Here’s the most important thing: if you’re bringing a dog into the United States from another country, you must follow CDC requirements — no exceptions. The CDC is the primary federal authority on dog imports, and you also have to meet USDA rules AND whatever rules your destination state has. That’s three layers of rules, not one.
For both dogs and cats, there’s a basic baseline: they must appear healthy when they arrive at the U.S. border. If a customs officer thinks your pet looks sick, a licensed vet can be called in to examine them — and you pay for that, not the government.
Dogs get the most scrutiny. If your dog is coming from a country considered high-risk for dog rabies, you’ll need to show proof of a valid rabies vaccination. Depending on the country and your dog’s vaccination history, additional requirements — like a microchip or a waiting period — may also apply. The rules can be detailed, so check the CDC’s dog import page directly for your specific situation.
Cats generally face lighter federal requirements than dogs, but they still must appear healthy at arrival. Some countries you’re traveling from may have their own exit rules for cats, and U.S. states can add their own requirements on top of federal ones.
Here’s something that might surprise you: the CDC does NOT generally require a health certificate just to bring a pet into the U.S. However — and this is a big however — individual states can require one, and airlines almost always do. So even if the federal government doesn’t ask for it, you could still be stuck without one when you try to board your flight or cross into a specific state.
The bottom line: before you travel anywhere with a pet — especially internationally — look up the rules for the country you’re leaving, the airline you’re flying, and the U.S. state you’re arriving in. Do it weeks ahead, not the night before. Requirements can include vaccinations, health certificates signed by a vet, microchipping, and waiting periods. Getting caught without the right paperwork doesn’t just mean a fine — it could mean your pet doesn’t come home with you.