New CDC regulations for flying a dog to the U.S. are in effect since August 1.

Created to prevent the reintroduction of rabies, these changes require specific actions from both dog owners and aircraft operators.

Regardless of the flight origin, all dogs must meet the following criteria to gain entry to the U.S.:

Must appear healthy and well

Must be at least 6 months old

Must be microchipped (will be scanned)

Must be vaccinated against rabies

Must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt

Entering from DMRVV (rabies) low-risk countries

If entering the U.S. after six months in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, dogs will require a CDC Dog Import Form, and this will have a validity of up to 6 months.

If entering the U.S. from a country deemed high-risk, operators must know what country the dog was vaccinated in

Entering from DMRVV (rabies) high-risk countries

The CDC receipt can only be used for a single entry, so it is only valid for the travel date on the receipt
The country the dog is travelling from must match the country name on the receipt
To see the high-risk country list, click here

Note: Dogs who have not been vaccinated against rabies will not be allowed to enter.

Operators must ensure travellers have all the required documentation before boarding.

The provisional waiver process

Here’s what to do if an operators is unable to create an airway bill.

The carrier must submit an explanation of why the air carrier cannot create an AWB for dogs in the passenger environment to CDC the following within the 90-day period as well as a plan (include processes, procedures, and timeline) to create an AWB for dogs transported as hand-carried or checked baggage/excess baggage.

Operators need to request a provisional waiver from the CDC regarding the Airway Bill (AWB).

The process is as follows:

Email the CDC to request a provisional waiver
Within 1 working day, the CDC will issue a 90-day provisional waiver
During these 90 days, dogs can be transported as hand-carried or excess baggage without an AWB (Airway Bill)
For a longer waiver lasting 9 months, operators can submit a complete application
Ensure the full application is submitted within the 90-day provisional waiver period
Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the waiver, prohibiting the transport of dogs as hand-carried or excess baggage without an AWB
The CDC will review the full application and may request revisions, so early submission is vital

Operators must comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) regulations as well as their U.S. destination state regulations.

Note: Dogs being imported for commercial purposes have additional requirements from USDA.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

For flight support to the U.S., contact UAS Americas