United States — Moving Abroad with Your Dog

Import pathway — confirm your origin

Baseline shown: your own dogs, no ownership transfer, owner travelling with/within five days, up to five animals, direct route and verified listed/low-risk history. This table does not determine eligibility.

CDC mandatory baseline: every dog must be at least six months old at arrival, appear healthy and have a readable microchip. If it has only been in CDC low-risk/rabies-free countries for the previous six months, complete the CDC Dog Import Form. Also check USDA, state/local rules and the carrier; this is not a rabies-vaccine exemption from their rules.

Destination notes and restrictions

Check all countries visited during the six months before US entry against CDC’s current risk list. A stop in a low-risk country does not erase earlier high-risk history. The planner covers the low-risk baseline; high-risk histories require CDC’s specific process and may involve additional certification, designated arrival facilities and quarantine.

After arrival: national and local steps

USDA APHIS requirements can apply for screwworm and foot-and-mouth disease exposure. Check the destination state, local licensing and rabies rules independently, including special arrangements for Hawaii or territories. No statewide fee, insurance rule or quarantine exemption is inferred here.

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Your dog relocation planner · Choose your destination · Settling into your new country