How to take a dog to America? - briefly
To bring a dog to the United States, you must comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations. This involves obtaining a valid rabies vaccination certificate and ensuring your dog is microchipped. Additionally, some states may have specific requirements, so it's essential to research and adhere to those as well.
How to take a dog to America? - in detail
Taking a dog to America involves several steps and requires careful planning to ensure both your pet's safety and compliance with U.S. regulations. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this process:
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Microchipping: The first step is to microchip your dog if it isn’t already done. A microchip is a small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique identification number. This number is linked to your contact information in a database. Microchipping is required for all dogs entering the United States and must be performed before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
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Rabies Vaccination: Your dog must have a current rabies vaccination. The age at which the first rabies vaccine can be administered varies, but it is typically given at 3 months old or older. It’s crucial to ensure that the rabies vaccine was given after the microchipping procedure. Puppies under 3 months old cannot enter the U.S.
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Blood Titer Test: After the initial rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 30 days before taking a blood sample from your dog to perform a rabies antibody titer test. This test measures the level of rabies antibodies in the dog’s blood to ensure that the vaccine was effective. The results must be sent to and approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before your dog can enter the country.
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Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. This certificate should state that your dog is healthy and fit to travel. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival in the U.S.
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Airline Requirements: Check with the airline you plan to use for any specific requirements they may have regarding pet travel. Some airlines require additional health certificates or specific types of carriers. Make sure to book your dog’s flight well in advance, as there are often restrictions on the number of pets allowed per flight.
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Quarantine: If your dog does not meet all the above requirements, it may be subject to quarantine upon arrival in the U.S. The length of quarantine can vary, so it’s best to ensure that your dog is fully compliant with all regulations before travel.
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Travel Carrier: Purchase a carrier that meets both airline and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for pet travel. The carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
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Prepare Your Dog: Ensure your dog is accustomed to the travel carrier before the trip. Leave the carrier out with the door open so your dog can explore it and become comfortable inside.
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Travel Documentation: Carry all necessary documents, including the rabies vaccination record, microchip information, health certificate, and blood titer test results, with you during travel. Keep these documents easily accessible for inspection by U.S. Customs officials.
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Plan for Arrival: Upon arrival in the U.S., your dog may need to go through a customs checkpoint. Have all necessary paperwork readily available and be prepared to answer any questions about your pet’s health and travel history.
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey for your dog when traveling to America.