Dogs and cats · CDC · USDA · CBP
Bring your dog or cat into the United States
Dogs must meet the CDC dog import rule that took effect on August 1, 2024. Cats have fewer federal rules. A pet that flies as cargo also needs customs clearance. Allied CHB, a licensed customs broker, clears dogs and cats at JFK and other U.S. ports.
CDC, 42 CFR 71.51
Which CDC rules apply to my dog?
CDC Dog Import Form
Every dog needs it. The form is online and free, and CDC emails a receipt that you can print or show on your phone.
At least 6 months old
On the day of arrival in the United States (42 CFR 71.51(f)(1)).
Microchip first
A rabies vaccine given before the microchip is not valid (42 CFR 71.51(g)(2)). CDC accepts any brand that a universal scanner can read.
USDA and state rules too
CDC says that the dog must also meet USDA rules and the rules of your U.S. destination.
| In the last 6 months, the dog was | Documents | Where it can arrive |
|---|---|---|
| Only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries | The CDC Dog Import Form receipt. It is valid for 6 months and more than one entry, unless the dog visits a high-risk country. | Any airport, seaport or land border crossing |
| In a high-risk country, vaccinated in the United States | The receipt, and the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA before the dog leaves the United States | Any airport, land border crossing or seaport that matches the receipt |
| In a high-risk country, vaccinated abroad | The receipt, and the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip, completed no more than 30 days before travel and valid for one entry | Only an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility, with a reservation there |
| In a high-risk country, not vaccinated | None. CDC does not allow the dog to enter. | Not allowed |
CDC updated its list of high-risk countries for dog rabies on April 15, 2026. Canada and Mexico are not on it. Check the current list before you book.
Foreign-vaccinated dogs
What happens to a foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country?
The dog must fly into an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility, and you must book it there in advance. It cannot enter at a land border crossing.
CDC requires a valid rabies titer, drawn at least 30 days after the first valid rabies vaccine and at least 28 days before entry. Without a valid titer, the dog stays in quarantine at the facility for 28 days.
At the facility, every dog in this group gets an exam and a new rabies vaccine with a U.S.-licensed product. CDC says that dogs imported for rescue, resale, adoption or a change of owner cannot get a shorter quarantine.
| Airport | Facility |
|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | Dandie Scottie Kennel |
| Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) | DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Kennel Club LAX; Rue's Kennels @ LAX |
| Miami (MIA) | Pet Limo |
| New York JFK (JFK) | The ARK Pet Oasis |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Gateway Animal Care Center |
| Seattle (SEA) | Dog Gone Taxi (cargo only) |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | Pender Pet Retreat |
CDC changes this list. Check it before you book.
Cats
What are the rules for cats?
CDC does not require proof of rabies vaccination for a cat to enter the United States. A cat can arrive at any airport, seaport or land border crossing.
A cat must look healthy. CDC can deny entry to a cat with signs of a disease that can pass to people. CDC recommends a rabies vaccine for every cat, and your destination state can require one.
USDA APHIS has no animal health requirements for a pet cat. Your airline can have its own rules.
USDA APHIS
What does USDA require for dogs?
- Commercial
Dogs for resale or adoption
A dog imported for resale needs an APHIS import permit (9 CFR 2.150). It must be at least 6 months old, with an English health certificate. Rabies vaccine at least 30 days before arrival, DHLPP within 12 months. Resale includes fee-based adoption.
- Screwworm
Dogs from screwworm-affected countries
APHIS lists Mexico, Central America, most of South America and some Caribbean countries as affected. A government veterinarian's certificate must state that the dog was inspected within 5 days before shipment. It must also state that the dog is free of screwworm, or was treated in quarantine until free (9 CFR 93.600).
- Working dogs
Dogs that handle livestock
They must show no evidence of tapeworm infection (9 CFR 93.600(b)). APHIS exempts dogs from Canada, Mexico and parts of Central America and the West Indies.
- Personal pets
Pet dogs from other countries
APHIS has rules for a pet dog only when the country has screwworm or foot-and-mouth disease. A dog bought or adopted abroad for the new owner, and not for resale, does not need the resale permit.
Resale dogs from African swine fever countries
APHIS requires an ISO-compliant microchip, and a bath at the U.S. post-entry point within 2 calendar days of arrival.
