CDC Dog Import Form: How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
Learn how long the CDC dog import form takes to process in 2026, including step-by-step timelines, required documents, and tips to avoid common delays.
Understanding the CDC Dog Import Form Requirements
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overhauled U.S. dog import regulations effective August 1, 2024, in response to the global spread of canine rabies and fraudulent vaccination documentation. The CDC's dog importation rule requires every dog entering the United States — regardless of country of origin — to have an approved import permit before arrival.
The CDC Form 75.37 collects critical health data including the dog's age, breed, microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and the country or countries where the dog has lived during the past six months. This information allows the CDC to assess rabies risk and determine whether additional quarantine or testing requirements apply.
The processing timeline depends heavily on three factors:
- Completeness of documentation: Applications with all required attachments (valid rabies certificate, microchip verification, veterinary exam records) move through the queue fastest.
- Country of origin risk classification: Dogs arriving from countries the CDC classifies as high-risk for dog rabies face additional review, adding 1–2 weeks to processing.
- Volume of applications: Processing times fluctuate seasonally — summer months and holiday travel periods see heavier application volumes.
Step-by-Step Timeline: From Application to Approval
Here is the realistic timeline most applicants experience when filing a CDC Dog Import Form in 2025–2026:
| Phase | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Gather documents | 1–2 weeks | Obtain rabies certificate, microchip ISO 11784/11785 verification, veterinary health exam |
| Submit Form 75.37 online | 1 day | Complete via CDC's online portal; upload all PDF attachments |
| Initial review | 3–5 business days | CDC staff check for completeness; may request additional information |
| Substantive review | 1–3 weeks | Veterinary review of rabies vaccination validity, country risk assessment |
| Approval or denial | Total: 2–4 weeks | Permit issued via email; valid for a single entry within a specified date window |
| If denied — resubmission | +2–4 weeks | Correct deficiencies and resubmit; no formal appeals process |
The CDC recommends submitting your application no later than 30 business days (approximately 6 calendar weeks) before your planned travel date. Applications submitted fewer than 10 business days before arrival are unlikely to be processed in time, and airlines will deny boarding without the approved permit.
Why the CDC Tightened Dog Import Rules: The Science Behind the Policy
The Rabies Risk That Drove Policy Change
Canine rabies remains endemic in over 100 countries. According to the CDC's rabies surveillance data, the United States eliminated dog-to-dog rabies transmission in 2007, but the virus persists in wildlife reservoirs (raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes). The importation of dogs from rabies-endemic regions poses a reintroduction risk.
Between 2015 and 2023, the CDC documented multiple cases of rabid dogs entering the U.S. with fraudulent vaccination certificates. A 2019 incident involved a dog imported from Egypt that developed rabies after arrival, exposing multiple people and animals. These events provided the epidemiological justification for the 2024 regulatory overhaul.
The science underlying the import form rests on three principles:
- Serological verification: Rabies antibody titers (measured via the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test, or RFFIT) confirm vaccine efficacy. A titer of ≥0.5 IU/mL is considered protective per WHO guidelines.
- Microchip traceability: ISO-compliant 15-digit microchips link each dog to its vaccination record, preventing certificate fraud.
- Geographic risk stratification: The CDC classifies countries by rabies endemicity, applying stricter scrutiny to dogs from high-risk regions.
What Slows Down CDC Dog Import Form Processing
Based on patterns reported by veterinary import specialists and international relocation services, the most common causes of delay include:
| Common Mistake | Impact on Timeline | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies certificate missing microchip number | Application returned; +2–3 weeks | Ensure vet includes the 15-digit ISO microchip number on the rabies certificate |
| Non-ISO microchip (e.g., 10-digit U.S.-only chip) | May require re-chipping; +1–2 weeks | Use ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip; bring your own scanner if traveling to countries without ISO readers |
| Rabies vaccine administered before 12 weeks of age | Vaccine considered invalid; denial | Dog must be at least 6 months old at time of entry; first rabies vaccine given at ≥12 weeks, then 28-day wait before travel |
| Expired rabies vaccination | Application denied | Verify vaccine is current on date of U.S. entry, not just date of application |
| Handwritten or non-English documents | Returned for correction; +1–3 weeks | All documents must be typed; non-English documents need certified translation |
| Country of residence history incomplete | Request for information; +1–2 weeks | List all countries where the dog has been in the past 6 months with exact dates |
Practical Implications for Dog Owners Planning International Travel
Your Pre-Travel Checklist
If you are bringing a dog into the United States — whether returning from living abroad, adopting internationally, or relocating — follow this timeline:
- 12 weeks before travel: Ensure your dog receives a valid rabies vaccination (if not already current). The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded with the dog's microchip number.
- 10 weeks before travel: Confirm your dog has an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip. If your dog has a non-ISO chip, have an ISO chip implanted and ensure the vet records both chip numbers.
- 8 weeks before travel: Schedule a veterinary health examination. Obtain a signed health certificate and a copy of the complete rabies vaccination history.
- 6 weeks before travel: Submit CDC Form 75.37 through the CDC import portal. Upload all documents as clear PDF scans.
- 4 weeks before travel: Monitor your email for CDC correspondence. Respond to any requests for additional information within 48 hours.
- 1 week before travel: Print your approved CDC import permit. Provide a copy to your airline during check-in.
