International Pet Travel Requirements

Bringing Pets into the United States

Dogs

Entering US

CDC issues regulations to control the entry of dogs into the United States from other countries. These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning. They also apply whether you are a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or foreign national.

Starting August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must:

• Appear healthy upon arrival.
• Be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
• Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

There are no veterinary documents required by CDC for dogs arriving from dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries. However, dogs will also need to meet Oregon's requirements to enter the state. Dogs need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by a veterinarian and proof of rabies vaccination to enter or return to Oregon. If returning to Oregon within 30 days of departure, the original CVI is accepted for the return trip. 

Dogs Entering from Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries

Dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months can enter the U.S. at any airport, seaport, or land border crossing. These countries can be determined by their exclusion from being listed as a country considered by the CDC to be at a high risk for rabies. 

• Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries

Dogs Entering from High-Risk Countries

Dogs entering the US from countries considered by the CDC to be at a high risk for rabies face additional requirements for entry, depending on whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies in the US or in the high risk country. 

If your dog is not vaccinated against rabies and has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months, your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated—not where the dog was born or where it lives.

• Entry Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
• Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries

Entering Oregon

• Dogs need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, and proof of rabies vaccination to enter or return to Oregon. If returning to Oregon within 30 days of departure, the original CVI is accepted for the return trip. 
• Use the Oregon Department of Agriculture Import Requirements tool to verify your animal's specific requirements
• The CVI must be issued no more than 30 days before entry and vaccination status must be current for rabies. For animals four months and older, current rabies vaccination required according to manufacturer´s instructions. No formal quarantine period is required in most instances. (Again, please use the ODA tool to confirm.)

Cats, Ferrets, Rabbits, Reptiles & Other Pets

Entering US

• Use the USDA APHIS Pet Travel page to find more information about bringing your pet into the US.

Entering Oregon

• Cats need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, and proof of rabies vaccination to return to Oregon after traveling with their owners. If returning to Oregon within 30 days of departure, the original CVI is accepted for the return trip. 
• Use the Oregon Department of Agriculture Import Requirements tool to verify your animal's specific requirements
• The CVI must be issued no more than 30 days before entry and vaccination status must be current for rabies. For animals four months and older, current rabies vaccination is required according to manufacturer´s instructions. No formal quarantine period is required in most instances. (Again, please use the ODA tool to confirm.)

Airlines have their own requirements for animals, so check ahead of time so that your pet meets their prerequisites for travel to the US.

For more information about these requirements, or if you are planning to import animals into Oregon to sell them, call the Department of Agriculture at (503) 986-4680.

Taking Pets Outside the Continental United States

If you plan to take your pet outside of the United States, you will need to be aware of the import requirements of the country to which you plan to travel. It is recommended that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks (if not longer) before your trip.

• Use the USDA APHIS Pet Travel page to find more information about your destination country's requirements.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, must be issued by an USDA endorsed veterinarian. Most veterinarians carry this endorsement and are able to write CVIs. If you are planning a trip, ask your veterinarian about the required documentation.

Your airline or a full-service travel agency can provide additional information about animal care requirements for international flights.