CDC Dog Import Rule Change: Proposed Rule Status 2026

By Aaron Houston · Last checked 2026-11-01 against official CDC/USDA sources

Short answer: CDC has a proposed rule on its regulatory agenda (RIN 0920-AA87) that would ease requirements for dogs coming from low-risk and rabies-free countries. As of November 1, 2026 we found no proposed rule published in the Federal Register, so the current rules still apply. Until a final rule takes effect, follow the current CDC requirements by risk category.

Source: Reginfo.gov Unified Agenda entry, RIN 0920-AA87, last checked November 1, 2026.

What the agenda entry says

The entry is titled "Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine: Dog Importation" and cites 42 CFR 71 under section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264). According to the agenda:

• After the May 2024 final rule, CDC "received considerable feedback" about the requirements for dogs entering from low-risk and rabies-free countries, and put temporary flexibilities in place before that rule took effect.
• The proposal would make those changes more permanent through "targeted modification" of the rules for the lowest-risk importations.
• For dogs from rabies-free and low-risk countries, the agenda says "the only requirement will be a CDC Dog Import Form receipt."
• CDC says it is also working with airlines on more flexibility for air waybill requirements.
• CDC's preliminary estimate is annualized net cost savings of $5 million to $43 million. CDC says formal economic estimates are still in progress.
• The entry is designated "Deregulatory" under EO 14192.

(Reginfo.gov, RIN 0920-AA87)

Timeline so far

Neither target date was met. A search of the Federal Register for "0920-AA87" on November 1, 2026 returned only the August 14, 2026 Unified Agenda notice, not a proposed rule. Agenda dates are plans, not deadlines; the entry lists "Legal Deadline: None."

What this means for your trip now

• Nothing has changed yet. Every dog still needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and to be at least 6 months old. See the microchip rules.
• High-risk countries aren't the focus. The agenda talks only about low-risk and rabies-free countries. If your dog was in a high-risk country in the last 6 months, plan on the current vaccination, certificate and port rules.
• A proposed rule is not the law. Once a proposed rule is published there is normally a public comment period, then a final rule with an effective date. Until then, a checklist based on a proposal can get your dog turned away.

How to follow it

1. Search the Federal Register for "0920-AA87" or "dog importation".
2. Check CDC's dog import page before you book.
3. Re-check this page; we update it when the status changes.

Official sources

• Reginfo.gov: RIN 0920-AA87, Dog Importation
• Federal Register: Unified Agenda 2026 notice (Aug 14, 2026)
• CDC: Bringing a Dog into the United States

Keep going: This page is part of our main guide to bringing a dog into the U.S., which walks through every decision in order. Related questions: Requirements by risk category and Airline and CDC timing.

More guides

• Airline and CDC timing: a countdown for flying your dog into the U.S.
• Bringing a dog from Brazil to the U.S.: CDC high-risk rules
• Bringing a Dog into the U.S. in 2027: Current CDC Rules
• 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?)
• Dominican Republic to the U.S. with a dog: CDC rules
• CDC high-risk countries for dog rabies: the list explained
• Bringing a dog from India to the U.S.: CDC high-risk rules
• 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)
• Bringing a dog from Turkey (Türkiye) to the U.S.: CDC rules
• Bringing a dog from the UAE to the U.S.: CDC high-risk rules
• Vietnam to the U.S. with a dog: CDC high-risk rules