Common reasons dogs are denied entry to the U.S. (and how to avoid them)

By Aaron Houston · Last checked 2026-10-25 against official CDC/USDA sources

Each item below is a CDC requirement; missing it can mean boarding refusal, denial of entry, or return of the dog at your expense.

1. No CDC Dog Import Form receipt, or one for the wrong dog. Each dog needs its own. (CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations)
2. Wrong departure country on a low-risk receipt (e.g. receipt says Canada, you fly from France). (CDC: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries)
3. Changed plans on a high-risk receipt. It is valid only for the arrival date and port listed; a new date or airport needs a new form. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
4. Under 6 months old at entry. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries)
5. Microchip unreadable or number mismatched across documents. (CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations)
6. Vaccine before the microchip, or first vaccine before 12 weeks of age (high-risk). (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
7. Not vaccinated after being in a high-risk country: entry refused. (CDC: Bringing a Dog into the U.S.)
8. Using a regular rabies certificate instead of the CDC Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form, or a USDA export certificate issued after July 31, 2025. (CDC: Entry Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
9. Certification not USDA-endorsed before departure from the U.S. (CDC: Instructions for USDA-accredited Veterinarians (U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form))
10. Foreign certification older than 30 days or not endorsed by an official government vet. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
11. Titer from a non-approved lab, or drawn too late (less than 28 days before entry). (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
12. No facility reservation, or landing at a different airport / crossing a land border with a foreign-vaccinated high-risk dog. (CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations)
13. Dog appears sick. It may need exam, testing and treatment at your expense, or be denied entry. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
14. Documents not in English without a certified translation. (CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries)
15. Wrong importation purpose: rescue/adoption dogs are "Commercial," and emotional support animals are not service animals. (CDC: Dog Import Form and Instructions)

Sources

• CDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations
• CDC: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries
• CDC: Entry Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
• CDC: Entry Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
• CDC: Instructions for USDA-accredited Veterinarians (U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form)
• CDC: Dog Import Form and Instructions
• CDC: Bringing a Dog into the U.S.

More guides

• Airline and CDC timing: a countdown for flying your dog into the U.S.
• CDC Dog Import Form: step-by-step guide (2026)
• Bringing a dog from Colombia to the U.S. (CDC high-risk rules)
• 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)