Cost expectations: The CDC does not charge a fee for the import permit itself. However, you should budget for associated costs: rabies titer test ($50–$150), microchip implantation ($45–$75), veterinary health certificate ($100–$250), certified document translation if needed ($50–$200), and airline pet fees ($200–$2,000 depending on cabin vs. cargo).
How This Differs from Previous Regulations and Other Countries
Before August 2024, the CDC only required import permits for dogs arriving from countries classified as high-risk for rabies. Dogs from low-risk countries needed only proof of rabies vaccination at the port of entry. The updated rule eliminated this distinction — every dog, from every country, now requires pre-approval.
This aligns U.S. policy more closely with countries like Australia, which requires a minimum 180-day preparation period including rabies antibody testing and mandatory quarantine, and the United Kingdom, where the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) mandates microchipping, rabies vaccination, a 21-day wait, and tapeworm treatment before entry.
The U.S. approach is notably less restrictive than Australia or New Zealand (which mandate 10-day quarantine) but more rigorous than Canada, which requires proof of rabies vaccination but does not use a pre-approval permit system for most dogs.
Common Misconceptions About the CDC Dog Import Form
Several myths circulate among dog owners navigating international relocation:
Myth: "My dog was born in the U.S., so I don't need an import form when we return."
Fact: The CDC requires the import form for ALL dogs entering the U.S., regardless of birthplace. A dog born in Ohio that traveled to France and is returning still needs an approved permit.
Myth: "If my dog has a valid rabies vaccine, approval is automatic."
Fact: Rabies vaccination is necessary but not sufficient. The CDC reviews microchip verification, country risk profile, age requirements, and documentation completeness. Missing any element results in denial.
Myth: "I can get the form approved at the airport upon arrival."
Fact: There is no on-arrival processing. Without a pre-approved permit, your dog will be denied entry and may be returned to the country of origin at your expense — or, in some cases, euthanized.
Myth: "Service dogs and emotional support animals are exempt."
Fact: As of the 2024 rule, service dogs are NOT exempt from the import permit requirement. All working dogs must comply with the same documentation standards.
When Problems Arise: What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed or Denied
Red Flags and Next Steps
If you have not received any communication from the CDC within 10 business days of submission, contact the CDC Dog Import team at cdcdogimports@cdc.gov with your application reference number. Do not assume silence means approval.
If your application is denied, the CDC will provide a written reason. Common denial reasons and remedies include:
- Insufficient vaccination history: Your dog may need a rabies titer test (RFFIT) showing ≥0.5 IU/mL antibody level. This test takes 2–4 weeks for results from approved laboratories.
- Age requirement not met: Dogs must be at least 6 months old at entry. There are no exceptions — you must reschedule travel.
- High-risk country without required additional documentation: Dogs from high-risk countries may need a CDC-issued rabies vaccination permit (separate from the import form) if vaccinated outside the U.S.
Consult your veterinarian or a professional pet relocation service (look for IPATA — International Pet and Animal Transportation Association — members) if you encounter repeated denials. These specialists handle dozens of import cases monthly and can identify documentation gaps you might miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expedite the CDC dog import form processing?
The CDC does not offer an official expedited review service. However, you can minimize delays by submitting a flawless application the first time: complete all fields, attach high-resolution PDF scans, and ensure every document is in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Some pet relocation companies offer "pre-review" services where they audit your documents before submission, which effectively speeds up the process by preventing rejection cycles.
Does the CDC dog import form expire?
Yes. The approved import permit is valid for a specific entry window — typically 30 days from the approved date of arrival listed on the permit. If your travel plans change and you fall outside this window, you must submit a new application. Start this process as soon as your new travel date is confirmed.
What happens if I arrive without an approved CDC dog import form?
Airlines are required to verify the approved permit before allowing your dog to board a U.S.-bound flight. If you somehow arrive at a U.S. port of entry without the permit, your dog will be refused entry. The dog may be held at the port at your expense, returned to the origin country, or — in worst-case scenarios where no return arrangement exists — euthanized. There is no grace period or on-site approval option.
Is the CDC dog import form the same as the USDA health certificate?
No. These are separate documents with different purposes. The CDC import form (75.37) addresses rabies risk and is required by the CDC. The USDA-endorsed health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) certifies your dog is free from contagious diseases and is often required by the destination country when leaving the U.S. — or by some airlines as an additional requirement. Check both CDC and USDA requirements, as well as your airline's specific pet policies.
Do puppies under 6 months need the CDC import form?
Puppies under 6 months of age are not eligible for import into the United States under the current rule. The CDC requires dogs to be at least 6 months old at the time of entry to ensure they could have received a valid rabies vaccination at 12 weeks of age and had sufficient time for immunity to develop. If you are planning to bring a puppy into the U.S., you must wait until the puppy meets the age requirement.
How is this different from importing cats or other pets?
As of 2026, the CDC's strict import permit requirement applies specifically to dogs. Cats are subject to different (and currently less stringent) entry requirements — they do not require a CDC import permit, though they must appear healthy upon inspection and may be subject to state-level rabies vaccination laws. Ferrets, birds, and other animals have their own regulatory frameworks managed by the CDC, USDA, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service depending on the species.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on CDC regulations as of early 2026. Import rules can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the CDC's official dog importation page before making travel plans. For complex cases, consult a licensed veterinarian experienced in international animal health or an IPATA-certified pet relocation specialist.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
