Bringing a pet to United States

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The United States applies CDC rules for dogs that vary by the dog's origin country and its rabies risk status. There is no routine quarantine for dogs arriving from most countries, but Hawaii operates its own rabies-free-state quarantine program that can hold animals for up to 120 days if pre-arrival requirements are not fully met. Owners should expect to provide a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and — depending on origin — a CDC Dog Import Form or an import permit; requirements are enforced at the port of entry and incomplete paperwork can mean refusal of entry or quarantine at the owner's expense.

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

Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority if required by that country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

No federal breed bans for dogs entering the United States. However, some airlines and destinations (including some US states and municipalities) may have restrictions on certain breeds, such as pit bull types, and brachycephalic breeds may face airline embargoes. Hawaii does not have breed-specific bans but check with your airline and the destination state/city for any local rules.

Documents checklist

CDC Dog Import Form (online submission, free, valid for 6 months)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compatible)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, CDC Dog Import Form free, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the CDC/USDA before travel.

For dogs from rabies-free countries (as defined by CDC), the CDC Dog Import Form is required but no rabies titer test or import permit is needed. The dog must be microchipped and at least 12 weeks old at vaccination, with a 21-day wait after vaccination before arrival. Hawaii has separate, stricter rules — see override.

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

Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority if required by that country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

CDC Dog Import Form (online submission, free, valid for 6 months)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compatible)

Rough budget

For dogs from low-risk (non-high-risk) countries, CDC requires the CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior, and a health certificate. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Hawaii has separate, stricter rules — see override.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority if required by that country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

CDC Dog Import Permit (apply online, fee applies, allow several weeks for processing)
CDC Dog Import Form (online submission, free, valid for 6 months)
FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compatible)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, CDC Dog Import Permit fee ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the CDC before travel.

Dogs from CDC high-risk countries must have a CDC Dog Import Permit, a valid FAVN titer test, and meet all other requirements. The dog must arrive at a port of entry with a CDC quarantine station (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco). If requirements are not met, the dog may be denied entry or quarantined at the owner's expense. Hawaii has separate, stricter rules — see override.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Special case: Hawaii

Hawaii rules apply regardless of the dog's origin tier. Direct release requires strict compliance; otherwise quarantine up to 120 days. The 5-day-or-less program is available if the dog meets all requirements except the 120-day waiting period, but the dog must have a titer test and be treated for ticks and tapeworms within 14 days of arrival. Check the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division for current fees and forms.

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

120 days

Direct release (no quarantine) if all pre-arrival requirements are met: microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN titer test at least 120 days before arrival, and a Hawaii-issued import permit with health certificate. If requirements are not fully met, quarantine up to 120 days at the owner's expense. A 5-day-or-less quarantine program is available if the dog meets all requirements except the 120-day waiting period, but the dog must have a titer test and be treated for ticks and tapeworms within 14 days of arrival.

Health certificate

Required

Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority if required · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Hawaii Department of Agriculture import permit
FAVN rabies titer test result (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
Rabies vaccination certificate
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compatible)
Tick and tapeworm treatment certificate (within 14 days of arrival)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, Hawaii import permit fee ~$20-165, quarantine fees if applicable ~$14-30 per day. Confirm current prices with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

CDC does not set a hard limit for personal pets, but if you are bringing more than 5 dogs, or if the dogs are intended for resale or transfer, they may be considered commercial imports and require additional USDA APHIS permits and compliance with commercial regulations. For personal pets, each dog must meet the same import requirements individually.

No. Service dogs and emotional support animals must meet the same CDC and USDA import requirements as any other dog. There is no exemption for service animals from rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, or titer test requirements. Airlines may have separate rules for service animals in the cabin, but import rules apply regardless.

The CDC Dog Import Form is an online form that must be submitted for all dogs entering the United States, regardless of origin country. It is free, takes about 5 minutes to complete, and is valid for 6 months. You will receive a receipt that you must show to airline staff and customs officials. It is separate from any import permit required for dogs from high-risk countries.

It depends on the origin country. Dogs from CDC high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a minimum result of 0.5 IU/ml, done at least 90 days before arrival if the dog was vaccinated for the first time. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a titer test for mainland US entry. Hawaii requires a titer test regardless of origin.

If your dog does not meet CDC requirements, it may be denied entry and returned to the origin country at your expense, or placed in quarantine at a CDC-approved facility at your expense. For Hawaii, if requirements are not met, the dog may be quarantined for up to 120 days. Always check requirements before travel and carry original documents.

