Clearing Pets for U.S. Customs [2026]

Bringing your pet to the United States takes more than booking a ticket and packing a crate. U.S. import regulations involve multiple federal agencies, state-level rules, airline requirements, and strict health documentation. 

Missing even one form can delay your pet’s release, trigger quarantine, or result in denial of entry. After a long day of international travel, the last thing any pet owner wants is an unexpected separation at the airport.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about clearing your pet through U.S. Customs. We’ll go over which agencies regulate pet imports, health and rabies rules by country of origin, what to expect at the airport, and when it makes sense to use a pet shipper. 

Why Pets Must Clear U.S. Customs

Clearing a pet through U.S. Customs is not just paperwork. It is a public health and animal safety measure designed to prevent the spread of disease through live animals, animal products, and biological materials entering the country. 

Several agencies share responsibility for regulating pet imports:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP officers enforce import regulations at the airport. They review documentation, verify compliance, and determine whether a pet may enter the country.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC oversees rabies-related requirements for dogs. Because rabies remains a global public health concern, the CDC regulates dog imports based on country of origin and vaccination history.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): This agency sets guidelines to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases that could impact livestock, agriculture, and wildlife. 
• State Authorities: Federal approval does not automatically guarantee compliance with state law. Individual states may impose additional requirements, such as proof of rabies vaccination for cats or specific quarantine rules.

Travelers must comply with both federal regulations and state-level requirements at their final destination. Hawaii, for example, has stricter rabies controls than the continental U.S. 

Rules apply to all traveling pets, whether their owners are immigrants moving to or visiting the U.S. or U.S. citizens returning from a trip. 

Read Next: Bringing Pets Into the United States

Health Requirements

Health requirements vary by species, country of origin, and destination state. While federal agencies determine whether your pet can enter the U.S., airlines and state authorities may impose additional health standards.

Cats 

Importing cats into the U.S. is generally less complex than importing dogs. Cats are not required to travel with import permits or proof of rabies vaccinations to meet entry requirements. 

However, some states may require a history of rabies vaccines for cats, so consider federal and state-specific regulations when planning travel. Hawaii is one exception, requiring all pet owners to show proof of rabies vaccinations, blood titer tests, and tick treatments upon arrival to qualify for direct release. 

Additional health considerations for cats:

• Age requirements: There is no federal minimum age for importing cats, but airlines typically require kittens to be at least 8-12 weeks old to fly.
• Health certificate: Most airlines require a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel confirming the cat is fit to fly.
• Visual health inspection: Cats may be denied entry if they appear ill upon arrival.

Dogs

Dog imports are more regulated than cat imports due to federal rabies control measures enforced by the CDC. All dogs entering the U.S. must meet these baseline requirements:

• Age requirements: Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
• Microchip: Dogs must have an ISO-compatible microchip that can be detected by a universal scanner. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination, and the number must match all import documentation.
• CDC Dog Import Form: All dogs require a completed CDC Dog Import Form receipt prior to travel.
• Visual health inspection: Dogs must appear healthy when inspected by Customs or, when applicable, ACF staff.

Rabies documentation requirements depend on whether the dog has been in a CDC-designated high-risk country within the past 6 months and where the rabies vaccination was administered. These requirements are explained in detail in the Rabies Requirements section below.

In addition to federal import rules, airlines typically require:

• A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
• Documentation of rabies vaccination history.
• Breed verification forms, in some cases.
• Temperature acclimation certificates during extreme seasonal weather.

Failure to meet federal or airline requirements can result in denied boarding, denial of entry, or mandatory quarantine upon arrival. 

Other Types of Pets

Importing live animals other than cats and dogs involves species-specific regulations, often enforced by USDA APHIS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

• Birds: Bird imports are strictly regulated due to concerns about avian diseases, such as avian influenza. Many pet birds require permits and veterinary documentation and may be subject to quarantine upon arrival.
• Rodents and rabbits: Most rodents and rabbits are permitted, but rodents from Africa are generally prohibited due to disease risk.
• Reptiles and amphibians: These species face fewer federal health restrictions, but permits may be required if the species is protected under conservation laws.
• Fish and aquatic species: These pets are regulated primarily by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Certain species may require permits, particularly if they are protected or considered invasive.

