Traveling with your pet can be a smooth and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to understand the U.S. pet travel laws to ensure you and your furry companion meet all legal requirements. In 2026, U.S. pet travel laws have evolved with updates from the CDC, USDA APHIS, and various state regulations, especially concerning dogs and other pets entering or leaving the country. This guide will help you navigate these laws, including the CDC Dog Importation Rule, interstate travel, and airline pet policies.
1. Bringing Pets into the U.S. (Import/Return)
The regulations surrounding pets entering or returning to the U.S. are primarily enforced by the CDC and USDA APHIS. All animals entering the U.S. must appear healthy, and if any signs of illness are present, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required.
CDC Dog Importation Rules (Effective 2026)
As of 2026, the CDC enforces strict regulations for dogs entering the U.S. from any country. These include the following baseline requirements:
- Age: Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
- Microchip: The dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip for identification.
- CDC Dog Import Form: All dog owners must complete this form online and present the receipt upon arrival.
- Rabies Vaccination:
- Low-Risk Countries: Dogs that have spent the last 6 months in rabies-free or low-risk countries do not require a rabies vaccination certificate but must complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
- High-Risk Countries: Dogs from high-risk areas must have a valid Certification of Rabies Vaccination (either U.S.-issued or foreign), and they may be required to undergo a rabies titer test or quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Cats
The CDC does not require a rabies vaccination certificate for cats entering the U.S. However, many states and airlines do require rabies vaccinations for cats, so it’s important to check with the relevant authorities before traveling.
2. Domestic (Interstate) Pet Travel
In the U.S., interstate pet travel is governed by state regulations, as the federal government (USDA APHIS) does not directly regulate pet movement between states.
Health Certificates and State Requirements
While the USDA APHIS does not mandate certificates for pets traveling within the U.S., many states require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), which is typically issued within 30 days of travel, or 10 days for air travel.
- Hawaii & Guam: These regions are designated as “rabies-free” zones and have strict quarantine laws. Travelers with pets must often provide multiple rabies vaccinations, a passing titer test, and comply with specific entry requirements to avoid a 120-day quarantine.
3. Airline and Commercial Carrier Laws
Traveling by air with your pet involves additional regulations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Animal Welfare Act set guidelines for how pets should be handled on flights.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
- Service Animals: Only trained dogs that assist with a physical or mental disability are legally recognized as service animals and are allowed to travel in-cabin for free under the DOT rules.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Airlines are not required to treat ESAs as service animals. They typically treat ESAs like regular pets, subject to airline fees and carrier restrictions.
Pet Travel Age Limits
According to the Animal Welfare Act, pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned for at least 5 days before they are allowed to travel by air. This ensures their safety and well-being during the journey.
Acclimation Certificates
If your pet will be exposed to temperatures below 45°F (7°C) during transport, many airlines will require a certificate from a veterinarian stating that your pet can safely handle such conditions.
4. Taking Pets Abroad (Export)
When taking your pet outside of the U.S., there are additional export regulations that must be followed. Each country has its own set of rules, but most will require that your pet meets specific health requirements, such as microchipping and vaccinations.
Destination Country Requirements
Before traveling internationally, you must research the pet import regulations of your destination country. This usually includes vaccinations like DHLPP for dogs or FVRCP for cats and often requires a USDA-endorsed international health certificate.
- USDA Endorsement: Many international health certificates must be signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed (stamped) by USDA APHIS to be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a health certificate for my pet to travel within the U.S.?
In most cases, pets traveling within the U.S. don’t require a health certificate. However, certain states may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), especially for air travel. Always check with your airline and state authorities.
2. What are the requirements for traveling with pets to Hawaii?
Hawaii has strict quarantine laws due to its rabies-free status. Pets must meet multiple requirements, including rabies vaccinations, titer tests, and passing quarantine, unless all requirements are met before arrival.
3. Can my emotional support animal fly with me?
Airlines are no longer required to recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. They are typically treated like regular pets and subject to fees and carrier restrictions, unless you are flying with a service dog.
4. What documents do I need to take my dog abroad?
When traveling abroad, you’ll likely need to provide proof of vaccinations, a microchip for identification, and a USDA-endorsed health certificate. Be sure to verify the specific requirements of the country you are traveling to.
Conclusion
Navigating U.S. pet travel laws in 2026 requires understanding a mix of federal regulations, state laws, and airline rules. Making sure you follow all legal regulations will make your trip easier, whether you’re bringing your pet into the United States, traveling domestically, or taking them overseas. Be sure to check with airlines, state authorities, and the CDC for the most up-to-date information before you travel with your furry companion.
