dog travel vaccinations

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals
• Delta Stays
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• How to Use Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles
• Travel with Miles
• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

Pet Travel on Delta

Embark on a journey with your favorite furry companion. Depending on their size, some pets can travel as your carry-on. Note:  Failure to comply with all pet policies and keep your pet in the kennel at all times while in the airport and onboard the aircraft may result in losing the ability to travel with your pet on future flights. Need to travel with your service animal? Explore our guidelines and requirements for trained service animals .

In-page Links

• Carry-On Pets , Go to footer note
• Booking Your Pet , Go to footer note
• Carry-On Kennel Requirements , Go to footer note
• Checking In With Your Pet , Go to footer note
• Carry-On Pet Fees , Go to footer note
• Carry-On Pet Exceptions , Go to footer note

Military Pet Travel

International pet travel, carry-on pets.

Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee that is collected at check-in. The pet must be able to fit in a soft-sided ventilated pet kennel that will go underneath the seat directly in front of you.

Please review the following requirements to ensure a safe and healthy flight with a small pet traveling as a carry-on:

• Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel.
• Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
• 1 female cat or dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. There is no limit on the number of animals in the litter as long as they can fit safely in the kennel.
• 2 pets of the same breed and size between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months may be allowed to travel in 1 kennel, as long as they are small enough to fit into a single kennel and are compatible. If the pets are allowed to travel in 1 kennel, they will be charged as 1 pet.

Pets in kennels will count as your 1 carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, you are permitted to bring 1 personal item on board the aircraft.

Seating With Your Pet

Customers with carry-on pets may not select seats in the following areas:

• Bulkhead seats
• An emergency exit row
• Seats designated as “no stowage”
• Flat-bed or Delta One seats
• Rows 46-51 on the A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 54-59 on the A330 -300 aircraft
• Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft

Booking Your Pet

Carry-on kennel requirements.

Be sure to check the aircraft dimensions of your flight to ensure your pet’s kennel will fit underneath the seat directly in front of you.

Your pet and kennel must also adhere to the following requirements:

• Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel with the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides.
• The kennel must fit underneath the seat directly in front of you.
• The soft-sided kennel must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on 3 sides for domestic travel and 4 sides for international travel.
• The maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by the aircraft dimensions of your flight, as the under-seat space varies by aircraft. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types.
• Your pet must remain inside the kennel with the door secured while in a Delta boarding area, during boarding and deplaning, while in a Delta Sky Club® and while on board the aircraft.

Checking In With Your Pet

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to visit the Special Service Counter to check-in with your pet. At check-in, a Delta agent will ensure your pet and kennel meet the necessary requirements for your trip and collect the required pet fee. Remember to allow extra time at check-in for us to ensure your pet is ready for take-off.

Once you are checked in and have your cabin pet tag, you are ready to go through the security checkpoint where you are required to remove your pet from their kennel.

After the security checkpoint, your pet must remain in their kennel while at the airport, unless they are in a designated relief area.

Delta Sky Club® Pets

Carry-on pet fees.

CAD amount will be charged to exit Canada, while EUR amount will be charged to exit Europe. These fees are established by the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance.

Carry-On Pet Exceptions

For any travel to or from the following destinations — with the exception of service animals — pets must travel as cargo and are not permitted in the cabin:

• Pet travel is not allowed for pets originating in Brazil/Colombia
• Pet travel is not allowed on flights to Hawaii
• Jamaica  
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

Household birds are only permitted on domestic U.S. flights excluding flights to Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. Review based on your destination or connecting flights.

The CDC has an ongoing, temporary suspension that prohibits the entry of dogs, including trained service animals, into the United States from countries that are at high-risk for rabies. During the suspension, options for bringing dogs that have been in a high-risk country for rabies within the past 6 months will depend on where the dogs’ rabies vaccinations were administered, and the number of dogs being imported. Dogs from high-risk countries must appear healthy, be microchipped and at least 6 months of age. For dogs with a travel history in high-risk countries, please review the CDC’s guidance on importation .

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Human Trafficking Statement (PDF)

Do you want to install app?

Add a shortcut to your home screen: Share button at the bottom of the browser. Scroll left (if needed) to find the Add to Home Screen button.

Traveling with Pets

Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person (we won’t judge), we want to make trips with your furbaby a walk in the park.

Know Before You Go

Pet travel checklist, why pets (and their people) love jetblue..