Read Next: An In-Depth Guide to the CDC Import Process

Rabies Requirements

Dogs traveling to the U.S. from rabies-free or low-risk countries, including Canada and Mexico, are only required to fill out a CDC Dog Import Permit Form before travel for customs clearance. The CDC maintains a current list of countries that are high risk. Make sure to verify your origin point before planning your pet’s travel.

Note: Health certificates required by airlines include a section documenting your dog’s history of rabies vaccines. It’s always best practice to have rabies vaccination certificates handy, even if you’re not traveling from countries at high risk for rabies. 

For dogs traveling to the U.S. from a high-risk foreign country with a history of U.S. vaccinations, you need these two documents:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt
• Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form

For dogs traveling to the U.S. from high-risk countries with a history of foreign vaccinations, you need the following: 

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt
• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, filled out and certified by an official government veterinarian in the exporting country.
• Rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved lab
• Confirmation letter for your appointment at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility (ACF)

Disease Considerations

APHIS Veterinary Services has additional import requirements for dogs traveling from countries affected by foot and mouth disease (FMD) and/or screwworm. Refer to their list of countries affected by these diseases to ensure you have all the required documents.

For dogs imported from an FMD-affected country, their fur or bedding should be free of excess dirt, hay, or straw. When dogs from these countries reach the U.S., they should be bathed and kept away from livestock for 5 days.

Dogs coming from screwworm-affected countries need a certificate from an official government veterinarian showing that they’ve received an inspection for the disease within 5 days of import. 

A dog with a current screwworm infestation won’t necessarily be barred from entry. However, it must be held in quarantine and treated in its home country until a vet clears it. 

Necessary Documentation

Assume you’ll need a health certificate confirming a pet’s fitness to fly with the airline within 10 days of their travel date. Customs clearance for pet cats does not require additional documents.

We’ve mentioned some of the health-related documentation required for dogs imported to the U.S. already, but here’s a quick list:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt (all dogs): The form is free, available online, and valid for up to 6 months ahead of travel. The CDC recommends filling it out 2-10 days before your pet’s departure. 
• Rabies vaccination forms and serology reports (if needed): Refer to the section above for a breakdown of these by your origin point’s rabies risk.
• ACF appointment confirmation (if needed): This only applies to dogs coming from high-risk areas without a history of U.S.-based rabies vaccinations. Confirmations should include a 28-day quarantine stay if you’re not arriving with a valid rabies titer report.
• APHIS Veterinary Declaration (if needed): This applies to dogs coming from countries affected by screwworm and declares your dog’s treatment and health status.

Unless otherwise stated, all documents should be originals or certified copies. All documents should be written in English or come with a certified English translation.

The Air Waybill

The air waybill is your pet’s official shipping document. The airline issues it and details your pet’s itinerary, ownership, and any special handling instructions. Customs officials need it to verify pet shipments, and you’ll receive a copy to present to them upon arrival in the U.S.

While you’re not responsible for filling this out, you should confirm that it correctly lists your pet and shipment details. If someone other than you is flying with your pet, you must list their name as the consignee on the air waybill. Otherwise, officials may not allow your pet to enter the U.S.

Approved Ports of Entry

Pets can enter at any point of entry if they meet these conditions:

• They’ve only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last 6 months.
• They’ve been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months but have a valid Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or a valid USDA-endorsed export health certificate.

If you’re importing a pet from a high-risk rabies country and they don’t have a history of U.S.-based rabies vaccinations, they’ll need to enter through a CDC-registered port of entry. 

The CDC has equipped these ports specifically to handle dogs requiring inspection and documentation review, with on-site animal care facilities.

Approved entry points for the CDC rabies import program include:

• Los Angeles, California (LAX)
• New York, New York (JFK)
• Miami, Florida (MIA)
• Atlanta, Georgia (ATL)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL)

Travelers must schedule an appointment at a CDC-approved ACF in advance. If you’re flying into LAX, Tailwind’s first-class boarding and operations facility, Kennel Club LAX, is available for pet entry. It is one of only 7 CDC-approved locations currently handling these complex entries.