CBP
What does the customs entry look like?
| Type of import | Customs steps | Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Personal pet that travels with you in the cabin or as checked baggage | You declare the pet to CBP on arrival, orally or in writing. | Free for personal use |
| Personal pet on an air waybill: as cargo, or in the cabin on some airlines | The ARK at JFK says that a customs broker must file entry for dogs on an air waybill, and that passengers arrange their own broker. We file it with the CDC and USDA papers. | Free for personal use |
| Dogs or cats for sale, resale or adoption | A commercial entry under HTS heading 0106, with the importer's number and bond, the APHIS permit for resale dogs, and the CDC documents. | HTS 0106.19.91 is free, but Chapter 99 duties can apply by country of origin, such as the Section 301 duties of July 24, 2026 |
A visitor's pet dog counts as a personal effect of a nonresident (19 CFR 148.42). Sources: CBP help article 1022, HTSUS 0106.19.91, The ARK at JFK.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
How does a pet arrival work at JFK?
Land at JFK, not Newark or LaGuardia
CDC says that a dog that needs the JFK animal care facility must land at JFK.
Book the airline first
Each airline sets its own rules for pets in the cabin, in the hold and as cargo.
Book the facility if CDC requires it
A foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country needs a reservation at The ARK Pet Oasis before it flies.
Send us the air waybill before the flight
We prepare the entry in advance, so it is ready when the pet arrives and the papers are checked.
Checklist
What documents do I need?
CDC Dog Import Form receipt
For every dog. Match the arrival airport or port on the receipt.
Rabies certification, if required
The U.S.-issued or the foreign certification, depending on where the dog was vaccinated.
Microchip number
The same number on every certificate.
Health and screwworm certificates
When the country of origin has screwworm, or when the airline asks for a health certificate.
Air waybill
For a pet that travels as cargo, or on an air waybill in the cabin.
Passport and U.S. address of the owner
For the entry and for delivery after release.
APHIS import permit
Only for dogs imported for resale or fee-based adoption.
Power of attorney
Authorizes Allied to file the entry. Sign it online.
Process
How does Allied clear a pet?
- YouBefore you book
Tell us about the pet and the route
Send the species, age, microchip number, vaccine dates, the countries of the last 6 months, the airline and the arrival airport.
- Allied
Check the CDC and USDA requirements
We tell you which CDC path applies, whether a facility reservation, a screwworm certificate or an APHIS permit is needed, and send a written quote.
- You
Complete the CDC form and the certificates
You submit the CDC Dog Import Form and have your veterinarian complete the certificates that apply. You sign our power of attorney.
- AlliedBefore arrival
Prepare the entry
With the air waybill, we prepare the customs entry and coordinate with the airline, the cargo terminal and, at JFK, The ARK.
- AlliedArrival day
Clear the pet
We file the entry and answer CBP's questions. CBP, and CDC or USDA when their rules apply, check the pet and the papers.
- You
Pick up your pet
After release, you collect the pet at the cargo terminal or the facility, with your ID.
Quote on request
How do I get a quote?
Request: Customs clearance for a dog or cat
Quote on request
Questions
What do pet owners often ask?
Does my cat need a rabies vaccine to enter the United States?
Not for CDC. CDC does not require proof of rabies vaccination for cats. CDC recommends the vaccine, and your destination state can require it.
My dog is younger than 6 months. Can it come?
No. CDC requires every imported dog to be at least 6 months old on arrival (42 CFR 71.51(f)(1)).
Is there duty on my pet?
Not for a personal pet. CBP says that dogs, cats and turtles are free of duty for personal, non-commercial use. Dogs and cats imported for sale can pay Chapter 99 duties, depending on the country of origin.
Can my dog cross the land border from Canada or Mexico?
Yes, with the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, if the dog was not in a high-risk country in the last 6 months. Canada and Mexico are not on CDC's high-risk list. A foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country cannot enter at a land border.
We are a rescue group. Is an adoption a commercial import?
For USDA, yes: resale includes fee-based adoption, so the dog needs an APHIS import permit. For CDC, a dog imported for rescue or adoption cannot get a shorter quarantine at an animal care facility.
My dog flies from Mexico. Does it need a screwworm certificate?
Yes. APHIS lists Mexico as affected by screwworm. The certificate must say that the dog was inspected within 5 days before shipment and is free of screwworm. For Mexico, APHIS lets an authorized clinical veterinarian sign for the government veterinarian.
Do you clear pets outside JFK?
Yes. We clear dogs and cats at JFK and other U.S. ports. A foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country must arrive at one of the airports with a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Is your dog or cat flying to the United States?
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.