JetBlue accepts dogs and cats under 20 pounds in the cabin.

Travel & entry requirements

• Pet vaccination, documentation and entry requirements vary for each destination, so be sure to check the requirements for each destination on your itinerary well in advance.
• Traveling internationally ? Restrictions, requirements and documentation for both dogs (including service dogs) and cats vary by origin, destination, date of booking and date of travel. 

Bringing your pet on the plane

• We only accept small dogs and cats. No large dogs are accommodated on JetBlue.  Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.
• Only one pet is allowed per carrier, and they must be able to turn around comfortably when it’s closed.
• All pets must remain inside the pet carrier while at the airport and on the plane.
• If you purchased an additional seat for your pet, the carrier and pet must be stowed under the seat for taxi, takeoff and landing but can be placed on the empty seat during the flight.
• Traveling on a Blue Basic fare? Carry-on bags are not permitted, but you may bring a personal item in addition to the pet carrier.

You can book your pet online at jetblue.com or the free JetBlue app, or by  contacting us . 

Only small dogs and cats may travel on JetBlue, and must travel in the Core cabin in an FAA-approved pet carrier that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. 

• The pet fee is $125 (one hundred and twenty five US dollars) each way and can be added in the Extras section during booking.
• A maximum of two pets per traveler is allowed, each in their own carrier. In order to bring a second pet, a second seat and pet fee must be paid.
• A total of six pets are allowed on each flight, so it’s best to book early.
• We know how much you love to spoil your pet, but they’re not allowed in Mint.
• We highly recommend that you sit in a window or aisle seat. You will not be assigned an exit row, bulkhead seat or any seat restricted for under-seat stowage.
• Pets are not accepted on interline/codeshare bookings (regardless of where or how the booking was made).
• Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with a pet.

Traveling with a service dog?

The policies and requirements are different than they are for pets.

Traveling with your pet is a breeze when you're well-prepared and informed. Use the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need for the purr-fect trip:

• Pet license
• Pet treats and chews (pets ears can pop, too)
• A favorite toy that has your scent
• Pet supplies for the trip
• A pre-flight workout for your pet. That way they'll adapt more quickly to their new surroundings and sleep better during the flight

We know that people are happy when their furbabies are happy, so our mission to bring humanity back to air travel extends to four-legged humans, too.

You don’t have to ruff it.

JetBlue has the most legroom in coach, which makes it so much easier to slide that pet carrier under the seat in front of you—and it means there will still be room for your legs after you do.

Want even more space? Purchase an Even More® Space seat for up to 7” more legroom, early boarding (and early access to overhead bins), plus an expedited security lane (in select airports). Depending on the aircraft, you can choose a seat located in the first few rows, so you’ll be one of the first on and off the plane. If you’re traveling on a Blue Basic fare, combining it with an Even More Space seat also has the added advantage of a carry-on bag.

Need more info?

Check out our pet help page for destination-specific policies and more.

Was this page helpful?

Going global.

Not all our destinations allow pets. Get the details on international travel with your four-legged family members.

Traveling through JFK?

JetBlue’s Terminal 5 is the cat’s meow, with 2 pet relief areas, including the T5 Rooftop & Wooftop Lounge.

Wag-worthy swag.

Prepare for takeoff with JetBlue pet accessories and toys, including our popular FAA-approved carrier.

Get To Know Us

• Our Company
• Partner Airlines
• Travel Agents
• Sponsorships
• Web Accessibility
• Contract of Carriage
• Canada Accessibility Plan
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Customer Service Plan
• Human Trafficking
• Optional Services and Fees

JetBlue In Action

• JetBlue for Good
• Sustainability
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Stay Connected

• Download the JetBlue mobile app

Enable JavaScript

Please enable JavaScript to fully experience this site. How to enable JavaScript

• Special assistance

Carry on or transport your pet

Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements.

We only accept checked pets at the ticket counter for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply.

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

Service animals

Which destinations allow travel with pets?

You can travel with a pet on most flights up to 12 hours or flights to / from select locations:

• Within the 48 contiguous United States
• The U.S. and Canada*
• Puerto Rico

*Additional special restrictions may apply when traveling with pets to / from these destinations.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary suspension of dogs (carry-on or checked), including fully trained service dogs, traveling to the United States (U.S.) from a country considered high-risk for dog rabies.

