Traveling internationally with your pet requires careful planning, especially when entering the United States from countries designated as high-risk for rabies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established specific protocols to prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies into the U.S., which include the use of CDC-registered Animal Care Facilities (ACFs). This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information about these facilities and outline the circumstances under which their services are mandatory.

Understanding CDC-Registered Animal Care Facilities

CDC-registered Animal Care Facilities are specialized centers approved by the CDC to manage the entry of dogs from high-risk rabies countries into the United States. These facilities ensure that imported dogs meet all health and safety requirements before they are allowed to enter the country. Services provided by ACFs include veterinary examinations, rabies vaccinations, and, if necessary, quarantine periods.

As of now, the following airports have CDC-registered Animal Care Facilities:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York: The ARK at JFK is the designated facility. (arkjfk.com)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia: Pender Pet Retreat serves as the approved facility. (penderpetretreat.com)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California: The CDC has approved a designated facility to process high-risk country dog entries.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia: A CDC-registered Animal Care Facility operates at this airport to ensure compliance with entry regulations.

Designated High-Risk Rabies Countries

The CDC classifies certain countries as high-risk for rabies based on the presence and transmission of the disease. As of the latest update, the designated high-risk rabies countries include:

A full and regularly updated list is available on the CDC’s official website.

When Is It Mandatory to Use a CDC-Registered Animal Care Facility?

If you are entering the United States with a dog that has been in a high-risk country for rabies within the past six months and the dog was vaccinated outside the U.S., you are required to utilize a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility. The specific scenarios include:

Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs Without Valid Rabies Serology Test Results

• Make a reservation at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility before arrival.
• Upon arrival, your dog will undergo a veterinary examination and receive a U.S.-approved rabies vaccination at the facility.
• The dog must then complete a 28-day quarantine at the facility after revaccination.

Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs With Valid Rabies Serology Test Results

• You must still make a reservation at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility prior to arrival.
• Upon arrival, your dog will undergo a veterinary examination and receive a U.S.-approved rabies vaccination at the facility.
• If all requirements are met, your dog may be released without the need for a 28-day quarantine.

Steps to Follow When Using a CDC-Registered Animal Care Facility

1. Determine If Your Dog Is Subject to CDC Regulations: Assess whether your dog has been in a high-risk country within the last six months.
2. Complete the CDC Dog Import Form: Prior to travel, fill out the CDC Dog Import Form online.
3. Make a Reservation Through Across The Pond Pets: Because CDC-registered facilities deal mainly with transport companies and not direct clients, and it is also very difficult to deal with them directly, it is highly recommended to book your reservation through Across The Pond Pets.
4. Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather all required documents, including vaccination records, rabies serology test results (if available), and the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
5. Arrival Procedures:
   • Upon arrival, present your dog and all required documentation to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
   • The CDC-registered Animal Care Facility will pick up your dog directly at the port of entry for examination and necessary procedures. You cannot transport your dog yourself.
   • Your dog must arrive at a U.S. port of entry with a CDC-approved animal facility nearby, such as New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), or Atlanta (ATL). If your chosen port does not have a CDC facility, entry will not be permitted.

Exceptions to the Requirement

Dogs that received their rabies vaccination in the United States and are returning from a high-risk country may be exempt from the requirement to use a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility, provided they meet specific criteria:

• Valid U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Certificate: The dog must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued in the U.S.
• Microchip Identification: The dog must be microchipped for identification purposes.
• Health Certification: A USDA-endorsed health certificate must accompany the dog.

Conclusion

Navigating the regulations for bringing a dog into the United States from a high-risk rabies country requires careful adherence to CDC guidelines. Utilizing CDC-registered Animal Care Facilities is a critical component of this process. By booking your reservation through Across The Pond Pets, you can ensure a smooth entry process.

Related Pet Travel Resources:

• Fly with Pets
• Pet Travel Consultations
• Pre-Travel Checklist
• Global Pet Shipping Services
• Mascotas Travel Services