Dogs with a current and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States must meet specific requirements based on whether they have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies within the past 6 months.
For dogs that have been in a high-risk country:
- They must meet all general requirements.
- They need a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form endorsed by USDA before departure from the United States.
- During the transition period, a USDA-endorsed export health certificate can be presented if it includes the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States.
For dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country:
- They must also meet all general requirements.
- They require either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate.
- The export health certificate must demonstrate the dog’s age and microchip number and either document the dog’s return from a rabies-free or low-risk country or a valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States.
Additional important information regarding the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form includes:
- The form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S.
- The dog must be at least 6 months old upon return to the U.S.
- The dog must be microchipped with an ISO-compatible microchip.
- The first rabies vaccination must be administered at least 28 days before travel.
- The form must be endorsed by USDA through the VEHCS portal.
- The dog must travel with a printed copy of the endorsed form upon return to the United States if it has been in a high-risk country within the past 6 months.
- During the transition period, either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA-endorsed export health certificate is acceptable for re-entry into the United States for dogs that have been in high-risk countries within the past 6 months.