Only service dogs traveling to the U.S. from high-risk countries with an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, or that meet CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements may fly on American. Contact Special Assistance to request travel with a cat or dog in cabin from a high-risk country.

CDC notice of temporary suspension Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Dogs traveling to the U.S. from countries affected by ‘screwworm’ must meet specific requirements from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (USDA APHIS VS), including fully trained service dogs.

USDA APHIS VS import requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources does not accept applications to import assistance or service animals of any species other than dogs.

An assistance or service dog which is accredited by an Australian State or Territory Government will also qualify. In most cases these animals are returning to Australia.

Australian requirements for assistance and service dogs Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

You’ll be responsible for fulfilling all entry requirements and must notify the department of the dog’s intended arrival at least 3 working days before export.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a suspension on the import of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies.

Commercial dogs will not be permitted to enter Canada from the identified high-risk countries.

CFIA notice of suspension Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Carry-on pets

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet when traveling to Jamaica.

Additional restrictions

When traveling with a pet to Trinidad and Tobago (POS), you cannot arrive on a flight before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Continental U.S.

Within the u.s..

Pets traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 8 weeks old.

To the U.S.

All dogs (carry-on and checked) traveling to the U.S. must meet government regulations on vaccinations.

Requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet when traveling to / from Hawaii.

Checked pets

You can travel with your pet to Hawaii as a checked pet if you:

• Only connect via Honolulu (HNL)*
• Follow Hawaii’s quarantine rules

Animal quarantine rules in Hawaii Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

*No pets are accepted on departures out of Honolulu prior to 8 a.m. HT between March 5 and November 1.

You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii:

• On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai
• If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation

All pets traveling to Mexico must meet government regulations on vaccinations.

Government regulations and vaccinations in Mexico Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

South America

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet when traveling to / from:

Transatlantic

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet on transatlantic trips.

When traveling to the European Union (EU) with a checked pet, you’ll be responsible for completing all entry requirements. Your pet must have a tattoo or implanted microchip that matches the ID number on their vaccination card.

Apart from service animals, you can't travel with a checked pet to the U.K. or Ireland, but you can transport dogs and cats to London (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) with American Airlines Cargo.

Transport your pet with American Airlines Cargo Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Transpacific

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet on transpacific trips.

Japan exceptions

Although you can travel with a checked pet from Japan to Los Angeles (LAX) or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), pets are not allowed as checked bags to Japan. According to USDA restrictions, animals should be offered water every 12 hours, so for travel with a checked pet to LAX or DFW, you must book a flight 12 hours or less.

If you’re traveling with a checked pet for travel from Japan, you’ll need to:

• Make sure your pet has a microchip and documents required by the country you are traveling to
• Notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 7 days prior to departure to arrange an inspection

Japanese animal quarantine service Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on if:

• You pay the carry-on pet fee
• Your pet stays in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight

You can bring only one additional item on board with your pet:

• A personal item like a purse or small handbag; or
• A carry-on bag that meets requirements and fits in the overhead bin

Carry-on bags

Remember, you can only bring one with your pet carrier, not both.

Pet strollers must be checked at the ticket counter, and all checked bag fees apply.

To add a carry-on pet to your trip, follow these steps:

• Find your trip on aa.com or the American app
• In the Special Services section, select ‘Add carry-on pets’
• Review and agree to the carry-on pet requirements
• Select the flights that you want your pet to travel on
• Confirm your carry-on pet to complete the changes

Find your trip

At the airport, go to the American ticket counter to pay the fee and ensure your pet and kennel meet the requirements.

We assume no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets. These rules are enforced:

• Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier.
• Non-collapsible kennels can’t exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. Please contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.
• Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended and can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat without having to excessively collapse the kennel. They must be secure, padded, made of water-repellant material and have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides.

Carry-on kennel dimensions

Hard-sided kennel.

• Mainline flights on American: 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters (length + width + height)
• Regional flights on American Eagle: 16 x 12 x 8 inches / 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters (length + width + height)

Soft-sided kennel (recommended)

18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters (length + width + height)

Contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.

Reservations and ticket changes

Flying in First / Business on an A321T?

