Bringing a pet to United States

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

The United States has moderately strict pet import rules that vary by the animal's origin, with tighter requirements for pets from high-rabies-risk countries. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from most origins, but Hawaii enforces its own quarantine or pre-arrival testing program. Expect health certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and microchip requirements for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United Kingdom to United States.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 6 months

Breed restrictions

No federal breed bans in the US. Some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) during hot weather. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (signed by veterinarian)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$50-100, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

Dogs from rabies-free countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) have the simplest entry: no titer test, no permit, no quarantine. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 6 months

Breed restrictions

No federal breed bans in the US. Some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) during hot weather. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (signed by veterinarian)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$50-100, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

Dogs from low-risk countries (most of Europe, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc.) follow the same rules as free countries. No titer test or permit needed. The dog must be at least 6 months old.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 6 months

Breed restrictions

No federal breed bans in the US. Some airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) during hot weather. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (signed by veterinarian)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001)
  • Microchip documentation
  • CDC Dog Import Permit (valid for 6 months)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$50-100, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, CDC permit fee ~$0 (free online). Confirm current prices with a local vet and CDC.

Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India, China, most of Africa) require a CDC Dog Import Permit, FAVN titer test, and must be at least 6 months old. The permit must be obtained before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all requirements are met, but the CDC may require quarantine at a registered facility if paperwork is incomplete.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Special case: Hawaii

Hawaii's program applies to all dogs regardless of origin. The 120-day quarantine can be reduced to 5 days or direct release if the dog meets strict pre-arrival requirements including two rabies vaccines, FAVN test, and a 120-day waiting period after the blood sample. Failure to meet any requirement results in full 120-day quarantine.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
120 days
If all pre-arrival requirements (microchip, 2 rabies vaccines, FAVN test, waiting period) are met, quarantine can be as short as 5 days or direct release at airport. Otherwise, 120-day quarantine at the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station.
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 14 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (2 vaccines if dog is over 1 year old)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001)
  • Microchip documentation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Hawaii Dog Import Permit (AQS form)
  • Proof of pre-arrival waiting period (120 days after FAVN sample)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$50-100, rabies vaccines ~$40-100, FAVN test ~$100-250, Hawaii AQS permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine fees ~$15-30/day. Confirm current prices with Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Hawaii's program applies to all dogs regardless of origin. The 120-day quarantine can be reduced to 5 days or direct release if the dog meets strict pre-arrival requirements including two rabies vaccines, FAVN test, and a 120-day waiting period after the blood sample. Failure to meet any requirement results in full 120-day quarantine.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

The CDC allows up to 5 dogs per person for non-commercial entry. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial import rules, which require a USDA import permit and additional health requirements.
No. Emotional support and service dogs are not exempt from US import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and age requirements as any other dog. Service dogs may have additional airline-specific documentation but no federal import exemption.
The dog may be denied entry, placed in quarantine at the owner's expense, or returned to the origin country. For dogs from high-risk countries, the CDC may require quarantine at a CDC-registered facility for up to 28 days. Costs are the owner's responsibility.
No. The CDC requires all dogs entering the US to be at least 6 months old. This applies to all origin tiers. Puppies under 6 months cannot be imported.
Yes. Regardless of the origin country, a USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) is required for all dogs entering the US. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
The CDC Dog Import Permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must apply online at least 30 days before travel. The permit is free and allows a single entry into the US.
Hawaii requires all dogs to have an ISO microchip, two rabies vaccinations (if over 1 year old), a FAVN titer test with result ≥0.5 IU/mL, a 120-day waiting period after the blood sample, a USDA-endorsed health certificate, and a Hawaii Dog Import Permit. If all requirements are met, quarantine can be as short as 5 days or direct release at the airport. Otherwise, 120-day quarantine at the owner's expense.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United Kingdom to United States.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch and vet details)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001, issued within 10 days of travel)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$38-85, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

Cats from rabies-free (EU-equivalent) origins need only a microchip, rabies vaccine (if over 12 weeks), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test or import permit required.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch and vet details)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001, issued within 10 days of travel)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$38-85, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g. UK, Japan, Australia) require microchip, rabies vaccine, and USDA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days. No titer test or import permit.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch and vet details)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001, issued within 10 days of travel)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, USDA endorsement ~$38-85, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia) face the same requirements as free/low-risk: microchip, rabies vaccine, USDA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine for cats.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Special case: Hawaii

Hawaii's rules apply regardless of origin country. Even cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries must meet the full pre-arrival protocol (microchip, two rabies vaccines, FAVN titer with 120-day waiting period, health certificate, import permit) to avoid extended quarantine. Direct-release (no quarantine) is possible if all paperwork is approved at least 10 days before arrival. Failure to comply results in up to 120 days quarantine at owner's cost.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 120+ days before travel
Quarantine
5 days
If all pre-arrival requirements (microchip, two rabies vaccines, FAVN titer, health certificate) are met, the cat may qualify for 5-day or direct-release quarantine at the AQS facility in Honolulu. If not fully met, quarantine can be up to 120 days at owner's expense.
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian · valid 14 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (two doses if primary series)
  • FAVN titer test results (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Hawaii Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001, issued within 14 days of arrival)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccines ~$40-100, FAVN titer ~$100-250, USDA endorsement ~$38-85, Hawaii import permit fee ~$30-50, quarantine fees ~$15-30/day plus facility charges. Confirm current prices with Hawaii AQS and your vet.

