Wandering the world with your animal family
We hear a lot of questions from clients about traveling with pets, and it is important to know that as of August 1, 2024, the rules for pets coming home to the United States have changed. This article will address some common concerns as well as provide the best website for official information.
Last thing first: the best place to go for up to date information on travel requirements for pets is www.cdc.gov/dogtravel. This site will allow you to search for travel information on all animal species. This is also the site for you to apply for the CDC Dog Import Form, which is required for all dogs entering the US. This form is filled out by the pet parent, not the veterinarian.
What vaccines are required for my pet?
Rabies vaccination is the big concern with bringing dogs into the US. New rules for travel relate to the rabies risk of the country to which you have traveled. The CDC site lists ‘low risk’ countries and ‘high risk’ countries. Although proof of current rabies vaccine is not required for low risk countries, it is strongly recommended, and some ports of entry or airlines may require this as well as a health certificate. Contact the airline you are using.
For high risk countries, you must have a USDA accredited veterinarian fill out a travel form which will require a rabies vaccination. A valid certificate of US-issues rabies vaccine form is also accepted. For cats, it is a good idea to check with your airline. The CDC does not require rabies vaccination but does recommend it.
Does my pet need a microchip?
For dogs, the answer is yes. The microchip must be ISO-compatible (International Standards Organization). There are many brands of these! At Browns Point Vet Clinic we only use this type of microchip. Let us know if you need help with determining your pet’s microchip by using a universal scanner.
What paperwork is needed for my pet to return to the US?
Dogs entering the United States must be older than 6 months, and the paperwork involved depends on where the pet has traveled. If the country of origin is a low risk for rabies (see CDC website) then filling out the online form on the CDC website will meet the needs for your dogs for 6 months. If the country where your dog has traveled is a high rabies risk, you will need a USDA accredited veterinarian to fill out a form for your dog.
These requirements must be done in advance of travel! And again, check with your airline and where you are traveling to for any requirements such as quarantine where you are traveling.
What about cats coming home to the US?
Cats must be healthy and have no evidence of contagious disease when re-entering the US. Again, rabies vaccination is recommended, and do check the travel requirements where you are going.
Do my pets need health certificates?
For travel from low risk countries, there is no requirement for health certificates, but you must check with the airline if flying with your pet. You will need a USDA-issued health certificate before you go for any travel to and from a high-risk country.
What about vaccine titers?
Currently rabies titers are not accepted in lieu of rabies vaccination for travel requirements. Some ports of call require a specific type of rabies titer as part of proof of vaccination.