• Pets must stay in their kennel during your flight and will need to be placed in a dedicated animal friendly compartment at the front of the plane during taxi, take-off, landing and turbulence
• The combined weight of the carrier and your pet can’t exceed 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs., weighed at check-in

We can only accept:

• 7 kennels on American flights, excluding service animals
• 5 kennels on American Eagle flights; 1 in First

Due to the lack of underseat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business on:

As recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), we don’t accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized. Pets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes.

If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, it must travel with American Airlines Cargo. Keep in mind, we only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders, and the pet carrier must meet all kennel guidelines for checked-pets. If you don’t meet these requirements, your pet may not travel. Fees and restrictions apply.

Kennel guidelines for checked pets

We only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis.

When checking a pet, you need to:

• Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel
• Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders
• Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
• Complete a checklist with an agent
• Provide a health certificate

To ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within:

• 10 days of your travel
• 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket)
• 10 days of your return (travel on a separate ticket)

All USDA health requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

American PetEmbark™

American Airlines Cargo offers the American PetEmbark™ service for pets that don’t qualify to travel as carry-on or checked pets.

Ship your pet through American PetEmbark™ Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

When checking in your pet, there are specific requirements for their kennel:

• Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position (without touching any side or the top of the container)
• Must not exceed maximum size requirements of the aircraft you're traveling on
• Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs.
• Be made of wood, metal, plastic or similar materials
• Have a door made of welded or cast metal
• Secured at the top and bottom with bolts or screws
• Secured by yourself with release cable ties on all 4 corners (we’ll provide complimentary ties)
• Be rigid and secure enough so the animal cannot escape through gaps or poke any body part through the container
• Be leak and escape proof with a secure fastened door
• Have ventilation on at least 3 sides for domestic U.S. travel and 4 sides for international travel
• Have separate food and watering dishes attached securely inside the kennel
• Have a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the top
• Be clean and have absorbent material (no straw, hay or wood shavings)

If you travel with 2 of your pets in the same kennel, they must be:

• The same species (2 cats or 2 dogs)
• A similar size and weigh less than 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs. each
• Between 8 weeks and 6 months old

Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels

Checked pets cannot travel on:

• A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S

Cat restrictions

We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as:

• Exotic Shorthair

Cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Dog restrictions

We don’t accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as:

• Affenpinscher
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Dogue De Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Presa Canario
• Pug (all breeds)
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel

Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico. If you're traveling into the U.S., your dog's age and vaccine requirements depend on the risk of dog rabies where your trip starts. Dogs arriving from high-risk countries need to be at least 16 weeks old and have their rabies shots before traveling into the U.S.

Check if your trip starts in a high-risk country.

Flights with connections

If you’re traveling on a connecting flight, checked pets will only be able to connect through these cities:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• Chicago O'Hare, IL (ORD)
• Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• New York Kennedy, NY (JFK)
• New York LaGuardia, NY (LGA)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
• Washington Reagan, DC (DCA)

Food and water

Due to Federal Regulations, you’ll need to provide written certification that:

• Your pet has been fed and offered water within 4 hours (with the specific time noted) before you deliver them to the airplane
• Is securely and visibly attached to the outside of the kennel
• Has your signature with the date and time you signed it

You’ll also need to provide feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period. Unless specified by a vet, you cannot leave instructions saying 'no food or water.'

If you’re flying with American Airlines, you can pay your pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel center with a credit card or paper voucher (where accepted). We don’t accept cash or checks for payment.

We don’t collect pet fees for other operating airlines on your trip (even if it has an American flight number). You’ll need to check in with each airline and pay your fees at check-in. To find out if you're on a partner airline, look for the words, "Operated by" on your ticket.

What's a codeshare?

*Fees shown apply for each destination without a voluntary stopover / connection of 4 hours or more. If your trip includes a voluntary stopover / connection of more than 4 hours, fees apply for each connection segment. All pet fees are non-refundable and apply per kennel, each way. Fees for transporting your pet with American Airlines Cargo may vary depending on the trip details and size of the animal and kennel.

**For tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024, the carry-on pet fee per kennel is $125 and for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, the fee is $150.

Temperature restrictions

We have temperature restrictions to make sure checked pets and pets traveling with American Airlines Cargo aren’t exposed to extreme heat or cold:

• In the animal holding areas
• At terminal facilities
• When moving the animals between terminal and the plane
• On a plane awaiting departure

You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary.

Pets not traveling in cabin cannot travel to / through / from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS) or Palm Springs (PSP) May 1 – September 30.

