Bring a Pet Dog into the United States

APHIS Veterinary Services Requirements

Screwworm

Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they're accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin (official government veterinarian) stating:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days before shipment to the United States, and
• The dog is either free from screwworm, OR
• The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm, before leaving the region.

Find out which countries are affected by screwworm

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Dogs coming from a country that is affected by foot-and-mouth disease must meet the following requirements:

• Their fur and bedding must be free of excessive dirt, hay, or straw.
• The dog should be bathed as soon as it reaches its destination and kept separate from all livestock for 5 days after entering the United States.

Find out which countries are affected by foot-and-mouth disease

Additional Considerations for Dogs Used in Livestock Handling

Dogs used in livestock handling that are imported from any part of the world—except Canada, Mexico, and certain regions of Central America and the West Indies—should have no evidence of tapeworm infection.

Other Federal Requirements

Rabies

The CDC has extended its temporary suspension on importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries through July 31, 2024. For more information, read the "Rabies Alert" notice at the top of this page or visit the CDC.

Dogs for Commercial Sale or Adoption

Dogs being imported into the United States for commercial sale or adoption must meet additional requirements. If you have questions about these requirements or need help applying for an import permit, contact APHIS Animal Care.