The Form Your Dog Needs Before It Leaves the U.S.
If your U.S.-vaccinated dog will spend time in a CDC high-risk rabies country, it needs a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination to come home. A USDA-accredited veterinarian completes it, USDA endorses it — and it must be done before your dog departs the United States.
With it, your dog can return through any U.S. airport. Without it, your dog may have to come back through a CDC-registered animal care facility at a handful of airports, at your expense. Across The Pond Pets prepares this certification for pet owners and veterinary clinics every week, and handles the destination paperwork for the trip out too.
It’s not your regular rabies certificate. This is a specific CDC form, completed in USDA’s online system and endorsed by USDA. The rabies certificate from your vet or your county dog license doesn’t replace it — and it can’t be completed once your dog has left the U.S.
Does Your Trip Need It?
You need the certification if all three are true:
Your dog will be in a high-risk countryAt any point in the six months before it returns to the U.S. — even a short visit or layover counts. Popular examples include Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, the UAE, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Its current rabies vaccine was given in the U.S.Dogs vaccinated abroad follow the foreign-vaccinated rules instead, which require a CDC-registered animal care facility.
You plan to bring your dog backVacations, work assignments, family visits, or moves abroad that may end in a return to the U.S. — the form is easiest to get now, while your dog is still here.
Not going to a high-risk country?Mexico, Canada, the UK, EU countries, Japan, and South Korea aren’t on the list. Dogs returning from those need only the CDC Dog Import Form, a microchip, and to be 6 months or older.
Not sure about your destination? See our High-Risk Rabies Countries guide for the complete CDC list and every entry scenario.
How the Certification Works with Us
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Step 1 · 60+ days before departure
Case review
You send us your dog’s microchip and rabies records and your itinerary. We confirm the certification applies, check that the microchip was implanted before the current rabies vaccine, and make sure the vaccine won’t expire during your trip.
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Step 2 · If needed
Vaccination plan
If your dog needs a new microchip, a booster, or a first rabies vaccine, we tell you exactly what to do and when — avoiding unnecessary shots. After a first vaccine (given at 12 weeks or older), the form can’t be completed for 28 days.
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Step 3 · About 30 days before departure
Form prepared for your veterinarian
We prepare the certification in USDA’s online system so your USDA-accredited veterinarian can review, sign electronically, and submit it to USDA. If your vet isn’t accredited, we help you find one who is.
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Step 4 · Usually a few business days
USDA endorsement
We track the submission through USDA endorsement and handle any corrections USDA requests, so the endorsed form is in your hands before you fly.
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Step 5 · Before you fly
Your outbound paperwork too
Your destination country has its own entry rules. We can prepare its health certificate at the same time, so one vet visit covers both trips — out and home.
What We Need from You
- Your dog’s microchip number and implant date, if known
- Rabies vaccine certificates showing date, brand, lot, and expiration
- Your travel dates and every country on your route
- Your veterinarian’s name, or your ZIP code so we can find an accredited vet
- Your dog’s date of birth (it must be 6 months old to return)
- Your return date and U.S. arrival airport, if known
Costs include our service fee, your veterinarian’s fee, and USDA’s endorsement fee. See USDA’s current endorsement fees, and ask us for a quote.
Your Trip Checklist
Based on the CDC’s recommended timeline for U.S.-vaccinated dogs traveling to a high-risk country.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 60+ days before you leave | Confirm microchip and rabies vaccine; get a booster or first vaccine if needed; start your airline booking |
| About 30 days before you leave | Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination completed by an accredited vet and endorsed by USDA |
| Before departure | Print at least three copies of the endorsed form; complete your destination’s entry paperwork |
| The week you fly home | Complete the free CDC Dog Import Form for each dog, listing your arrival date and U.S. airport |
| Travel day home | Show the CDC receipt and the endorsed certification to the airline and U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
The CDC Dog Import Form receipt is valid only for the arrival date and port listed. If either changes, submit a new form. Dogs under a year old need a photo taken within 15 days of travel.
One form, many trips. The certification can be reused as long as your dog’s rabies vaccine stays valid — usually one or three years. Families who travel regularly to Israel, Brazil, or a second home abroad only renew it when the vaccine is renewed.
Already Abroad Without the Certification?
If your dog has already left the U.S. without it, your options are limited:
An older export health certificateThe CDC accepts a USDA-endorsed export health certificate issued on or before July 31, 2025, if it shows the dog’s age, microchip number, and a current U.S. rabies vaccine given after the microchip. Certificates issued after that date don’t qualify.
The foreign-vaccinated routeOtherwise, your dog returns as a foreign-vaccinated dog: a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility, arrival at that facility’s airport (such as LAX), and an exam, possible revaccination, and possibly quarantine — all at your expense.
We can review whether an older certificate qualifies, or arrange the facility reservation, documents, and arrival at LAX. Contact us as early as possible.
Veterinarians: clients asking for a “rabies certificate to come back to the U.S.” usually need this CDC form, completed in USDA’s system. Our AV Support program prepares it for your review at no charge to your clinic.
U.S. Rabies Certification for Dogs: FAQs
What is the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination?
It’s a CDC form that documents a dog’s U.S.-given rabies vaccine and microchip. A USDA-accredited veterinarian completes it in USDA’s online system and USDA endorses it. Dogs vaccinated in the U.S. need it to return after time in a high-risk rabies country.
Is it the same as my dog’s rabies certificate or a health certificate?
No. It’s not the rabies certificate from your vet or county, and it’s not the health certificate your destination country requires. Most trips to a high-risk country need both the certification (for coming home) and the destination’s health certificate (for going out). We can prepare both in the same vet visit.
Can I get it while I’m abroad?
No. It must be completed and endorsed before your dog departs the U.S. If you’re already abroad, a qualifying USDA-endorsed export health certificate issued on or before July 31, 2025 may work instead; otherwise your dog must follow the foreign-vaccinated route through a CDC-registered animal care facility.
How long is it valid?
It can be reused for multiple trips as long as your dog’s rabies vaccine remains valid — usually one or three years, depending on the vaccine.
My dog just got its first rabies shot. When can we get the form?
At least 28 days after the vaccine, which must be given at 12 weeks (84 days) or older. Your dog also needs to be at least 6 months old to return to the U.S., so young puppies may need to wait longer.
Does my veterinarian need to be USDA-accredited?
Yes. Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can complete the form. It can be the vet who gave the vaccine or another accredited vet. If your clinic doesn’t have one, we can help you find one.
Do cats need this form?
No. The CDC rules apply only to dogs. Cats returning to the U.S. need to meet airline requirements and the rules of the state where you’re going.
Get Your Dog’s Certification Before You Go
Send us your dog’s records and travel dates at least 60 days before departure, or call +1-206-317-4515. We’ll confirm what applies and prepare the paperwork.
Related Resources
Disclaimer: This page summarizes current CDC guidance and Across The Pond Pets’ services. CDC rules and country risk designations change — confirm current requirements before travel. Across The Pond Pets is not the CDC or USDA; we provide consultation and paperwork support to help you comply with federal rules.