Hawaii's rules apply regardless of origin country. Even cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries must meet the full pre-arrival protocol (microchip, two rabies vaccines, FAVN titer with 120-day waiting period, health certificate, import permit) to avoid extended quarantine. Direct-release (no quarantine) is possible if all paperwork is approved at least 10 days before arrival. Failure to comply results in up to 120 days quarantine at owner's cost.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The US does not require a rabies titer test for cats entering the mainland (contiguous 48 states). Only Hawaii requires a FAVN test with a 120-day waiting period before arrival.
There is no official cap for cats entering the US as personal pets. However, if you bring more than 2-3 cats, customs may consider it a commercial shipment, requiring a CDC import permit (for dogs, but not cats) and possibly a USDA import permit. For non-commercial travel, stick to 2-3 cats to avoid scrutiny.
No. The US does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules. Service animals are only recognized for dogs under the ADA; cats have no special status.
The USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) must be issued within 10 days of travel for mainland US entry. For Hawaii, the certificate must be issued within 14 days of arrival.
Yes, most airlines allow cats in the cabin if they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Check the airline's specific pet policy — weight limits vary (typically up to 8-10 kg including carrier). Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Persians) may face restrictions on some carriers due to breathing risks.
No. There is no quarantine for cats entering the mainland US from any country, provided they meet the entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate). Only Hawaii has a quarantine program.
You need a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) issued within 10 days of travel. For Hawaii, also need the FAVN titer results and the Hawaii import permit (AQS-279). Keep all documents in your carry-on.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United Kingdom to United States.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine manufacturer, serial number, date of vaccination, and validity period)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, showing implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, USDA endorsement ~$50–100, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

Ferrets are considered domestic pets by USDA APHIS. No CDC dog import restrictions apply. No import permit needed for ferrets from any origin.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine manufacturer, serial number, date of vaccination, and validity period)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, showing implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, USDA endorsement ~$50–100, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

USDA APHIS does not differentiate ferret import rules by rabies risk tier. No titer test or import permit required for low-risk origins.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine manufacturer, serial number, date of vaccination, and validity period)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, showing implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, USDA endorsement ~$50–100, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

USDA APHIS does not impose stricter rules for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine for ferrets entering the mainland US. CDC dog import restrictions do not apply to ferrets.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Special case: Hawaii

Ferret must be at least 4 months old. Two rabies vaccines required: first at >=12 weeks, second at least 30 days later. FAVN titer blood draw at least 30 days after second vaccine. If all met, quarantine 0–5 days; if not, up to 120 days at owner's expense.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
If all pre-arrival requirements are met, quarantine is 0–5 days at owner's expense. If not met, quarantine up to 120 days at owner's expense.
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine manufacturer, serial number, date of vaccination, and validity period; two vaccines required, second given at least 30 days after first)
  • FAVN titer test report (USDA-approved lab, result >=0.5 IU/mL)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Hawaii Department of Agriculture import permit (AQS-18 form, obtained before travel)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, showing implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, USDA endorsement ~$50–100, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, Hawaii import permit fee ~$30–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Hawaii AQS.

Ferret must be at least 4 months old. Two rabies vaccines required: first at >=12 weeks, second at least 30 days later. FAVN titer blood draw at least 30 days after second vaccine. If all met, quarantine 0–5 days; if not, up to 120 days at owner's expense.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, USDA APHIS requires a current rabies vaccination for ferrets entering the US. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and after the ferret is 12 weeks old. A rabies certificate from the administering vet is required.
USDA APHIS does not set a specific limit for ferrets under non-commercial import rules. However, if you bring more than 5 ferrets, customs may consider it a commercial shipment, which requires a different process. For 1–5 ferrets, standard pet import rules apply.
No. The US does not exempt emotional support animals from standard import requirements. Your ferret must still meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules. Only service dogs have limited exemptions under the CDC, and that does not apply to ferrets.
Yes, but Hawaii has stricter rules. Your ferret must have an ISO microchip, two rabies vaccines (the second given at least 30 days after the first), a FAVN titer test with result >=0.5 IU/mL, a 30-day wait after the titer blood draw, and a Hawaii import permit (AQS-18). If all met, quarantine is 0–5 days. If not, quarantine up to 120 days at your expense. Ferrets must be at least 4 months old.
Yes, for all origins. The health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in the origin country and then endorsed by the USDA APHIS office (or equivalent in the origin country if not the US). The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue.
You need: a current rabies vaccination certificate, a USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001 or equivalent), and proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785). If arriving in Hawaii, also the FAVN titer report and Hawaii import permit. Keep all documents in your carry-on.
No. The mainland US does not require quarantine for ferrets from any origin. Ferrets may enter directly after customs clearance. Hawaii is the only state with quarantine requirements.

Good to know

Hawaii has separate, stricter rules that may involve quarantine or specific pre-arrival testing, regardless of the pet's origin. Always check Hawaii's state requirements if traveling there directly.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to United States, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with United States's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.