Service Dogs and CDC Dog Import Rules (2026)
Short answer: service dogs need the same basics as any dog: a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and to be at least 6 months old. The CDC gives service dogs a few accommodations only when they're coming from a high-risk rabies country. Only dogs that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation's definition of a service animal (14 CFR 382.3) qualify. Emotional support animals and service dogs in training are not service animals under this rule (CDC dog import FAQs).
Source: CDC dog importation FAQs, last checked 2026-11-02.
What changes for a service dog
| Situation | Accommodation per CDC |
|---|---|
| Low-risk or rabies-free country | None needed; same rules as pet dogs |
| Foreign-vaccinated dog from a high-risk country | Still needs a CDC-registered animal care facility reservation, but can get expedited processing, and the handler may accompany the dog to the facility |
| Arriving by ship at a U.S. seaport | Seaport exception available with a valid rabies titer; a dog that stays aboard at high-risk ports isn't counted as having been in those countries |
Source: CDC FAQs (service animal section) and CDC foreign-vaccinated high-risk page.
Checklist
- Confirm the dog meets 14 CFR 382.3. A psychiatric service dog trained to perform a task can; an emotional support animal can't.
- Fill in the CDC Dog Import Form and bring the receipt.
- Check the risk category of every country the dog was in during the last 6 months.
- High-risk and foreign-vaccinated? Book an approved care facility and mention that the dog is a service dog.
- Ask your airline which service animal forms it requires.
Sources
- CDC: Dog importation FAQs
- CDC: Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries
- eCFR: 14 CFR 382.3 (service animal definition)
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 Common reasons dogs are denied entry. Ready to act? See CDC Dog Import Form step by step.
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
- Bringing a Dog From Canada to the U.S. (2026 Rules)
- CDC Dog Import Form: step-by-step guide (2026)
- CDC Dog Import Rule Change: Proposed Rule Status 2026
- China to the U.S. with a dog: CDC rules (and Hong Kong)
- 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)
- Military and Government Families Bringing a Dog Home
- Bringing a dog from the Philippines to the U.S. (CDC high-risk rules)
- Can I Bring a Puppy Into the U.S.? The 6-Month Rule
- 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
- South Africa to the U.S. with a dog: CDC rules
- 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