Guidelines for Traveling with Pets: CDC and USDA Requirements

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) governs dog imports, including those entering or returning to the United States. Any U.S.-vaccinated dog that has visited a high-risk country for rabies in the past six months must possess a "Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination" form. This certification needs to be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian prior to the dog leaving the country. For further details, visit the CDC website.

If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, it is essential to consult a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as your travel is decided. They can help you understand the entry requirements for your destination country and assist you through the necessary processes.

Not all animals qualify as pets under these travel regulations. A pet is defined as a privately owned companion animal that is not intended for research or resale. Certain groups of animals do not qualify for pet travel, including livestock or poultry, such as pigs or chickens. If your animal is not listed as a pet, different import and export regulations will apply.

Certain bird species are classified as poultry and do not qualify for pet travel due to their potential to carry diseases that may affect the U.S. poultry industry. Birds subject to these regulations include chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and turkeys.

If you are preparing to take your pet from the United States to another country, it is crucial to find a USDA-accredited veterinarian. They will inform you of necessary vaccinations, tests, or treatments and assist in obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate or other required documentation.