How do you bring a pet to the United States in 2026?

CDC requirements turn on two facts: whether the dog was in any high-risk dog-rabies country during the six months before U.S. entry, and where rabies vaccines were given. Use the CDC Dog Importation Navigator and the high-risk country list before you buy tickets.

Core rules that apply to dogs in general include appearing healthy on arrival, being at least six months old at entry, having a microchip readable by a universal scanner, and holding a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. For dogs that stayed only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for those six months, the Dog Import Form receipt is the main federal document CDC describes, and entry can occur at ordinary ports.

Dogs that spent time in a high-risk country need rabies vaccination evidence and further steps that depend on U.S.-issued versus foreign vaccination records. Foreign-vaccinated dogs often need a government-endorsed certification and a rabies serology titer from a CDC-approved laboratory, or they face quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility. Unvaccinated dogs from high-risk countries are not allowed to enter. Commercial (resale) imports can trigger extra USDA rules.

Cats generally do not face the same CDC dog-rabies import framework, but they still need to travel healthy, meet airline crate and sedation policies, and clear any destination-state or territory entry rules. Hawaii and some territories run stricter animal entry programs than the mainland average. Check USDA APHIS pet travel pages and the state agriculture or animal health office for your final address.

Airlines set pet-in-cabin size limits, breed restrictions, seasonal embargos, and cargo temperature rules. Book the pet spot when you book the human ticket. Service animal policies differ from pet policies; do not assume emotional-support labels waive CDC dog rules.

After arrival, arrange a U.S. veterinarian visit, update city licensing where required, and confirm housing pet rules before you sign a lease. Many U.S. rentals cap weight or breed even when federal entry succeeded.

Complete the CDC Dog Import Form days or months ahead when allowed so the receipt is ready at the airport. Align microchip numbers across vaccine certificates and forms. Keep paper and phone copies of titers, endorsements, and airline confirmations in your carry-on.

If you drive across a land border, CDC port rules still apply. State roadside checks are uncommon for private pets but destination registration still matters.