The rules changed in August 2024 and a great deal of what is written online predates that. This page states the current position plainly, and tells you to verify it, because rules on animals change more often than most.
We connect your enquiry with a vetted international moving company from our network for your household goods. Pets travel separately, on their own arrangements, and the two need coordinating rather than combining.
Since 1 August 2024, dogs that have spent the previous six months only in rabies free or low risk countries can enter on a CDC Dog Import Form receipt submitted online. There is no exemption for dogs from the UK: every dog needs the form.
every dog entering the United States needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, including dogs from the UK, must be microchipped and must be at least six months old. The receipt is valid for six months and covers multiple entries.
Do not rely on advice written before August 2024, and do not rely on this page alone either. Check the CDC's current requirements yourself before booking anything, because animal import rules are revised more often than freight rules.
The requirement centres on a form rather than on quarantine for dogs arriving from low risk countries. The CDC Dog Import Form is submitted online and produces a receipt that travels with the dog.
That receipt is valid for six months and covers multiple entries, which matters for anyone who expects to travel back and forth rather than move once.
Alongside it sit the two fixed conditions: the dog must be microchipped and must be at least six months old. Neither is negotiable, and the age requirement in particular can affect when you travel.
This page states the position as we understand it. Animal rules change, and the authority's own page is the one that counts.
A dog under six months cannot travel, which occasionally means delaying rather than rearranging.
They are different arrangements with different timelines, and coordinating them is easier than combining them.
| ❗ | Confirm the current requirements with the CDC before booking flights or freight. |
| ❗ | Check the microchip is readable and the paperwork matches its number. |
| ❗ | Confirm the dog will be at least six months old on the travel date. |
| ❗ | Arrange pet travel through a specialist rather than as part of the container booking. |
| ❗ | Plan for the dog to arrive when someone is there to receive it. |
| ❗ | Check any state level requirements at your destination separately from federal ones. |
A CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and to be at least six months old. There is no exemption for dogs travelling from the UK.
For dogs arriving from rabies free or low risk countries the framework centres on the import form rather than quarantine. Check the current position with the CDC before travelling.
Six months from issue, and it covers multiple entries during that period.
Not under six months of age. That requirement occasionally means delaying travel rather than rearranging it.
No. Pets travel on their own arrangements, usually by air, and the two bookings need coordinating rather than combining.
There can be, separate from the federal requirements. Check the state you are moving to as well as the national position.
Different requirements apply to cats, which are covered on their own page.
Because animal import rules change more often than freight rules, and a great deal of what is written online predates the August 2024 changes.
The CDC's own pages. Animal import rules change more often than freight rules, and a great deal of what is written elsewhere predates the August 2024 changes.
Send your collection address, your US destination, the move date and details of the dog. A moving company from our network handles the household shipment and coordinates around the pet travel.
Send your move detailsA Working Member of AGM Group. Enquiries are connected with vetted FIDI FAIM certified and BAR Overseas accredited international moving companies from the network.
We are an enquiry service and do not transport animals. Requirements are set by the CDC and other US authorities and must be confirmed with them before travel.
Written by Darren Benjamin, Founder.