CDC TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF DOGS ENTERING THE U.S.

FROM RABIES HIGH-RISK COUNTRIES

Starting August 01, 2023, the temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies has been extended. This includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months.

The Philippines is included in the list of high-risk for rabies. These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, and service dogs.

UPDATE: Beginning March 1, 2023, a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record is needed to obtain a permit or make a reservation. CDC will NOT accept foreign-issued pet passports or any other certificates for foreign rabies vaccinations.

1. Dogs vaccinated against rabies in the United States by a US-licensed veterinarian may re-enter the United States from a high-risk country without a CDC Dog Import Permit if the dog:

• has a current, valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate;
• has proof of an ISO-compatible microchip;
• is at least 6 months old;
• is healthy upon arrival; and
• arrives at one of the18 airports with a CDC quarantine station

2. Expired US-issued rabies vaccination certificates will not be accepted.  If the US-issued rabies vaccination certificate has expired, the dog must get a booster dose outside the United States and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs (see below).

3. Foreign-vaccinated dogs coming from high-risk countries are now required to use the CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record as proof of rabies vaccination.

Note: Use of this record is also encouraged for US-vaccinated dogs, though not required. Dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries are still required to meet all requirements of the temporary suspension (see www.cdc.gov/dogtravel).

4. Three or more dogs coming from high-risk countries must arrive at specific ports of entry with a prior reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility. All dogs must have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record and adequate rabies serologic titer or they will be required to complete a 28-day quarantine at the US animal care facility. This option is also available to importers of 1-2 dogs who do not have a CDC Dog Import Permit.

All dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may only enter arrive at one of the 18 airports in the US with a CDC quarantine station:

Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW),Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH),Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP),New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL),San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).

Dogs from high-risk countries may be imported only with CDC’s advance written approval (CDC Dog Import Permit),a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility, or a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate.  This includes dogs imported from a country NOT at high risk if the dogs have been in a high-risk country during the previous 6 months. CDC Dog Import Permit approvals may be granted for up to two foreign-vaccinated dogs per applicant during the temporary suspension. If your request for a CDC Dog Import Permit is denied, CDC’s written denial will constitute final agency action. No appeals will be allowed.

To request advance written approval, you must follow the instructions at How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit at least 40 business days (8 weeks) before you intend for your dog to enter the United States. Requests cannot be made at the port of entry upon the dog’s arrival into the United States.

Dogs that arrive from high-risk countries without a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate, a CDC Dog Import Permit, or a reservation at a CDC-approved animal care facility will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense.

Learn more about how to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit.

Learn more on Frequently Asked Questions on CDC Suspending Dogs from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies:https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/faqs-about-high-risk-dog-ban.html