: JFK, LAX, MIA, SFO, ATL, IAD. Booking required.
Cats
CDC — no mandatory requirements, must appear healthy; USDA APHIS — no requirements; microchip not federally required (recommended). The destination state may require a rabies vaccination.
Breeds & health
No federal breed restrictions (state/city rules may apply). Extra USDA vet inspection (within 10 days of departure) for dogs from countries with New World screwworm or foot-and-mouth disease.
Official sources
- CDC — Bringing a dog into the United States ↗
- CDC — Dogs vaccinated abroad from high-risk countries ↗
- USDA APHIS — Another country to the US (import) ↗
- CDC — High-risk countries for dog rabies ↗
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FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a cat from Australia to the USA?
No. There is no titer test requirement for cats from Australia entering the USA.
Is there quarantine for cats from Australia in the USA?
No quarantine. Cats must appear healthy on arrival.
Is a health certificate required for a cat from Australia entering the USA?
No federal requirement, but strongly recommended for airline check-in and border inspection.
Is rabies vaccination required for cats from Australia entering the USA?
Not required by US federal law for cats, but airlines require it and it is strongly recommended.