An In-Depth Guide to the CDC Import Process

Bringing a pet into the United States isn’t as simple as booking a flight. For pets, particularly dogs, arriving from high-risk rabies countries, the CDC import process involves multiple agencies and strict documentation requirements. In some cases, they’ll also need clearance through a CDC-approved Animal Care Facility (ACF).

Whether you are planning months in advance or already navigating a complex return to the U.S., understanding the full process can help you avoid delays and unnecessary stress. 

This guide breaks down the CDC pet import process step by step, focusing on what pet owners need to know before travel, upon arrival, and after their pet enters an ACF.

CDC Pet Import Requirements

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) evaluates dog imports based on the rabies risk of countries visited in the last 6 months and whether the dog’s rabies vaccination is U.S.- or foreign-issued. Countries are classified as rabies-free, low-risk for rabies, or high-risk for rabies, but dogs arriving from high-risk countries are subject to the most stringent requirements.

Dogs with foreign-issued rabies vaccinations or recent residence in high-risk rabies countries may be required to meet additional CDC criteria. That includes advance documentation, airline coordination, and clearance through a CDC-approved ACF.

Cats are not subject to the same CDC import processes, but they must appear healthy upon arrival. Airline policies and U.S. state or local rules may still apply no matter the species, and certain destinations, such as Hawaii and Guam, enforce mandatory quarantine for all cats.

Pets From Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries

This category applies to dogs that have lived only in rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before arrival in the U.S. In these cases, CDC import requirements are generally the same whether the dog’s rabies vaccination was administered in the U.S. or abroad.

Dogs in this category typically need the following:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt submitted prior to travel
• Proof that the dog is at least 6 months old
• ISO-compatible microchip
• Any airline-required health documentation

Pet owners (or importers) apply for the CDC Dog Import Form online before traveling to the U.S. You’ll be asked to provide importer information, dog information, vaccination and health certificates, travel information, and a digital signature and attestation.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt, which must be presented to the airline before boarding and to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival. There is no fee to submit the form.

Dogs arriving from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need to clear through a CDC-approved ACF, provided all documentation is complete, and the dog appears healthy. Airlines and individual states may have additional requirements.

Pets From High-Risk Countries

Requirements for dogs arriving from countries at high risk for rabies depend on their vaccination history. (A full list of high-risk countries is available on the CDC website.) U.S. vaccinated dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries will need the following:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt submitted prior to travel
• Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form
• Proof that the dog is at least 6 months old (their adult canine teeth must be visible). The required proof consists of 4 photos: front-facing, side body, front teeth, and side teeth.
• ISO-compatible microchip
• Any airline-required health documentation

The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be filled out by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-accredited vet, with endorsement from the USDA.

Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries are subject to additional CDC screening and, in most cases, must enter the U.S. through an airport with a CDC-approved ACF.

Typical import requirements for these pets include the following:

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt submitted prior to travel
• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form
• Valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory (if not already included in the form above)
• Confirmed reservation at a CDC-registered ACF
• Proof that the dog is at least 6 months old (their adult canine teeth must be visible). The required proof consists of 4 photos: front-facing, side body, front teeth, and side teeth. 
• ISO-compatible microchip
• Any airline-required health documentation

Any documents provided to the CDC must be in English or come with a certified English translation. Dogs arriving without a valid rabies titer from a CDC-approved lab will need to be revaccinated upon arrival and complete a quarantine of up to 28 days at an ACF.

It’s Best to Plan Ahead

Advanced planning is always important when you’re traveling with a pet. It’s even more important if your pet needs to arrive at an ACF. For pets that need it, many airlines will not allow boarding unless proof of an ACF reservation is provided in advance.

ACFs play an important role in the import process for pets from high-risk countries. They verify documentation, administer vaccinations when required, and oversee quarantine for pets who need it. 

Start by making a reservation with an ACF as early as possible, especially if you’re traveling during peak times. You only have one of 7 CDC facility locations to choose from across the entire U.S., and spots can fill up at smaller facilities.

Working with a pet shipper can expedite the process. If you’re traveling through LAX, Kennel Club LAX is a first-class boarding facility and a CDC-approved ACF, with the capacity to board over 200 dogs per night. Planning ahead doesn’t just guarantee your pet’s spot. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need for a smooth arrival and to clear customs.

Forms of Arrival

There are 3 ways pets can arrive at their destination: in-cabin, as excess baggage, or as manifest cargo. The form of arrival affects where your pet lands, how paperwork is processed, and how quickly they can be transferred to an ACF as needed.

Pets Arriving In-Cabin or as Excess Baggage

Dogs arriving in-cabin or as excess baggage follow the same arrival steps. Upon landing in the passengers’ terminal, pets and their owners are sent to a secondary area to begin the post-entry process. 

