🇺🇸 Pet travel to United States: entry requirements (2026)
Bringing a pet to United States 🇺🇸 is relatively straightforward for prepared owners. No quarantine if all paperwork is in order. The essentials: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and an official health certificate.
Microchip
Required — ISO 11784/11785
Rabies
Required
Titer test (RNATT)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Import permit
Not required
Cabin / cargo
Cabin or cargo
Breed bans
None listed
Authority
USDA APHIS Pet Travel
Verified entry requirements (2026)
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.
By species
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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Frequently asked questions
Does the microchip have to come before the rabies shot?
Yes. For United States the rabies vaccination only counts if the ISO 11784/11785 microchip was implanted first. Always chip, then vaccinate.
Is there quarantine in United States?
No mandatory quarantine if your paperwork is complete and correct.
Can my pet fly in the cabin?
Yes, small pets in cabin; larger pets in cargo.
How long does preparation take?
Two to four weeks is usually enough if your pet is already vaccinated.
Are any dog breeds restricted?
No specific breed bans are listed for United States, but airlines may restrict snub-nosed breeds.