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The CDC Dog Import Form: what it is, what it costs, how to apply
Last updated: September 9, 2026 — verified against cdc.gov and USDA APHIS.
Since August 2024, every dog entering the United States needs a CDC Dog Import Form, no matter where it comes from. That includes dogs flying from Europe or the UK, and dogs only transiting the USA on the way elsewhere. The good news: the form is free, online, and quick, and for EU and UK dogs it is the only CDC requirement. Cats do not need it at all.
1 · CheckDog 6 months+And only in low-risk or rabies-free countries (EU, UK) for the past 6 months
2 · ApplyCDC Dog Import FormOnline, free, one form per dog. Fill it a few days before travel
3 · ReceiptValid 6 monthsEmailed to you. Keep it on your phone or printed, plus carry a backup
4 · VetHealth certificateAirline requirement, issued within 10 days of travel by your vet
5 · FlyArrive healthyCarry all documents. Dogs showing signs of disease can be refused
Who needs the form
- All dogs entering the USA, from any country, including the EU and the UK.
- Dogs transiting the USA, even when the final destination is another country.
- Cats: exempt. No CDC form applies to cats entering the USA.
The low-risk path from the EU and UK
If your dog has only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries (which covers the whole EU and the UK) during the past 6 months, the CDC Dog Import Form is the only federal requirement. No rabies titer test, no quarantine, no federal health certificate. Your dog must still be at least 6 months old, microchipped with a chip readable by a universal scanner, and appear healthy at arrival.
How to apply, validity, cost
- Apply online on the CDC website (cdc.gov, dog import section). One form per dog.
- Receipt valid 6 months. Fill the form a few days before travel; the day of departure also works. Keep the emailed receipt on your phone or printed.
- Free. The CDC charges nothing. Your separate costs are the airline health certificate (issued by a vet within 10 days of travel, airline requirement) and the flight itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Do cats need the CDC Dog Import Form?
No, the CDC Dog Import Form applies to dogs only. Cats just need routine airline requirements.
How long is the CDC receipt valid?
The receipt you get by email is valid 6 months. Fill the form a few days before travel; the day of departure also works.
Is the CDC form required if I am only transiting the USA?
Yes, the CDC Dog Import Form is required for transit stops in the USA, even if your final destination is elsewhere.
Does my EU or UK dog need a rabies titer test for the USA?
No. For dogs that have only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries (all of the EU and UK) in the past 6 months, the CDC requires only the Dog Import Form, no titer test.
High-risk countries: dogs that have been in a CDC high-risk country in the past 6 months face stricter rules (rabies titer and a 30-day wait). The low-risk path above applies to EU and UK dogs.
Official sources
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