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For families moving to the United States, bringing dogs and cats along is entirely possible, but it requires careful planning and strict attention to American health regulations. Since August 1, 2024, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has implemented new requirements for importing dogs, making the process significantly stricter for animals coming from countries classified as high risk for canine rabies, such as Brazil. Knowing the updated requirements is essential to avoid having your pet detained or sent back at the border.
Preparation should begin months in advance to ensure compliance with all regulations and avoid setbacks upon arrival. This guide details the updated requirements for dogs and cats, with special attention to the requirements for animals coming from Brazil.
New CDC Rules Since 2024
The rules that came into effect on August 1, 2024, have significantly changed the process of importing dogs into the US. All dogs entering or returning to the country now need to be accompanied by the receipt of the CDC Dog Import Form, a mandatory online form that must be completed before travel. In addition, all dogs must be at least 6 months old and have a microchip detectable by a universal scanner.
Additional requirements vary depending on the animal’s location history over the past six months and where it was vaccinated against rabies. For dogs that have only been in low-risk countries, the CDC form and microchip may be the only requirements. For dogs coming from high-risk countries like Brazil, the requirements are substantially stricter.
Requirements for Dogs
International Standard Microchip
Every dog must have a 15-digit microchip compatible with ISO 11784/11785 standard, detectable by a universal scanner. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, as the chip number must appear on the vaccination certificate. If the microchip is implanted after the vaccine, that dose will be considered invalid by the CDC.
Valid Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs entering the US. The animal must have received the first dose at a minimum of 12 weeks of age, and entry is only permitted after a 28-day waiting period after vaccination. The vaccine must be valid at the time of arrival, and the certificate must include the microchip number.
CDC Dog Import Form
The CDC Dog Import Form is a mandatory online form for all dogs entering the United States, regardless of country of origin. It must be completed before boarding, and the generated receipt must be presented upon arrival at the port of entry. The form collects information about the animal, its vaccination history, and the countries it has been in over the past six months.
Brazil: High-Risk Country
The CDC classifies Brazil among the 111 high-risk countries for canine rabies. This means that dogs coming from Brazil face significant additional requirements beyond the basic ones. For dogs vaccinated outside the US, it is mandatory to present a FAVN serological test (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) result performed at a CDC-approved laboratory, proving a rabies antibody titer equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/mL.
The test must be performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine booster and at least 28 days before entering the US. The results are valid for the animal’s lifetime, provided the vaccination coverage does not expire. If the dog does not have a valid test or if the documentation is incomplete, it will be subject to a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility, with all costs borne by the owner.
International Veterinary Certificate
In addition to CDC requirements, dogs coming from Brazil need the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI). This document is issued by a licensed veterinarian who certifies that the animal is healthy and free of contagious diseases. In Brazil, the CVI must be validated by Vigiagro (International Agricultural Surveillance), an agency linked to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The CVI must include a statement that the dog was inspected and is free of screwworm (myiasis), a requirement of the USDA. The inspection must have been carried out within 5 days before boarding. Without this validated document, the animal will not be cleared for export by Brazil nor admitted by the US.
Requirements for Cats
The process for cats is considerably simpler. The CDC does not formally require proof of rabies vaccination for cats at the federal level, nor does it apply the new dog import rules to felines. The cat must appear healthy upon arrival, and a recent veterinary health certificate is highly recommended.
In practice, however, many US states and most airlines require rabies vaccination for cats. It is essential to check the rules of the destination state before traveling. For departure from Brazil, cats also need the CVI issued by Vigiagro, although the health requirements are less strict than for dogs.
Air Transport with Animals
Each airline has its own rules for transporting animals, and these should be checked in advance. The main points include: specifications for the transport crate (IATA-approved crate), costs and boarding fees, breed and temperature restrictions, rules for transport in the cabin or cargo hold, and the need for a specific advance reservation for the animal.
Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs face severe restrictions or prohibition of transport in the cargo hold due to respiratory risks. Some airlines allow these breeds only in the cabin, provided the weight and crate size are within limits. It is essential to confirm this policy with the chosen airline before purchasing tickets.
Upon Arrival in the United States
At the US airport, the traveler must declare entry with a pet. A CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer will inspect the pet and review all documentation, including the CDC Dog Import Form receipt for dogs. If everything is in order, the animal will be cleared to enter the country.
If the documentation is incorrect or incomplete, the animal may be detained, returned to the country of origin, or placed in quarantine, with all additional costs borne by the owner. Therefore, advance planning and thorough verification of documents before boarding are absolutely essential to avoid stressful and costly situations.
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.
