The United States (US) is one of the most pet friendly countries in the world. Dog passports need only to document proof of rabies vaccination at least 30 days prior to entering the country. Presently, dog owners and importers transporting unvaccinated dogs into the United States, or those who can not meet the 30 day requirement, can apply for home confinement for 30 days. During this time, their dog must be vaccinated for rabies and it must be kept in isolation, away from other rabies-carrying animals. It must be leashed and muzzled when removed from the designated premises during the period of confinement. The same opportunity applied for puppies under 3 months of age who were not old enough for rabies vaccinations when entering the US.
Effective August 11, 2014, the rules for?dog vaccination requirements will be changing. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)?will require pre-approval of all requests for home confinement?for dogs who have not been vaccinated for rabies?when entering the United States from a country which is not considered by the US as rabies-free*.? And, as puppies are not given their rabies vaccinations until 3 months, and there is a 30 day waiting period after the initial vaccination, this means that puppies from non-rabies-free countries?cannot be imported to the US until the age of 4 months.
The legislation was written out of concern for the number of home confinements that were issued in 2013 and the first half of 2014. Many importers are not adhering to the rules of the confinement and the number of home confinement requests?is growing substantially. After August 11, the CDC will consider each case individually and encourages owners and importers to have their dogs vaccinated at least 30 days prior to import to avoid problems at the point of entry.
Hi G.R. – we responded to your second post. Sorry for the delay.
Hello – you are correct that your dog will not need a rabies vaccination to clear customs as the US considers Belgium to be rabies-free; however, if your dog will reside in Oregon, likely it will be required. If she is traveling as air cargo, she will need a health certificate issued by a licensed vet in English or bi-lingual with English being one of the languages within 10 days of traveling. As for export requirements for Belgium, you will need to check with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, veterinary customs officials or your veterinarian. If your pet will be returning to Belgium, it will need to be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies no sooner than 12 weeks of age and travel with an EU Pet Passport.
Susan
Not sure my first post went through, sorry for the double-post if it did.
I’d like to have a 2-yr. old dog sent from Belgium to Oregon. Is it correct that:
– she doesn’t need a fresh rabies vaccine (Belgium is rabies-free)
– Oregon doesn’t require an import permit for pet dogs and,
– she just needs her health certificate in order to travel?
Do you know if there are any special forms she would need to leave Belgium? Thanks in advance!
Hello (and thank you for answering so many questions) — I’d like to have a 2-yr. old chihuahua transported from Belgium to Oregon. She would be flying alone. Does she need anything other than her health certificate (Belgium is rabies-free) to travel? Oregon doesn’t require an import permit — do you know if Belgium requires any special export papers to accompany her?
Thank you in advance!
Hello Zeel – you can find requirements for importing your puppy to the United States here: http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/unitedstates.cfm. As your dog will be too young to be vaccinated for rabies, you will need to contact the Center for Disease Control for permission. (cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov)
Susan
Hi.. I have a lab puppy and he is 9 weeks old. I want to take him with me on my road trip to Chicago from canada. What documents do I need? And where can I find all information guidelines about travelling with pet? Plz help.
Shweta – are you traveling with your pup? What country is it currently residing in now?
Susan
Hi.
I have a small pup age 4 months that I need to import to USA. His initial rabies was given on 10 july 2016 untill 9th Aug 2016 ( one month dose).
He was given the booster dose for rabies on 9th Aug 2016 till 9th Sept 2017 ( One year).
I would like to know can he travel by mid Aug or we need to wait for 30 days i.e travelling after 9th sept 2016 only.
Pls advise.
Jack – if your puppy is less than 3 months of age, it can enter Mexico without a rabies vaccination. Puppies should not be vaccinated before 3 months of age.
Phil
I have a puppy of 10 weeks and I want to take him to Mexico I already have a health certificate from my veterinarian but he doesn’t no have been vaccinate of rabies because is to young. Would I have a problem in the border.
Alejandra – to cross the Canadian border and return to the US, your pet will need proof of current rabies vaccination. The 30 day wait to return to the US is only for pets that have never been vaccinated or those whose vaccinations have expired. To cross the Mexican border, you will need a USDA form endorsed by your State USDA office. More details here: http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/mexico.cfm.
Jason
All my dog needs to cross the US border is a health certificate signed by his vet?
He also has his rabies vaccine already…
Does he need to get another one or what do they mean by within 30 days?
I am really confused about that, and I dont want to take him out of the country if theyre not gonna let me bring him back.
Thank you
Ang – millions of dogs get rabies vaccinations every year with no effects at all. If you suspect that your dog has immune system problems, then discuss the vaccination with your vet.
Susan
Has anyone had any bad experiance with their dog having the rabies vaccination? I’ve read all negative and no positive stories. We planed to fly from UK to New York with our 8 month old pup but now may leave him home with a sitter. In so scared he’ll be I’ll frim the jab.
Dane – not sure if your dog is originating outside of the US. Not a bad idea to get written permission from the Center for Disease Control. (cdcanimalimports@cdc.gov)
Jason
My dog had a bout with hymastolic anemia last summer and almost died. Thank God she did NOT, she has fully recovered but can no longer have any vaccinations according to my vet. The vet can issue a vaccine waiver form in lieu of the vaccine. My question & concern is if I wish to travel with my dog to New Mexico, will the airlines allow her to fly with me if I have the vaccination waiver?
Sharada – we are not aware of an exception to the rabies vaccination for Costa Rica. You should contact the Ministry of Agriculture to see if an exception can be made.
Jason
hi,
how can i take my dog to costa rica if she is allergic to the rabies vaccine?
Last time she received the vaccine she had a serious reaction and had to go
to the emergency room. I have a letter from my vet stating that she is allergic
to shots but will that be sufficient to enter the country? not sure what to do?
thanks for your help!
Donna – you can use your rabies and health certificates to enter the US. As you are there for a short time, no permit should be required. Check with your airlines.
Jason
I came to Brazil from USA just 3 weeks ago. Now I want to go back home with my pet. What documents do I need to get us out of Brazil???? Help please.