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Bringing dogs and cats from Brazil to the United States requires meticulous planning and close attention to health regulations that changed substantially starting in August 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) completely overhauled its requirements for dogs entering the country, and Brazil is now listed among countries classified as high-risk for canine rabies, which adds additional layers of requirements to the process. Whether you are relocating permanently, traveling temporarily for work, or simply visiting, understanding the current steps will prevent complications at check-in, arrival, and during your pet’s adjustment to the new country.
Current CDC Rules for Dogs
Since August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must be at least six months old at the time of arrival, have a microchip compatible with ISO 11784 or 11785 standards, appear healthy during inspection, and have a valid receipt from the CDC Dog Import Form, an online form completed between 2 and 10 days before travel. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination; otherwise, the vaccination will need to be repeated after microchipping.
Because Brazil is on the list of high-risk countries for canine rabies, dogs originating from Brazilian territory must meet additional requirements. Options include arriving at one of the U.S. airports authorized to receive animals from high-risk countries, presenting a rabies vaccination certificate issued in the United States with more than 30 days of validity, or presenting a foreign vaccination certificate accompanied by a rabies antibody titer test (RNATT) conducted at a CDC-approved laboratory.
Import Rules for Cats
The CDC does not require rabies vaccination for imported cats, but individual U.S. states may have their own requirements and most request proof at the time of local animal registration. Airlines typically require an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by an official authority; in Brazil’s case, this is the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) through Vigiagro offices at airports.
Microchipping is also highly recommended for cats, as it facilitates identification in case of loss and meets the requirements of many U.S. states for the issuance of local licenses.
Required Documentation for Travel
The typical set of documents for a dog departing Brazil includes the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) issued by MAPA, valid for 60 days for both dogs and cats, proof of microchipping, proof of rabies vaccination (with at least 30 days between vaccination and departure for initial vaccines), the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, and the RNATT test report when applicable. For cats, the CVI is the central document, with no CDC form required.
The process of obtaining the CVI involves a consultation with a registered veterinarian, issuance of a health certificate through the MAPA system, scheduling an appointment at the Vigiagro office at the departure airport, and presenting the documents for official endorsement. The endorsement is only valid if completed no more than 60 days before departure.
Choosing Your Airline and Mode of Transport
Each airline applies its own rules regarding accepted breeds, carrier size, maximum combined weight of animal and container, and mode of travel (cabin, pressurized climate-controlled hold, or separate cargo). Some carriers suspend transport of brachycephalic dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers due to respiratory risk, as well as Persian cats for similar reasons. Others restrict travel during months of extreme heat at the departure or destination airport.
Direct flights are far preferable to connecting flights. Layovers in third countries can trigger new health requirements and increase the total time of stress for the animal. When there is a domestic connection within the United States, it is worth checking whether the initial arrival airport is on the CDC list to receive dogs from high-risk countries.
Expected Costs
Total costs vary considerably depending on the animal’s size, breed, mode of transport, and whether a specialized pet relocation agent is needed. The main components include veterinary consultations and preparatory tests, microchip, vaccines, the RNATT serological test at an accredited laboratory (which can cost several hundred dollars and takes weeks for results), an IATA-approved travel carrier, the airline fee for the animal’s journey, consular fees when applicable, and potential pet shipping services for large dogs traveling as cargo.
A realistic cost for a medium-sized dog leaving Brazil for the United States typically falls in the range of a few thousand dollars when the entire chain of requirements is considered, including the RNATT required for dogs originating from a high-risk country.
Recommended Preparation Timeline
Ideally, the process should begin four to six months before the planned departure date. This timeframe allows for the microchip to be implanted before the rabies vaccine, waiting the minimum interval between vaccination and the serological test, receiving the RNATT results, and still having room for corrections. Vaccines given for the first time in the animal’s life require 30 days before the departure date to be considered valid by the CDC.
The CDC Dog Import Form must be completed between 2 and 10 days before arrival in the United States, making it one of the final steps. The electronic form receipt must be presented either printed or on a mobile device at the time of arrival.
Preparing Your Pet for Travel
Acclimating your pet to the travel carrier weeks before departure substantially reduces stress on the day of travel. Meals should be given a few hours before boarding, hydration ensured with a fixed water dispenser inside the carrier, and a toy or cloth with a familiar scent can help with adjustment. Sedatives are not recommended by major international veterinary associations due to increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular complications at altitude.
Settling In: Adjusting to the New Country
After arrival, most states require local animal registration with a municipal or licensing agency, typically with proof of rabies vaccination and an annual fee. Pet stores, veterinary insurance plans, and U.S. veterinary clinics operate under different models than in Brazil, with significantly higher costs per visit. Enrolling in a veterinary plan or pet insurance shortly after arrival provides protection against emergencies.
The acclimatization period ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on age, temperament, and the climatic changes involved. Dogs and cats coming from tropical regions may need extra time to adjust to the harsh winters of northern United States.
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.
