6/12/24
U.S. Travel Checklist: For dogs that have only been in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry.
*These travel guidelines will be in effect starting August 1, 2024
Please Note: These are the regulations as we understand them at this time. They may be subject to changes at any time. Changes are out of Birchwood Animal Hospital’s control. It is the client’s responsibility to keep themselves informed of the travel requirements.
| Step 1:
Once travel is planned. |
- Book an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you know your travel dates. Birchwood Animal Hospital is booking a month out and will need time to accommodate travel appointments.
- Consider booking your appointment with the CFIA Once you know your travel dates as well.
- Verify that your dog will be at least 6 months old on the day of travel.
- Get Your dog microchipped or have a veterinarian verify its microchip number. Make sure the microchip number is listed on all veterinary records.
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| Step 2:
Recommend to begin 60-90 days before travel |
- Visit a veterinarian to get your dog its rabies vaccination (or booster) before travel.
- Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip administration are not recognized. First rabies vaccines given after microchip administration are valid for 1 year only.
- Rabies vaccines must be administered at least 28 days prior to veterinary completion of the Certification of Dog Arriving From DMRVV-Free or Low-Risk Country into The United States form.
- Dogs over 15 months of age are expected to have at least 2 Rabies vaccines.
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| Step 3:
Recommended to begin 30 days before travel |
- Ask the veterinarian to complete the Certification of Dog Arriving From DMRVV-Free or Low-Risk Country into The United State form or other CDC- approved documentation.
- The completed form must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (CFIA veterinarian. Winnipeg CFIA office contact: 204–259-1400).
- Collect all veterinary records from the past 6 months.
- Records must list an address for the veterinarian in the low-risk country from where the dog is departing for the U.S. and the dog’s microchip number.
- Begin making travel arrangements and reservations.
- The Certification of Dog Arriving From DMRVV-Free or Low-Risk Country into The United State form has different entry requirements depending on whether and where the dog was vaccinated. The form is is valid for:
- A single entry for 30 days after the form was issued if it does not contain information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country.
- Multiple entries into the U.S. for the duration the rabies vaccination is valid (1 or 3 years) if it contains information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies free or low-risk country.
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| Step 4:
Before travel |
- Take a photo of the dog and complete the CDC Dog Import Form (Not available until July 15, 2024).
- This form requires you to upload a picture (jpg, png, gif files only) of the dog showing its face and body.
- Dogs that will be less than one year of age at the time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days of travel.
- Ensure you enter the dog’s microchip number into the form correctly.
- Submit a corrected form if any of the information on the form changes.
- Print a copy of CDC Dog Import Form receipt. You will receive this in your email. Ensure it accompanies the dog.
- Finalize travel arrangements with the airline or the transport company.
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| Step 5:
Day of Travel |
- Present the following to the airline before boarding the dog:
- CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- Certification of Dog Arriving From DMRVV-Free or Low-Risk Country into The United State form (or other CDC-approved documentation)
- Arrive at the location on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
- Present the following to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:
- CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- Certification of Dog Arriving From DMRVV-Free or Low-Risk Country into The United State form (or other CDC-approved documentation)
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