๐บ๐ธ Pet travel to United States: entry requirements (2026)
Bringing a pet to United States ๐บ๐ธ 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.
Verified entry requirements (2026)
Dogs โ always
- appear healthy;
- โฅ6 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. โ 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 โฅ30 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 โ no mandatory requirements, must appear healthy; USDA APHIS โ 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
Popular routes to United States
Official sources
- CDC โ Bringing a dog into the United States โ
- CDC โ Dogs vaccinated abroad from high-risk countries โ
- USDA APHIS โ Another country to the US (import) โ
- CDC โ High-risk countries for dog rabies โ
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
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โ๏ธ IATA-Approved Pet Carriers & Spill-Proof Water Bowls
Important: airlines will deny boarding without an IATA-compliant crate or approved cabin carrier. Secure verified airline gear in advance:
IATA Airline-Approved Cabin Carrier
Fits under the seat on Turkish, FlyDubai, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates. 3-sided mesh ventilation, waterproof bottom, safety leash ring.
Heavy-Duty IATA Live Animal Cargo Crate
Impact-resistant rigid shell, steel door with central squeeze latch, secured with metal nuts & bolts (plastic latches strictly banned).
No-Drip Water Bottle & Dual Kennel Bowl
External refill spout allows airline ground staff to replenish water without opening the crate door during flight connections.
Emergency Pet Relocation Kit ($19)
Complete digital relocation toolkit for emergency and planned travel with pets. Everything you need in one verified pack:
- ๐ International Vet Certificate filled sample templates (EU, USDA, APHIS, Non-Commercial)
- ๐จ Emergency step-by-step SOP for flight delays, boarding denials & airport lost pet protocols
- ๐ Airline dispute & complaint letter templates + 24/7 on-call relocation specialist contact
๐งณ Essential Travel Services for Flying with Pets
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 banned?
No specific breed bans listed, but airlines restrict snub-nosed breeds.