Dear gucarslan:
The following categories of importers are eligible to request a permit to import a dog into the United States:
US government employees traveling on official orders with their personal pets.
US citizens or lawful US residents relocating to the United States, such as for employment or education, with their personal pets.
Owners with service dogs that are trained to assist them with a disability. In accordance with US Department of Transportation regulations at 14 CFR part 382, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not considered service animals.
Must submit a completed US Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Return travelers (US citizens or lawful residents) who left the United States with their personal pets before July 31, 2021 and are returning before January 7, 2022. Dogs must have:
Valid rabies vaccination certificate issued in the United States; and
USDA Export Health Certificate from the United States issued no more than one year before their planned return date; and
Documentation that the dog traveled out of the United States with their owner before July 31, 2021 (for example, official airline documentation showing the animal traveled with you).
Importers wishing to import dogs for science, education, or exhibition, as these terms are defined in 42 CFR 71.50, or for bona fide law enforcement.
CDC Dog Import Permits will NOT be issued for:
Dogs intended for other purposes, such as adoption, resale, or transfer of ownership.
US citizens and lawful residents traveling temporarily out of the United States with their dogs after July 31 (such as for vacation or to visit friends and family).
Non-US residents traveling temporarily to the United States with their dogs (such as for vacation or to visit friends and family).
Dogs participating in conformation shows (dog shows)
Dogs participating in obedience trials or dog sport shows
Dogs involved in any other type of exhibition not meeting the definition in 42 CFR 71.50
If you would like to submit an application, please apply online with all requested documents at least 30 business days (6 weeks) before traveling to the United States.
Please note, each eligible importer may be granted approval to import a maximum of 3 dogs for one trip during the temporary suspension.
During the transitional period from July 14, 2021 – January 7, 2022, return travelers who left the United States for temporary travel (such as vacation) may apply for a permit if they left the United States before July 31, 2021.
Dogs with a CDC Dog Import Permit must enter the United States at one of these 18 airports: Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).
After January 7, 2022, only approved ports of entry are allowed. CDC will update the list of approved ports of entry as they become available.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a permit will be issued—CDC reserves the right to deny issuing a dog permit. Submitting false information or making other false statements is punishable with fines and imprisonment.
No permits are given upon arrival. If your request for advance approval is denied, CDC’s written denial will constitute final agency action.
Sincerely,
Cortney
MCSG on contract to
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[email protected]