You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary.

We may waive the cold temperature restrictions if you have a written letter from a licensed vet that includes:

• Your name and address
• Your pet’s name
• Your vet’s name and signature
• Your vet’s accreditation date and number
• The temperature your pet is acclimated to

The letter must be dated:

• Within 10 days of the first flight your pet will be on
• Within 30 days of any other trips in the same itinerary

You may need an additional letter for lengthy trips. If the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 degrees C), your pet cannot be checked even with a letter from your vet.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit

CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months. Learn about the current rules: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

Plan ahead: The current wait time to receive a permit is less than 4 weeks, but submitting an incomplete application will result in additional delays.

CDC has the authority to issue a CDC Dog Import Permit to bring in 1 or 2 dogs from a high-risk country for dog rabies . Permits will be issued only for dogs that were vaccinated against rabies in a foreign country. Dogs with current valid US issued rabies vaccination certificates do not need a permit.

STOP! Did you verify that your dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months? If not, go back to High-Risk Countries .

Permit Application Requirements:

• Each person may be granted approval (permits) to bring in a maximum of 2 dogs for one trip during the temporary suspension. People wishing to import dogs for science, education, exhibition, or bona fide law enforcement purposes may be granted approval to import more than 2 dogs.
• be at least 6 months old, as verified by submission of current photos of the dog’s teeth
• have an ISO-compatible microchip
• have a valid CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record [PDF – 1 page]
• have a valid rabies serologic titer from an approved laboratory . For dogs older than 15 months with booster vaccinations, make sure the CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record [PDF – 1 page]   shows the current rabies vaccination and at least one previous rabies vaccination given when the dog was 12 weeks old or older if your dog’s titer was collected less than 30 days from the date of the current rabies vaccination.
• Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).

See more details about these requirements below.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, STOP! Go back to Determining if You Can Bring a Dog into the United States .

Before You Apply: What You Must Know

Start the process early before you travel. Give yourself plenty of time to apply for the permit—especially to gather all the required documents and photos. Also, because of the high volume of applications CDC receives, it can take up to 40 business days or 8 weeks for CDC to process a complete and valid permit application. However, if required information is missing from the application, the process can take longer . CDC will respond to you within 8 weeks.

If you are granted a permit, the validity dates of the permit may be from 14 days before planned entry up to 90 days after planned entry, provided the dog meets all entry requirements during that time frame. The dog may only travel to the United States during the period of validity listed on the permit. If your arrival date changes to outside the period your issued permit is valid, please submit a new application and note in the additional comments section that you are requesting changes to a current permit.

The permit can only be used once before the expiration date.

The permit will only be issued to a single person, known as the Applicant. The Applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply. You, as the Applicant, may designate someone (for example, a family member or friend), known as the Permit Holder, to travel with the dog to the United States. If this is the case, then you must make sure the Permit Holder receives the permit so the Permit Holder can present it to a US Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival.

At the Port of Entry

Once the dog is within the United States, the applicant (or Permit Holder) of the dog listed on the permit must confine the dog at the address listed on the permit. The dog may not be placed at any other location or with any other person until the confinement period has ended. Ownership of the dog can’t be transferred to another person while the dog is in confinement. The confinement period for permitted dogs ends once the dog is revaccinated against rabies in the United States, which must occur within 10 days of arrival.

Don’t forget: In addition to CDC regulations, you must comply with US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and your US destination’s regulations . Regulations of US states or territories may be more strict than federal regulations.

Read through the required documents below as soon as you can. You can also read the Application Instructions  on how to fill out the permit application form line by line. Be sure you understand all that is required and what decisions you may need to make before filling out and submitting the permit application form.

An incomplete application will delay the time to process the permit.

Collect the Documents You Must Submit with the Permit Application Form

Gather the documents for the permit application. You will upload these documents as part of the application. It may take several weeks to over a month to obtain some items, so give yourself plenty of time.

Documents must be submitted in English or be accompanied by a certified English translation. A certified translation is a signed statement on professional letterhead issued by a licensed translator declaring that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document. The translation must include the name, address and contact information of the translator and have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator’s license number included. A certified translation service provider can be found online.

