What About My Dog's Immigration Paperwork?

Monday, November 5, 2007
Contributed by: Charles A. Mallard

During Underwood's recent visit to Denmark, we had the had the pleasure of sitting in the kitchen of several families and engaging in discussions about prospective plans to immigrate to the United States to start up new dairy farms. For those of you who have never had the pleasure of a kitchen meeting in Denmark, I learned three things: (1) unlike The Netherlands, it is acceptable to self-serve your coffee; (2) I love Danish deserts, and (3) someone will always ask the question you did not expect.

Regarding the latter, after touring a dairy and meeting a charming family in Toftlund, I was presented with a question I had never thought of - "What about the immigration paperwork for our dogs?" As a lifelong dog owner myself, I am surprised that I had never thought of this or that nobody had ever asked before. In any event, thanks to Underwood's resources, I was able to send an e-mail to Glen Sanborn back in Amarillo, and we were able to give the following answer to this most important question.

The importation of pets is subject to health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. Pets taken out of the United States and returned are subject to the same requirements as those entering for the first time. Sadly, pets excluded from entry into the United States must either be exported or destroyed. While awaiting disposition, pets will be detained at the owner's expense at the port of arrival.

The U.S. Public Health Service requires that pet dogs and cats brought into the United States, must be examined at the first port of entry for evidence of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Dogs coming from areas not free of rabies must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Turtles are subject to certain restrictions, and monkeys may not be imported as pets under any circumstances. Dogs, cats, and turtles are free of duty.

As to dogs specifically, domestic dogs must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States. This requirement does not apply, however, to puppies less than three months of age or to dogs originating or located for at least six months in areas designated by the U.S. Public Health Service as being rabies-free.

The following procedures pertain to dogs arriving from areas that are not free of rabies:

  • A valid rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival.
  • If a vaccination has not been performed, or if the certificate is not valid, the animal may be admitted if it is confined immediately upon arrival at a place of the owner's choosing. The dog must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the final destination, but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. The animal must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated.
  • If the vaccination was performed less than 30 days before arrival, the animal may be admitted but must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until at least 30 days have passed since the vaccination.
  • Young puppies must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until they are three months old, then they must be vaccinated. They must remain in confinement for 30 days.
  • If you are outside the United States, contact the Customs Attache or Commercial Officer at your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
  • U.S. Customs Attaches Throughout the World
  • U.S. Customs Officers in Foreign Countries
  • Contact a U.S. Customs port

This column is published for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.