Home › Crossing borders
Crossing borders with a dog
The destination's official authority sets its entry requirements. For departure from the U.S., USDA APHIS advises contacting a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as travel is planned. CDC's U.S. dog-entry requirements depend on vaccination origin and the countries visited in the previous six months. CDC also says USDA and U.S. destination rules must be met; commercial importation has additional requirements. Use the current official guidance for every relevant jurisdiction and transit point, not this page as a complete checklist. A pet booking is not border clearance.
USDA's page states that U.S.-vaccinated dogs that visited a high-risk country for rabies within the previous six months need a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination submitted by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before leaving the U.S. Check the current CDC pathway and USDA guidance for the actual itinerary before departure, including return. Do not assume a certificate, vaccine record or microchip alone settles all requirements or that a form can be obtained after leaving.
Confirm that the operating airline accepts this dog on the exact flights and route before booking. Cabin, checked-baggage and cargo options are not available on every service. Ask about carrier fit, breed and health restrictions, pet reservations, documents, check-in and transit handling. A carrier sold as airline-approved does not establish acceptance. Ask the vet about fitness for this journey. IATA discourages sedation or tranquilization for transport; a prescription alone is not blanket flight clearance. Discuss medication with the vet and the airline, including any restrictions and documentation, rather than choosing or dosing it yourself.
General education, not veterinary advice or a current itinerary-specific approval. Do not wait for this checklist, website or app about an urgent concern. Follow the treating vet and current official requirements.
Sources checked November 10, 2026. Suggested record fields are editorial organization, not certification, a booking or professional receipt.
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Air and car travel
- ASPCA: Car tips for pet passengers
- Humane World for Animals: Crate training
- CDC: Bringing a dog into the U.S.
- USDA APHIS: Pet travel
- IATA: Traveler pet corner
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Motion sickness in dogs