You’ll be asked to provide your dog’s paperwork so your pet can be assigned an air waybill (AWB) by the airline. The airline coordinates with CBP and the CDC to ensure import requirements are met. The AWB acts as a tracking document for transporting the pet to the designated ACF.

Once the post-entry form is signed, the airline takes custody of your dog for transport to the cargo terminal and ACF. This process can take several hours, depending on staffing and how quickly documents are reviewed. Transfers from the terminal to the cargo area add time.

Pets Arriving as Manifest Cargo

Pets arriving as manifest cargo arrive in the cargo terminal of the destination airport. While the cost is higher, they can avoid delays during transfers from the passenger terminal.

Cargo dogs have a more efficient arrival when it comes to required documents, too. They arrive with their AWB generated ahead of time, whereas in-cabin and excess baggage pets get theirs generated once they get to the cargo terminal. 

It’s important to note that some airlines only allow your pet to arrive as manifest cargo. We prefer clients send their pets this way for ease of travel and a more efficient reunion with their dogs.

What Happens at the Animal Care Facility

Once your dog arrives at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility, the post-entry process begins. While procedures can vary slightly by location, all ACFs follow CDC and USDA guidelines for both public health and animal health during pet travel. 

Upon arrival at the facility, dogs are removed from their travel crates and given time to decompress. This typically includes a potty break, fresh water, and feeding.

From there, a USDA-accredited veterinarian performs a full health exam to ensure the dog shows no signs of infectious disease. Dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries receive a rabies vaccination at the facility, even if they have proof of rabies vaccination abroad. Revaccination is considered safe because dog rabies vaccines are not live-virus vaccines.

Following the exam and vaccination, the dog’s health records are uploaded into a system accessible to the CDC, and the CDC reviews the documentation for compliance. Once approved, the ACF submits the case for customs clearance. 

This last step often takes 2-4 hours, though timing depends on arrival hour and staffing. Once it’s complete, the ACF notifies the owner that their pet is able to leave the facility. Pet visitation is not available while the dog is awaiting CDC and customs clearance.

Quarantine 

Foreign-vaccinated dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries without a rabies serology titer from a CDC-approved lab must complete a 28-day quarantine at an ACF after revaccination. At Kennel Club LAX, dogs on a 28-day quarantine are given an additional Bordetella vaccine to protect them against kennel cough.

We also offer the Canine Influenza vaccine. The first dose is administered upon arrival, with a booster given two weeks later.

It’s important to note here that quarantine requirements are determined before travel based on documentation. In some cases, a dog’s quarantine may end early if titer results are received and approved sooner than expected. We’ve seen cases where clients received the necessary documents in the air on their way to their port of entry.

At the ACF, dogs are housed separately from other pets during quarantine. Facilities monitor every pet’s health daily and provide routine care. 

Dogs arriving from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not require quarantine under standard CDC rules, provided all documentation is compliant.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Even when all CDC requirements are met, small oversights can slow down your pet’s entry into the U.S. The tips below address the most common issues we see and what pet owners can do to reduce stress for both themselves and their dogs.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Many delays during the CDC import process stem from paperwork or communication issues rather than health concerns. To avoid problems:

• Double-check that all documents match exactly, including microchip numbers, vaccination dates, and owner information.
• Ensure rabies serology titers, if required, come from a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Confirm your ACF reservation well in advance and keep a copy of the confirmation.
• Verify airline requirements before departure on official websites or by calling the airline, as policies may differ from CDC rules.
• Submit your request at least two weeks before your planned trip. Please note that submitting a reservation request does not guarantee a reserved spot until all documents have been received, reviewed, and approved.

Prepare Your Dog for Travel and Separation

For many pet owners, the most stressful part of the import process is the temporary separation that occurs after landing. To help your dog adjust:

• Use an appropriately sized, airline-approved crate that your dog is familiar with.
• Include familiar bedding or comfort items that meet airline rules.
• Avoid sedating your dog.
• Keep pre-travel routines calm and predictable.

Plan for Onward Travel if Needed

If your port of entry is not your final destination, onward planning can add another layer of complexity to your itinerary. 

Some pet owners can’t wait for the full CDC clearance process to be completed in person before boarding their next flight. In these cases, pets can be shipped onward after release. Ground transportation may be an alternative option.

Arrivals outside weekday customs clearance hours may require overnight boarding, and additional charges may apply. Knowing this ahead of time helps set realistic expectations.

FAQs

Partner With a CDC-Approved Pet Transport Service

Kennel Club LAX is your best option to handle the importation of dogs on the West Coast. We’re happy to help you navigate the CDC’s new rules, but even if you use another pet shipper, we can still support your entry process as an ACF and high-quality boarding facility.

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