Airline and CDC timing: a countdown for flying your dog into the U.S.
The airline must see your CDC Dog Import Form receipt before boarding, and CBP checks it on arrival. (CDC: Dog Import Form and Instructions)
Low-risk countries only
- You can complete the form on the day of travel, but CDC recommends a few days to 6 months ahead. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries)
- Dog at least 6 months old, microchipped, healthy.
Foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country (CDC's own checklist)
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 60+ days before (recommended) | Microchip (before vaccine), rabies vaccine if needed, start airline booking, titer blood draw at least 30 days after the first valid vaccine |
| 30+ days before | Last chance for the titer (must be drawn ≥28 days before travel). Reserve the CDC-registered animal care facility (with 28-day quarantine if no titer) |
| ≤30 days before | Vet completes the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form; get it endorsed by an official government vet |
| Week of travel | Finalize the airline; complete the CDC Dog Import Form; carry 2 copies of the certification |
| Day of travel | Fly directly to the airport with your facility reservation; carry the receipt, certification and reservation confirmation |
(CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
No domestic connection is allowed before the facility visit, and there are no CDC-registered facilities in Alaska, Hawaii or U.S. territories. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries; CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations)
U.S.-vaccinated dog returning from a high-risk country
The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form must be USDA-endorsed before you leave the U.S., and endorsement can take several weeks. (CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations)
Unconfirmed / check with your airline: Airlines set their own pet rules (cabin vs cargo, breed and temperature embargoes, crate sizes, booking windows). These vary by carrier and change often; we have not verified any airline's policy here.
Sources
- CDC: Dog Import Form and Instructions
- CDC: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries
- CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
- CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations
More guides
- CDC Dog Import Form: step-by-step guide (2026)
- Bringing a dog from Colombia to the U.S. (CDC high-risk rules)
- Common reasons dogs are denied entry to the U.S. (and how to avoid them)
- Microchip rules for dogs entering the U.S. (is ISO required?)
- CDC high-risk countries for dog rabies: the list explained
- Bringing a dog from Mexico to the U.S. (CDC rules for 2026)
- Bringing a dog from the Philippines to the U.S. (CDC high-risk rules)
- Rabies vaccine, titer and certificate rules for dogs entering the U.S.
- U.S. dog entry requirements by risk category (comparison table)
- Returning to the U.S. with your U.S.-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country
- Bringing a dog from Thailand to the U.S. (CDC high-risk rules)