English 
Português 
Español 
Taking your pet from Brazil to the United States is no longer a matter of a basic veterinary checklist — it now requires advance planning, with federal protocols that changed substantially starting August 1, 2024. The new rules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised the documentation standard for dogs entering the country and classify Brazil as a high-risk country for canine rabies, triggering additional requirements not found in older guides.
Who Regulates What
Pet entry into the U.S. involves three federal agencies with distinct responsibilities. The CDC regulates dogs and cats from a public health standpoint, with a focus on rabies control. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through APHIS, regulates animal health for livestock species and has jurisdiction over the Veterinary Health Certificate in some transit scenarios. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts the physical inspection at the port of entry.
For travel from Brazil to the U.S., the operational focus falls on CDC rules for dogs, supplemented by airline requirements and destination state rules — states like Hawaii maintain their own quarantine protocols.
Dogs: The New CDC Rules
Since August 1, 2024, every dog entering the United States must meet five non-negotiable federal requirements, regardless of country of origin. The animal must be at least 6 months old at the time of arrival. It must be identified by a microchip compatible with the ISO 11784/11785 standard, readable by universal scanners at ports of entry. The microchip number must appear on all health documents, and implantation must occur before the rabies vaccination.
The owner must complete the CDC Dog Import Form, a free online form available on the CDC portal. The generated certificate is valid for 6 months and covers multiple entries during that period. The dog must appear healthy upon arrival — visible signs of illness authorize the CBP officer to deny entry or require a veterinary evaluation at the owner’s expense.
Because Brazil is classified as a high-risk country for canine rabies, additional requirements apply. The dog must have a rabies vaccine administered by a licensed veterinarian, with a certificate issued on a CDC-accepted form. For entry with a Brazilian rabies vaccine, the owner must present a serological test result (antibody titer) from a CDC-approved laboratory, with a specific date relative to the vaccination. Alternatively, the owner may opt for revaccination in the U.S., with restrictions on port of entry.
Cats: A Simpler Process
The CDC does not require federal rabies vaccination for cats entering the U.S., although state rules vary widely. Hawaii maintains its own quarantine that may include cats. The CBP and USDA require that the cat appear healthy and, depending on the airline, a recent veterinary health certificate. Microchipping is not federally required for cats, but is strongly recommended for identification in the event of loss during transport.
Some international airlines require documentation equivalent to that for dogs even for cats, so checking with the carrier at the time of booking is essential.
Required Documentation
The International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) issued by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) is the document U.S. border officials expect to see to confirm the animal’s health status. The process in Brazil involves a consultation with an accredited veterinarian, issuance of the certificate in an international format, and validation at a MAPA office within a specific window before the flight (generally 10 days).
Additionally, the owner should carry proof of microchip with visible number, updated vaccination card, rabies serology results when required, a valid CDC Dog Import Form (printed or digital), and an identification tag affixed to the transport crate.
Airlines and Transport Options
There are three common transport options: cabin, checked baggage hold, or cargo (freight). LATAM, American Airlines, United, and Delta operate Brazil–U.S. routes with distinct rules for each option. The animal’s weight plus the crate determines cabin eligibility — generally up to 7 to 8 kg for premium carriers. Larger animals must travel as checked baggage (on the same reservation as the owner) or as cargo (separate booking, more complex process, handled by agents).
Some airlines maintain restrictions for brachycephalic breeds — bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Persians — due to respiratory risk at altitude. Others suspend transport during extreme heat months. Booking must be made weeks in advance, and the number of pets per flight is limited.
Realistic Timeline
Ideal planning should begin 4 to 6 months before the trip. In month 1, schedule a veterinary appointment for a general evaluation, microchipping (if not already done), and a vaccination plan. In month 2, administer the rabies vaccine and any other required immunizations. In month 3, collect a sample for serology if the route requires it. In month 4, choose an airline, book the flight, and obtain an IATA-approved transport crate. In the two weeks prior, issue the CVI and have it validated at MAPA. The day before, review all documentation and help the animal get comfortable with the crate.
Typical Costs
Costs vary considerably. Microchipping runs between R$80 and R$200. An international-standard rabies vaccine costs between R$100 and R$250. Serology at an approved laboratory can reach R$800. A rigid IATA-standard transport crate ranges from R$400 to R$1,500 depending on size. The CVI and MAPA fee total up to R$250. Air transport itself is the largest component: cabin costs $200 to $400, hold costs $400 to $800, and international cargo can exceed $2,000 for large animals.
Mistakes That Lead to Border Rejection
A non-ISO or unreadable microchip is the most common source of problems. A rabies vaccine administered before microchip implantation invalidates the protocol and requires revaccination. An expired CVI at the time of arrival (more than 10 days from issuance) triggers a reassessment requirement. Missing the CDC Dog Import Form for dogs is now the most frequent mistake in recent trips. Finally, age under 6 months is an absolute barrier — the dog simply will not board.
For atypical cases — animals with complex medical histories, sensitive breeds, or permanent relocation with multiple animals — the recommendation is to involve a veterinarian experienced in international transit from the start and to confirm the route with the airline before purchasing tickets. The cost of a documentation error is not just financial: it could mean leaving your pet behind in the country of origin.
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.