For mainland US, there is no routine quarantine for dogs that meet all CDC requirements. However, if a dog arrives without proper documentation or from a high-risk country without a permit, it may be quarantined. Hawaii has a mandatory quarantine program for dogs that do not meet strict pre-arrival requirements, which can last up to 120 days.

The dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination, and there must be a 21-day wait after vaccination before arrival. So the minimum age at arrival is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). Some airlines have their own minimum age requirements, often 8 weeks for domestic flights, but for international travel the CDC rule applies.

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 28+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine brand, lot number, date of administration, and that the vaccine was given at least 28 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and USDA APHIS.

Cats from rabies-free countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) are not subject to CDC dog import rules. No quarantine on arrival to mainland US. Hawaii has separate strict quarantine rules (see override).

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 28+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 28 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g., most of Europe, UK, Japan, Australia) are not subject to CDC dog import rules. No quarantine on arrival to mainland US. Hawaii has separate strict quarantine rules (see override).

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 28+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 28 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) are not subject to CDC dog import rules. No quarantine on arrival to mainland US. Hawaii has separate strict quarantine rules (see override).

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Special case: Hawaii

Hawaii requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) at least 120 days before arrival. If all requirements are met, quarantine can be 5 days or less; otherwise up to 120 days. Cats are subject to these rules. Check Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Animal Industry Division for current fees and forms.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 28+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 120+ days before travel

Quarantine

5 days

Direct release or 5-day-or-less quarantine if all pre-arrival requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN titer test, health certificate, import permit) are met. Otherwise, quarantine up to 120 days at the owner's expense.

Health certificate

Required

USDA-accredited veterinarian or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Hawaii import permit (apply in advance)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, Hawaii import permit ~$20–50, quarantine fees if applicable ~$15–30 per day. Confirm current prices with Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The US does not require a rabies titer test (FAVN) for cats entering the mainland from any country. However, if you are traveling to Hawaii, a FAVN test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, and it must be done at least 120 days before arrival.

There is no specific limit for personal pets, but if you are bringing more than a few cats, US Customs and Border Protection may consider it a commercial import. For personal pets, there is no set number, but it's advisable to check with USDA APHIS if you are bringing more than 5 cats.

Yes. The US does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must have a rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. Airlines may have additional rules for service animals in the cabin.

Kittens must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be valid for at least 28 days before travel. Therefore, the minimum age for a kitten to enter the US is 16 weeks (4 months).

Yes, a microchip is required for cats entering the United States. The microchip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards. If your cat does not have a microchip, it must be implanted before travel.

You need a rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 28 days before travel, an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, and proof of a microchip. For Hawaii, you also need a FAVN titer test and an import permit.

No, there is no quarantine for cats entering the mainland United States. However, Hawaii requires quarantine of up to 120 days unless you meet strict pre-arrival requirements, in which case quarantine can be 5 days or less.

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

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Not required

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Not required

Import permit

Not required

Rough budget

No federal veterinary fees apply. Rough travel costs only: airline pet fee typically $125–$400 depending on in-cabin vs cargo. Confirm current airline fees directly.

CDC dog-rabies rules (42 CFR 71.51) apply only to dogs, not ferrets. USDA APHIS does not require a health certificate or rabies vaccination for ferrets entering the mainland US from rabies-free territories. Some states (e.g., California, Hawaii) have their own ferret rules — check the state of destination.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Not required

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Not required

Import permit

Not required

Rough budget

No federal veterinary fees apply. Rough travel costs only: airline pet fee typically $125–$400 depending on in-cabin vs cargo. Confirm current airline fees directly.

Ferrets are not covered by CDC's dog import suspension or the 2024–2026 dog rabies rules. No USDA import permit, no FAVN titer, no quarantine for mainland US entry. Ferrets remain illegal as pets in California and Hawaii; if your itinerary touches those states, the animal may be seized.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Not required

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Not required

Import permit

Not required

Rough budget

No federal veterinary fees apply. Rough travel costs only: airline pet fee typically $125–$400 depending on in-cabin vs cargo. Confirm current airline fees directly.

CDC's high-risk dog-rabies country list triggers extra rules for DOGS only. Ferrets are not subject to those rules. No titer, no permit, no quarantine for mainland US entry. State-level bans (California, Hawaii) still apply regardless of origin.

