It’s Easy to take your dog to the USA. What dog would not just love to strut its stuff on Fifth Avenue in New York City or splash around on a beach in California? If you already own a pet passport and its up to date, you are ready to set off to mainland USA!
The U.S. Public Health Service requires that pet dogs brought into this country be examined at the first port of entry for evidence of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Dogs coming from areas not free of rabies must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If a dog appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.
Proof of Rabies Vaccination
Dogs must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry into the United States. These requirements apply equally to service animals such as Seeing Eye dogs.
Importation of Dogs from Rabies-free Countries
Unvaccinated dogs may be imported without a requirement for proof of rabies vaccination if they have been located for a minimum of 6 months or more in countries that are free of rabies.
Following importation, all dogs are subject to state and local vaccination or health certificate requirements. All pet dogs arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam, even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements.
Additional information can be found here.
