Military and Government Families Bringing a Dog Home
Short answer: military and government families follow the same CDC dog import rules as everyone else. That means a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, at least 6 months of age, and extra rabies paperwork after time in a high-risk country. The CDC notes that Department of Defense veterinarians count as USDA-accredited, so they can fill in the U.S.-issued rabies vaccination form. Government employees should contact the State Department Office of Travel Management and Policy for help (CDC FAQs).
Source: CDC dog importation FAQs, last checked 2026-11-02.
Key points for PCS and posting moves
| Topic | What CDC says |
|---|---|
| Who signs the U.S. rabies form | A USDA-accredited vet; DoD vets qualify |
| Dog vaccinated in the U.S. before a posting in a high-risk country | Use the U.S.-vaccinated dog path |
| Dog vaccinated abroad, coming from a high-risk country | Foreign-vaccinated rules: titer, approved care facility reservation, airport arrival |
| Questions | CDC-INFO: 800-232-4636 |
Sources: CDC FAQs; CDC U.S.-vaccinated page.
Sources
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: Returning with a U.S.-vaccinated dog and Rabies vaccine rules. Ready to act? See CDC Dog Import Form step by step.
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