CDC | AVI Customs Brokers

CDC Info page

Pets Arriving from High-Risk Rabies Countries

Navigating CDC, USDA, and CBP requirements for pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries can be complex. Our team handles the rules, paperwork, and coordination so your pet’s arrival is smooth and compliant.

From the CDC Website “

There are a number of countries and political units that are considered high-risk for dog rabies.
The countries and political units listed below are considered high risk for importing dog rabies into the United States. Dogs that have been in any of these countries within the past 6 months are required to be vaccinated against rabies in order to enter the U.S. They must also meet additional requirements such as age, microchip, rabies serology titer, health, and documentation requirements.

The list of High-Risk Rabies countries can change, if you are unsure, you can visit the CDC site here to verify.

Overview

Countries classified as high-risk rabies countries are subject to strict U.S. import regulations to protect public and animal health. Pets arriving from these countries often require additional approvals, advance planning, and precise documentation.

Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, quarantine, or denied entry. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference.

What We Do

We manage the full clearance process for high-risk pet imports, including:

Coordination with CDC requirements, including Rabies Dog Import Forms (RDFAs) and approvals
Detailed review of permits, health certificates, and vaccination records
Direct communication with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry
Guidance on timing, flight selection, and airline coordination and home delivery can be added for additional service fees
Support to help avoid delays, holds, or compliance issues