Moving Your Pets to the USA – Rules and Paperwork

Key Regulations (Focus on Dogs & Cats)

Requirements can change and depend heavily on the type of pet and the country you are traveling from. Always verify current rules directly with the official sources.

Dogs:

• CDC Regulations (Main Focus: Rabies): The CDC regulates dog importation to prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies.
  • Age: All dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the U.S.
  • Microchip: Must have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted *before* any required rabies vaccination.
  • Healthy Appearance: Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. Sick dogs may require veterinary examination at the importer's expense.
  • CDC Dog Import Form: Required for ALL dogs entering the U.S. Must be completed online before arrival.
  • Rabies Vaccination & High-Risk Countries: Requirements depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months.
    • Dogs from High-Risk Rabies Countries: Face stricter rules. Typically requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate OR a CDC-issued import permit. Specific options depend on whether the dog was vaccinated in the U.S. or abroad. See the CDC's page on high-risk countries for details and the Dog Import Options tool. May require endorsed vaccination certificates (e.g., Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form).
    • Dogs NOT from High-Risk Countries: Still need proof of rabies vaccination (certificate) OR a statement confirming they haven't been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months.
  • Screwworm Check (If Applicable): Dogs arriving from certain countries may need a veterinarian certification stating they are free from screwworm, issued within 5 days before shipment. Check USDA APHIS Pet Travel for affected countries.
• USDA APHIS Regulations: Primarily focuses on diseases other than rabies, like screwworm. Check their site for specific country alerts.

Cats:

• Federal Requirements: Generally less strict than for dogs at the federal level. Cats do not federally require rabies vaccination for import.
• Healthy Appearance: Must appear healthy upon arrival. Sick cats are subject to examination.
• Health Certificate: While not federally required by CDC/USDA for entry, a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel is highly recommended and often required by airlines and some states.

State & Territory Regulations:

• CRUCIAL: Check Your Destination State! Individual states (and territories like Hawaii, Guam) often have *additional* requirements beyond federal rules. This might include specific vaccinations (including rabies for cats), permits, or quarantine periods (especially Hawaii).
• Contact the State Department of Agriculture or State Veterinarian's Office for your specific destination well in advance. Find contacts via USDA APHIS Interstate Pet Travel (includes state import rules).

Airline Requirements:

• Each airline has its own distinct policies regarding:
  • Pet travel options (in-cabin, checked baggage, cargo). In-cabin is usually restricted to very small pets meeting carrier size limits.
  • Breed restrictions (especially for brachycephalic/snub-nosed breeds like bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats, due to respiratory risks).
  • Crate specifications (must be IATA-compliant, correct size, secure, ventilated).
  • Health certificate requirements (often stricter timeframe than government rules, e.g., within 10 days).
  • Temperature restrictions/embargoes (may refuse to fly pets in cargo during extreme heat or cold).
  • Booking procedures (must book pet space in advance, often limited) and fees.
• Contact the airline directly to confirm all requirements and make reservations well ahead of time.

Steps for Planning Pet Relocation:

1. Research Early (Months Ahead): Thoroughly check CDC, USDA APHIS, destination state, and specific airline requirements for your pet type, origin country, and destination. Rules change! Bookmark official sites.
2. Consult Your Veterinarian: Discuss travel plans. Confirm necessary vaccinations, microchipping (ensure ISO compatibility), parasite treatments, and obtain a health certificate timeline. Ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel. Discuss travel anxiety medication if needed (use only under vet guidance).
3. Vaccinate & Microchip (Correct Order): Complete all required vaccinations within specified timeframes. For dogs, the microchip *must* be implanted before the rabies vaccination. Keep detailed records.
4. Choose Travel Method & Book: Decide on in-cabin, cargo, etc. Research airlines thoroughly, comparing policies and fees. Book your flight and your pet's space *simultaneously* if possible, well in advance. Consider using a professional pet relocation service for complex moves or cargo shipments.
5. Obtain Travel Crate & Acclimate: Purchase an IATA-compliant crate of the correct size (pet must be able to stand, turn, lie down comfortably). Introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive space (treats, familiar bedding) weeks or months before travel.
6. Get Health Certificate & Final Vet Check: Obtain the veterinary health certificate (also called Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or CVI) within the timeframe required by the airline and destination state (often 10 days, but verify!). Get a final health checkup.
7. Complete CDC Dog Import Form (Dogs Only): Submit this online before travel. Print the receipt.
8. Prepare Travel Day Essentials: Attach sturdy identification tags to both pet (collar/harness) and crate (name, destination address, phone). Pack a kit with: sufficient food for travel + buffer, water/collapsible bowl, medications, leash/harness, waste bags, familiar bedding/toy (check airline rules), copies of ALL documents (vaccination records, health certificate, CDC form receipt, import permits).