Entry requirements for the USA - when the dog cannot travel
Travelers planning to fly to the USA with their dog starting August 1, 2024, need to follow new regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US has updated its guidelines regarding rabies.
According to the CDC's website, "If you are bringing a dog into the USA, starting August 1, 2024, you will need to take some new steps if your dog has been in certain countries or areas in the last six months."
Rabies is a serious problem worldwide, with approximately 59,000 people dying annually from rabies, most of which is transmitted by dogs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is present in more than 150 countries and territories.
Dogs from Low-Risk Countries
Starting August 1, if a dog has been in a rabies-free country or in an area of low risk in the six months prior to travel, a CDC certification based on a submitted CDC form is required for import. This certification is valid for six months, as long as the dog has not been to a high-risk country during that time.
The dog must also be at least six months old, appear healthy at the time of entry, and have a microchip for identification. The dog can then be imported at any airport, seaport, or border crossing.
The CDC provides a list of countries and areas considered high-risk. If a country or area is not on this list, it is not considered a high-risk area, and there are no additional import requirements. Germany is not listed. However, the CDC strongly recommends a rabies vaccination. More information and instructions for completing the form can be found on the CDC website.
Dogs from High-Risk Countries
If a dog has been in a high-risk country in the last six months, importing it becomes more complicated. If the dog has been vaccinated in the USA, additional requirements include a rabies vaccination certificate or a health certificate. These documents must be completed by a veterinarian accredited by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and approved by the USDA. Dogs can then enter the USA once by plane, ship, or land border, as long as the location matches the one listed in the CDC form. More details can be found on the CDC website.
For dogs vaccinated in other countries and residing in high-risk areas, an additional veterinary certificate is required, which must be certified by an official veterinarian from the exporting country. Both forms are valid for one use only. A valid rabies titer test is also required, which proves the dog is immune to rabies. If a valid rabies titer test is not available, a 28-day quarantine is mandatory. Entry is only allowed at airports with quarantine facilities. More information can be found on the CDC website.
Importing a dog from a high-risk area without proper vaccination is prohibited.
Airlines' Policies
The airlines have their own policies regarding the transportation of pets, and it is essential to check with them for specific requirements and fees. Some airlines may require additional documentation, such as a health certificate, and may have specific requirements for the kennel or crate. It is recommended to contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet.
Dog handlers and owners should first thoroughly inform themselves - also with the airline that the journey is planned with. For example, Condor writes on its homepage: "Due to new regulations for the control of rabies, no bookings for animal transport to the USA are possible for travels starting from October 24, 2024." New bookings for dogs to the USA with a flight date from August 1 will only be accepted at the airports in Washington DC, New York-JFK, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Animal transports to other destinations than cargo are also still possible. Please contact a pet transporter for this." Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines write.
- Travelers with dogs planning to enter the United States of America starting August 1, 2024, should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines due to updated rabies regulations.
- According to the CDC, if your dog has been in a rabies-free country or a low-risk area in the last six months, you'll need a CDC certification and comply with other requirements, such as being at least six months old and microchipped.
- For dogs that have been in a high-risk country within the last six months, importation becomes more complex and requires additional documentation, like a rabies vaccination certificate or health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
- Dogs from high-risk areas vaccinated in other countries need an additional veterinary certificate, a valid rabies titer test, or face a 28-day quarantine at airports with quarantine facilities.
- Importing a dog from a high-risk area without proper vaccination is strictly prohibited, and airlines have their own policies and requirements regarding pet transportation, including specific kennel or crate requirements and potential fees.
- Condor, a specific airline, mentions new regulations for rabies control beginning October 24, 2024, leading to limitations and changes in their pet transportation services to the USA.
- It's essential to check with airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, or pet transporters for precise requirements and possible limitations in pet transportation services.
