C.D.C. Eases Up on Dog Travel Ban (Published 2021) (2024)

FAQs

Has the CDC extended the dog suspension? ›

CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024.

All dogs must have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record and adequate rabies serologic titer or they will be required to complete a 28-day quarantine at the US animal care facility. This option is also available to importers of 1-2 dogs who do not have a CDC Dog Import Permit.

Before You Apply: What You Must Know

Also, because of the high volume of applications CDC receives, it can take up to 40 business days or 8 weeks for CDC to process a complete and valid permit application. However, if required information is missing from the application, the process can take longer.

The Reason Behind the CDC Dog Travel Ban

This ban is necessary to protect both the health of imported dogs and public safety, as rabies can be fatal if left untreated.

We no longer offer PetSafe, except as part of our military and State Department pet exemptions.

Note, February 9th, 2021: At this time, United has suspended their PetSafe program indefinitely. PetRelocation is monitoring the situation and will update this post as policies change.

Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may enter the United States through any port of entry, and importers are NOT required by CDC to present rabies vaccination documentation.

DOGS: Your dog must be healthy and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate to enter the United States. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old (3 months) before they can be vaccinated against rabies.

Traveling From Canada to the United States

Canadian travelers who plan to vacation in the United States may take pet cats and dogs into the country with no restrictions, but U.S. Customs requires that dogs have proof of rabies vaccination no less than 30 days before arrival.

The majority of health certificates are valid for 10 days after creation and will take anywhere between 1 and 3 business days for endorsem*nt with the USDA.

Which countries are high risk for rabies? ›

High-rabies countries as classified by the United States

AMERICAS AND EASTERN CARIBBEAN: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

It may be unfair, but some dog breeds experience that prejudice every single day. This is the most commonly banned dog breed in the U.S. PetHelpful reports that the pit bull is banned more frequently than any other breed — despite the fact that it's not actually a singular breed.

A number of breeds have been restricted or banned, including Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers ("Pit Bulls"), Chow Chows, German Shepherd Dogs, and Doberman Pinschers, and the list is growing.

The U.S. imports about 1 million dogs each year. So starting on July 14, the CDC is banning the importation of any dogs from 113 countries considered at high risk for rabies for a year. The countries are widespread, and include Kenya, Uganda, Brazil, Colombia, Russia, Vietnam, North Korea, Nepal, China and Syria.

All dogs must have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record and adequate rabies serologic titer. They must complete a 28-day quarantine at the US animal care facility. This option is also available to importers of 1-2 dogs who do not have a CDC Dog Import Permit.

In times of economic hardship, dogs and horses are the species that get impacted the most, as larger animals are costlier to take care of, said Keiley, who noted that his organization saw a 40% increase in local dog owners surrendering their pets last year.