• front view of upper and lower teeth
• side view of upper and lower teeth

Photo credit: Zoonoses Team, CDC

• Dogs need to be at least 6 months of age at the time you submit the application to CDC
• For dogs vaccinated for the first time and for dogs younger than 15 months old : Submit a current CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record showing the rabies vaccine was given on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before the arrival date.
• For dogs older than 15 months with booster vaccinations: Submit a CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record [PDF – 1 page]  that shows the current rabies vaccination and at least one previous rabies vaccination given when the dog was 12 weeks old or older if your dog’s titer was collected less than 30 days from the date of the current rabies vaccination. Enter the date of the most recent rabies booster into the application and submit a CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record showing both rabies vaccinations with the application.
• Titers must be drawn at least 30 days after your dog’s first rabies vaccine was administered.
• Dogs over 15 months of age with at least one vaccine administered previously after 12 weeks of age may have a titer drawn at any time. For dogs older than 15 months with booster vaccinations, make sure the CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record  [PDF – 1 page] shows the current rabies vaccination and at least one previous rabies vaccination given when the dog was 12 weeks old or older if your dog’s titer was collected less than 30 days from the date of the current rabies vaccination.
• Dogs must wait 45 days from the date their titer is collected before they can enter the United States.
• Titers are valid for entry for one year (365 days) from the date of collection.
• Passport photo: Obtain a clear photo of the identification page of the applicant’s and permit holder’s passports.

After all items are complete, Click here to apply.

If you need to request a change to a permit that CDC has already issued, please submit a new application by clicking the blue button above and note in the additional comments section that you are requesting changes to a current permit.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

• Travelers' Health
• Healthy Pets Healthy People
• Southern Border Health and Migration
• Port Health
• Division of Global Migration Health

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Skip to content

• Helping Shelters, People and Pets
• Investigations and Rescue
• Animal Care and Recovery
• Improving Laws for Animals
• The Puppy Industry
• Protecting Farm Animals
• Advancing Horse Welfare
• ASPCA Grants
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Asheville, NC
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Ways to Give
• Get Involved
• Find More Humane Food
• Adopt a Pet
• Advocate for Animals
• Receive Text Updates

Primary Nav Menu

Search form, vaccinations for your pet.

Vaccines help prevent many illnesses that affect pets. Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him live a long, healthy life. Not only are there different vaccines for different diseases, there are different types and combinations of vaccines. Vaccination is a procedure that has risks and benefits that must be weighed for every pet relative to his lifestyle and health. Your veterinarian can determine a vaccination regime that will provide the safest and best protection for your individual animal.

Understanding Vaccines

Vaccines help prepare the body's immune system to fight the invasion of disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens, which look like the disease-causing organism to the immune system but don't actually cause disease. When the vaccine is introduced to the body, the immune system is mildly stimulated. If a pet is ever exposed to the real disease, his immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce the severity of the illness.

Vaccines are very important to managing the health of your pet. That said, not every pet needs to be vaccinated against every disease. It is very important to discuss with your veterinarian a vaccination protocol that’s right for your pet. Factors that should be examined include age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle. Most vets highly recommend administering core vaccines to healthy pets.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are considered vital to all pets based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans.

For Dogs: Vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dog’s exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria.

For Cats:  Vaccines for panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis) and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the cat's lifestyle; these include vaccines for feline leukemia virus, Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Your veterinarian can determine what vaccines are best for your pet.

Determining the Timing and Frequency of Vaccinations

Your veterinarian can best determine a vaccination schedule for your pet. This will depend on the type of vaccine, your pet’s age, medical history, environment and lifestyle.

For puppies: If his mother has a healthy immune system, a puppy will most likely receive antibodies in mother’s milk while nursing. Puppies should receive a series of vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks of age. A veterinarian should administer a minimum of three vaccinations at three- to four-week intervals. The final dose should be administered at 16 weeks of age.

For adult dogs: Some adult dogs might receive certain vaccines annually, while other vaccines might be given every three years or longer.

For kittens: Kittens automatically receive antibodies in the milk their mother produces if their mother has a healthy immune system. When the kitten is around six to eight weeks of age, your veterinarian can begin to administer a series of vaccines at three- or four-week intervals until the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age.

For adult cats: Adult cats might be revaccinated annually or every three years.

Local Laws Regarding Mandatory Vaccines

Each state has its own laws governing the administration of the rabies vaccine. Some areas require yearly rabies vaccination. Other areas call for vaccines every three years. In almost all states, proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Risks Associated with Vaccination

Immunizations should mildly stimulate the animal’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions.