Read Next: A Detailed Guide to Pet Travel Insurance

What to Expect at U.S. Customs

Clearing customs with your pet follows a fairly predictable process, though requirements differ slightly for dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries. Here’s what to expect:

1. Your plane lands, and you proceed through your own customs clearance.
2. If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is taken to the airline’s cargo facility. For pets traveling in-cabin or as checked baggage, inspection may occur at the passenger terminal. If arriving from a high-risk rabies country, dogs are transferred directly to an ACF at a registered port of entry.
3. You present your pet’s documentation. This includes the air waybill (if cargo), CDC Dog Import Form receipt (for dogs), rabies certifications if required, health certificate, and any additional USDA or CDC paperwork.
4. CBP and, when applicable, ACF staff, review all required forms, verify microchip information matches documentation, confirm rabies vaccination status (if required), and conduct a visual health check.
5. High-risk rabies arrivals go through additional processing. Dogs must have a confirmed ACF reservation. If a valid rabies serology titer is on file, most dogs are cleared within a few hours, depending on arrival time. If a required titer is missing or invalid, a 28-day quarantine at the ACF is required.
6. For all other dogs, if all requirements are met, CBP clears the shipment, and your pet is released to you, usually within 2-4 hours. ACF officials will notify you when your pet is ready.

Common Reasons Pets Get Rejected at Customs

Customs agents in the U.S. can reject your pet at any port of entry. While the airline you use to transport your pet will likely make sure you have most of the necessary paperwork, it’s essential to double-check each piece before you fly.

Ensuring proper documentation is especially important if you’re traveling from a country with a higher risk of rabies. Here are some common reasons why customs officials could reject your pet:

• Your pet appears ill.
• You never filled out a CDC Dog Import Form.
• Their rabies vaccination certification (if needed) is missing or invalid.
• They’re missing a valid rabies serology titer (if needed).
• They’ve arrived at an unapproved port from a high-risk rabies country.
• Your pet is too young.
• You don’t have an appointment at a CDC-approved ACF.
• Their microchip is unreadable or doesn’t match their paperwork.
• Their documents are fraudulent or forged.
• Your documents aren’t in English (or don’t come with a certified English translation).

If Customs Denies Your Pet Entry

If customs denies your pet entry, they may return them to the country of departure at your expense. Before that happens, double-check all permits, veterinary certificates, vaccination records, microchip info, and port-of-entry requirements. 

If something is missing, you may be able to board your pet at a nearby quarantine facility as you correct the issue, but that’s not guaranteed. 

Read Next: What Is a Pet Passport?

Using a Customs Broker Can Be Beneficial

A customs broker’s job is to ensure your pet makes it through U.S. Customs as smoothly and stress-free as possible. They review your documentation in advance and book the flight for you. Using a broker simplifies the process. 

Customs broker fees in the U.S. typically range from $350 to $500. Total costs can vary depending on the port of entry, the complexity of your documentation, and whether your pet is arriving from a high-risk rabies country.

Fees may be lower during standard business hours and higher for after-hours, weekend, or last-minute clearance. Be cautious of unusually low quotes, as incomplete services or fraudulent operators are common in international pet transport.

Some brokers bundle services such as airline coordination, document pre-review, and communication with customs agencies. Others charge separately for items like ACF coordination, document corrections, or airport handling fees. Always request a detailed written quote upfront and confirm exactly what is included before booking.

Tailwind Global Pet provides a customs broker for pets for all of our clients, so you’re not on the hook for figuring out who to trust.

FAQs

Tailwind Handles Everything So You Don’t Have To

Tailwind makes bringing your pet into the U.S. simple, safe, and stress-free by offering VIP-level care and pet shipper services that go beyond traditional customs brokerage. Tailwind will manage the entire import process with your pet’s comfort and well-being as the top priority.

Here’s what Tailwind can handle for you:

• Flight and cargo logistics
• Customs broker booking
• Health certificate and veterinary documentation
• Pickup at LAX cargo after arrival
• Boarding at Kennel Club LAX
• Compliance with the CDC and USDA import regulations

Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.