United States Pet Import Requirements
US - Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about importing your pet to United States. Vaccination requirements, documentation, quarantine rules, and more.
Basic Requirements
Special Requirements for United States
- •CDC requires dogs to be healthy and have valid rabies vaccination
- •Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face additional requirements
- •Some states (Hawaii) require quarantine
- •Pit bull bans in some cities (Miami, Denver)
Common Issues to Avoid
- Incomplete CDC documentation
- Dogs from high-risk countries without proper serology
- State-specific requirements overlooked
Flying to United States?
Verify your pet's compliance against official IATA regulations and United States entry requirements.
Fly-Confident Guarantee — full refund if we miss an official requirement.
Approved Entry Points
All international airports
Preparation Timeline
1-2 months: Check requirements
3 weeks: Rabies vaccination
10 days: Health certificate
Travel day: All documents ready
Documents Checklist
- Microchip documentation
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
Importing Pets to United States
United States has specific requirements for importing dogs and cats. Understanding these rules before you travel is essential to avoid quarantine, fines, or having your pet denied entry.
Key Points for Pet Owners
United States allows relatively straightforward pet imports for travelers who prepare correctly. Ensure your rabies vaccination and health certificates are in order.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
The most common issues when importing pets to United States include: expired health certificates (must be within 10 days of travel), incorrect microchip format, and incomplete vaccination records. Double-check all documentation before departure.