Pet Importing Basics

Participating Government Agencies And Partners
Import Fundamentals

Pet Import Questions and Answers

How Much Does It Cost To Import A Dog From Canada Into The US?
What documents are required (Dog Import Permits)?
Do you have to pay duty on a puppy?
Are dogs required to  quarantine when entering the U.S.?
How long does it take to import a pet into the U.S.?

Pet Import Resources

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Dog Importing Into The United States

Your how-to guide on pet imports into the US

import dog and cat

When importing puppies, dogs, you must know what is involved in the process. Many parties such as Customs and other Partner Government Agencies have regulations that must be followed.
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Accompanying (self transporting) your personal dog across the border that was purchased in Canada and bringing it to the US does not require a formal entry. However, shipping your personal pet (unaccompanied) does. Importing a dog that is for sale, adoption, breeding, show, exhibition, scientific research, or for animal welfare organization is considered a commercial importation and requires a formal entry as described on this page.

Download our infographic here.

Parties Involved:

  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • US Department of Agriculture (USDA) APHIS Animal Care
  • Customs Broker
  • Shipping Company

    Import Fundamentals:

    • Your pet will undergo a visual inspection at the border to ensure it is free of disease and well enough to travel.
    • In the US, each state and city authority may have specific restrictions. Please see your area’s restrictions before importing.
    • It is recommended that you begin the import process 30 days before the date of importation to allow all parties to prepare.
    • Depending on the country the dog has been in with 6 months before entry, there are specific requirements needing to be met.
    • Duty and tax must be paid upon importation into the U.S. for all goods valued at $800.00USD and greater.
    • The rate of duty is determined by
      The tariff of the commodity being imported
      The value of the goods
      The origin of the goods
    • Certain import documentation is required to be presented to the border services officer at the port of entry.
    • Your import may be subject to a customs review, inspection, or audit prior to, at the time, or after the importation. Additional fees may be imposed by the Customs for these services
    • You are required to keep your import records for five years following the date of import and can be audited by Customs at any point during this time.
    Calculate Duty
    Learn Regulations
    Establish Tariff

    FAQ: Pet, Dog, Cat Imports

    How much does it cost to import a dog from the US into Canada?
    If you are importing a pet into the US for commercial purposes, you will be required to act as the importer of record and submit a formal entry to US Customs. Every commercial shipment into the US is subject to duty and tax payment, calculated at the time of import (unless the goods are entering under a free trade agreement).
    Need help understanding the duty rate on your pet import? We can help.
    What Documentation Is Required?

    Beginning on August 1, 2024 all dog entering the US, for any reason, must meet the following mandated requirements:

    • CDC Dog Import Form receipt: Additional instructions on how to fill out the CDC Dog Import Form can be found here. While only the importer of the dog can complete these forms, the process is free and they can be filled out on the day of travel. Still, the CDC recommends taking the time to complete it a few days before travel to avoid any unforeseen issues at Customs. Importers are also required to submit a new form should any of the submitted information change, such as ports of entry or dates of travel. Additionally, importers will need to know their dog's microchip number and must upload a photo of their dog including both its head and body. Once the proper documentation is submitted, importers will receive a receipt. This receipt must be presented (printed or on their phone) to airline staff or port of entry officials.

    If the dog has been in a high-risk country for rabies within six months before they attempt entry importers will also require:

  • Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination form (if applicable): This certification must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States. These USDA-accredited veterinarians have access to the form and its instructions at Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) Help Page. Instructions to complete the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination Form.

    • OR;

  • Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form: Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form fillable Adobe PDF forms don’t function properly within web browsers (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, etc). Instead, be sure to download the form-fillable PDFs and then complete them using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat. Instructions to complete the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form. Confirmation of reservation at CDC-registered Animal Care Facility
  • To avoid 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility: In addition to the forms, you can provide a rabies serology titer from a CDC-approved laboratory.

    • For dogs that have only been only in rabies-free or low-risk countries during the six months before entry:

    If the dog originated in the US:

  • Certification of US-issued Rabies Vaccination form: This form must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States. USDA-accredited veterinarians can access the form and its instructions at Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) Help Page. Instructions to complete the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination Form. During the transition period (which will expire July 31, 2025): U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-endorsed export health certificate that was issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before July 31, 2025, and documents the dog’s age (at least six months), microchip number, and its valid rabies vaccination that was administered in the United States. This document may be shown instead of the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form during this transitional period. The rabies vaccination must be valid and not expired on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

    • OR;

  • A USDA-endorsed export health certificate which documents the dog’s age (at least six months), microchip number, and either lists the destination as the rabies-free or low-risk country from which the dog is returning (this form is only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain the dog’s rabies vaccination information) or, documents a valid (and unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination, typically one or three years).

    • Not originating from the US:

    Option1:

  • Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form: Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form. Instructions to complete the Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form. The form is only valid for (1) a single entry for 30 days after the form was issued if it does not contain relevant information about the dog’s rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, OR (2) multiple entries into the US for the duration the rabies vaccination is valid, typically one or three years, if it contains information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies free or low-risk country
  • Veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous six months.

    • Option2:

  • Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form (instructions): This form must be completed 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry.
  • ‍Valid rabies serology titer OR veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous six months.

    • Option3:

  • Foreign export certificate endorsed by official veterinarian (includes dog’s age and microchip number: Contact your local veterinarian in the country of export for assistance obtaining this form. The certificate must be issued within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry.
  • Veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous six months

    • Additional documentation is required for dogs that are being imported for commercial reasons, including:

  • A commercial invoice that lists the value of the import.
  • A dog import permit (If the dog is younger than eight months old or older than eight months and being imported on a temporary basis for a show or competition).

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