USDA APHIS Pet Travel

Special case: Hawaii

Ferrets are classified as carnivores under Hawaii's rabies quarantine rules. Hawaii law also generally prohibits ferrets as pets — verify current legality with HDOA before shipping. Direct release (no quarantine) is only possible in narrow cases; for ferrets, assume 5-day-or-less at best.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 120+ days before travel

Quarantine

5 days

5-day-or-less quarantine only if the full pre-arrival protocol (microchip, two rabies vaccines, FAVN titer ≥0.5 IU/ml, 120-day wait, AQS-issued import permit, health certificate within 14 days of arrival) is completed. Otherwise the animal is held at the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa for up to 120 days at owner expense.

Health certificate

Required

Accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (USDA APHIS endorsement if originating in the US) · valid 14 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Hawaii AQS import permit (apply 30+ days before arrival)
Rabies vaccination certificates (two doses, microchip number on both)
FAVN titer test result ≥0.5 IU/ml
Official health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival
Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of 120-day post-titer waiting period

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: Hawaii AQS permit ~$165, 5-day-or-less quarantine ~$275–$1,080 depending on animal and length, 120-day quarantine can exceed $2,000. FAVN titer ~$100–$250, health certificate ~$100–$300. Confirm current fees with Hawaii AQS directly.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

No. CDC's rabies-related import rules (42 CFR 71.51 and the 2024 dog-import rule) apply to dogs, not ferrets. USDA APHIS does not require a rabies vaccination, microchip, FAVN titer, import permit, or health certificate for a ferret entering the mainland US, regardless of whether the origin country is on CDC's high-risk dog-rabies list. Some airlines and some states may ask for a health certificate or proof of rabies vaccination — check with your carrier and the destination state.

Hawaii is rabies-free and runs its own quarantine program for carnivores, including ferrets. To qualify for 5-day-or-less quarantine you need: ISO microchip, two rabies vaccinations, a FAVN titer ≥0.5 IU/ml drawn ≥30 days after the last vaccine, a 120-day wait after the titer draw, a Hawaii AQS import permit, and a health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival. Miss any step and quarantine can run up to 120 days at owner expense. Hawaii also generally prohibits ferrets as pets — confirm legality with HDOA before booking.

For USDA APHIS and CDC purposes, a ferret is neither a dog nor a livestock species. It is not covered by the CDC dog-rabies import rules, and it is not covered by USDA's livestock import rules. That means there is no federal import permit, no federal quarantine, and no federal titer requirement for a ferret entering the mainland US. State rules (notably California and Hawaii) are where the real restrictions live.

There is no federal numeric cap on non-commercial ferret imports. USDA APHIS and CDC do not set a per-traveller limit for ferrets the way some countries cap dogs and cats at 5. However, if you are moving enough animals to look commercial, CBP and USDA may treat the shipment as a commercial import and require additional paperwork. Practically, airlines cap in-cabin pets at 1–2 per passenger, so the binding limit is usually the carrier, not the government.

No. There is no US federal exemption from animal import rules for emotional-support or service animals. A ferret is still a ferret for USDA, CDC, CBP, and state purposes. Airlines have separately tightened emotional-support-animal policies since 2021 — most US carriers now only accept trained service dogs in the cabin, not ferrets, and require the animal to travel as a pet in a carrier or as cargo. Plan for standard pet rules.

California and Hawaii prohibit ferrets as pets. New York City and some other municipalities also ban them. If your itinerary lands in or transits a banning jurisdiction, the animal can be seized even if it entered the US legally. Check the destination state's Department of Agriculture or Fish & Wildlife website before you book. A legal mainland entry does not override a state ban.

Even though the federal government does not require it, carry: (1) a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian, (2) a recent health certificate (many airlines require one issued within 10 days of travel), (3) proof of microchip if implanted, and (4) your airline's pet-in-cabin or cargo confirmation. CBP officers at the port of entry can ask about the animal; having these documents avoids delays. Hawaii-bound ferrets need the full AQS permit and titer package instead.

Good to know

US pet import rules are split between CDC (dogs, and certain other species), USDA APHIS (animal health and some species), and state authorities (Hawaii, and to a lesser extent other states). CDC rules for dogs changed significantly in 2024 and are origin-dependent; Hawaii is a separate rabies-free jurisdiction with its own quarantine program. Check the CDC dog import page and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division before travel.

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).