Vehicles and animals · CDC
CDC Dog Import Form
The CDC Dog Import Form is an online form, not a PDF. Every dog entering the United States needs its own receipt. You show it to the airline before boarding and to CBP on arrival.
At a glance
- Issued by
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Format
- Online form, receipt by email
- Cost
- Free
- Forms
- One per dog
- Dog
- At least 6 months old, with a microchip
CDC Dog Import Form
What is the CDC Dog Import Form?
The CDC Dog Import Form is CDC's online declaration for each dog that enters the United States. After you submit it and confirm your email, CDC emails a receipt.
Some dogs need only this form. Since August 1, 2024, that applies to a dog that was only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months.
A dog that was in a high-risk country in the past 6 months has more requirements, which depend on where it was vaccinated.
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- Every dog, including pets returning home with U.S. owners.
- The dog must be at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and have a microchip that a universal scanner can read.
- Dogs imported for resale or adoption also have USDA APHIS requirements.
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The person bringing the dog completes the form: the owner, the shipper or the importer. Another person can help if the importer has difficulty, for example due to a disability.
- You do not file anything with CBP in advance. Keep the receipt and show it to CBP when the dog arrives.
- A dog shipped as cargo for sale or adoption also needs a customs entry, which a broker can file.
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
A dog under 6 months old
CDC requires dogs to be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.An unreadable microchip
The microchip must be readable by a universal scanner and match the veterinary documents.A receipt for another country
The country of departure on the receipt must match the country the dog departs from.High-risk country history not declared
A dog that was in a high-risk country in the past 6 months needs more documents. An unvaccinated dog from a high-risk country cannot enter.A commercial dog marked as a pet
Select Commercial for a dog being adopted, sold, or brought by a rescue organization or business.
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
CDC updated the web system on February 5, 2026. The receipt looks different, but the requirements did not change.
For dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries, the receipt is valid for 6 months for entries from the same country.
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with the CDC Dog Import Form?
You complete the CDC form yourself. We handle the customs side when a dog travels as cargo, and tell you what other agencies need.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.
Pet import service Customs entries for dogs and other pets shipped as cargo.
Request: Help with the CDC Dog Import Form
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about the CDC Dog Import Form?
Does the CDC Dog Import Form cost anything?
No. It is free.
When should I fill it in?
For rabies-free or low-risk countries, you can fill it in on the day of travel. CDC recommends a few days, and up to 6 months, before travel.
Do I need one form for two dogs?
No. Each dog needs its own form and receipt.
Can Allied fill in the CDC form for me?
No. The person bringing the dog completes it. We handle the customs entry when a dog is shipped as cargo.
Need help with the CDC Dog Import Form?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.