🇺🇸 Moving Pets to the United States: Your Checklist

While moving pets to the United States is generally a straightforward process that does not require quarantine, careful planning is still essential for a successful journey. Follow these simple steps to ensure your dog or cat is fully prepared for its arrival.

(Note: If you are relocating your pet within the United States, please visit our dedicated domestic travel page.)

🐕 Requirements for Dogs

Though U.S. import rules are simpler than those of many other countries, you must meet the following mandatory and highly recommended requirements:

Requirement	Details
Veterinary Health Certificate	Must confirm your dog is healthy and fit to fly. This certificate must be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
Rabies Vaccination	Required if your pet is arriving from a country where rabies is present. Puppies cannot be vaccinated before 3 months old, meaning the youngest a dog can be imported is 6 months old (exceptions apply).
Microchip	While not always mandated by every airline, a microchip is highly recommended for permanent identification.
Optional Vaccines	Consider discussing optional vaccines with your vet, such as those for Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Distemper, and Bordetella.

Special Requirement for Screwworm-Affected Countries:

Dogs originating from countries affected by screwworm must be accompanied by a certificate signed by an official veterinary office from the region of origin. This certificate must state that the dog was inspected and declared free of screwworm within 5 days before shipment to the U.S.

🐈 Requirements for Cats

Bringing a cat into the U.S. is generally very simple, but a few key points should be noted:

• Health Certificate: A veterinarian-issued certificate confirming your cat is healthy and fit to fly within 10 days of travel is highly recommended, as many airlines require it even if the USDA/CDC does not.

• Rabies Vaccination: Proof of rabies vaccination is not required for entry by federal authorities. However, it is essential to check with your specific destination state and local health authorities, as some states do require this vaccination.

• Optional Vaccines: Discuss optional vaccines with your veterinarian, such as those for Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, or Feline Enteritis (Panleukopenia/Feline Distemper).