There are other, less common side effects like injection site tumors and immune disease associated with vaccination. That said, it is important to realize that vaccines have saved countless lives, and play a vital role in the battle against infectious diseases. As with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself. But it is important to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s medical history before he is vaccinated.

Most pets show no ill effect from vaccination. Vaccine reactions may be minor and short-lived or require immediate care from a veterinarian. Clinical signs include:

• Sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Facial swelling and/or hives
• Pain, swelling, redness, scabbing or hair loss around the injection site
• Difficulty breathing

It is best to schedule your pet’s appointment so that you can monitor him for any side effects following administration of the vaccine. If you suspect your pet is having a reaction to a vaccine, call your veterinarian immediately.

Other Ways to Help:

• Become a Monthly Member
• Join the Advocacy Brigade
• Volunteer or Foster

Share this page:

Help the ASPCA Put a Stop to Animal Cruelty

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad

Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad, what you need to do will depend on what country you’re going to.

There are different rules for travelling with your pet to an EU country or Northern Ireland and for taking your pet to a non- EU country .

There’s different guidance if you’re bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain .

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Jump to navigation

Rabies Vaccination and Exemption Laws for Dogs

Skip to data tables

Full Site Search

Does My Dog Need a Rabies Vaccine Every Year?

I am so glad you asked. Why? Because rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and proper vaccination is the best and only way to keep you and your dog safe.

There is no test that can be done on a living person or an animal to tell if they are infected, and there is no treatment that can stop the virus once symptoms occur. As soon as you are able to tell if you or your pet is infected with the virus, it is too late.

Not to mention, if your dog is not up to date on her rabies vaccine and she bites, gets bitten or has a wound of unknown origin that could possibly be a bite, the state law may require that your pet be quarantined or even euthanized to keep other pets and people safe.

Keeping your pets current with their rabies vaccines is absolutely essential and even required by law. Here is what you should know about rabies vaccinations.

Recommended Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Your Dog

Each state has its own laws for the required rabies vaccine schedule for dogs .

In most states, the first rabies vaccination is generally given to puppies at or before 16 weeks of age. The second rabies vaccination is given one year after the first vaccine.

Then, your dog will be vaccinated every year or every three years depending on the state law and the vaccine used.

Your veterinarian is your best resource for your state’s rabies vaccination requirements. The AVMA also maintains a list of state rabies laws .

How Long Does a Rabies Vaccine Last?

This is a legal question as well as a medical one. State law determines how long your dog’s vaccination is considered protective, and the law varies from state to state.

There are rabies vaccines that are labeled as being effective for either one year or three years, though the actual contents of the vaccine may be the same. Labeling is a legal matter of testing and proof, and the difference between the two vaccines is the testing done by the manufacturer.

Some states require your pet to be vaccinated against rabies annually, no matter if the vaccine is considered to be effective for one year or three. Your veterinarian will know the legal requirements of your state and will help you to stay on schedule with your pets. 

Why Does My Pet Need Rabies Boosters?

The rabies vaccine tells the body how to recognize the rabies virus and how to create an immune system response that will kill the virus should it ever occur.

Over time, the effectiveness of the vaccine starts to wear off, which is why booster vaccines are required for your dog to stay protected.

Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Rabies?

The rabies vaccine is extremely effective. That said, no vaccine is 100 percent effective, and there are a few reported cases of vaccinated animals contracting the rabies virus.

The best prevention is to keep up to date on your dog’s rabies vaccines over the course of their life.

Are There Any Rabies Vaccine Side Effects?

Common side effects can include mild discomfort or swelling at the vaccination site, a slight fever, and a decreased appetite and activity level. These symptoms can start within hours of the vaccination and should go away in a day or two.

If the side effects worsen or continue longer than a few days, contact your veterinarian so they can help ease them.

Occasionally, the small, firm swelling at the injection site can last for a few weeks. If it persists more than three weeks or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian.

Less common, but more serious, side effects to be aware of include:

Vomiting or diarrhea

Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck or eyes

Severe coughing or difficulty breathing, and even collapse 

These serious side effects usually occur minutes to hours after receiving the vaccine. They may be life-threatening emergencies that require immediate emergency veterinary care.

How Much Does a Dog Rabies Vaccine Cost?

The cost of a rabies vaccine will vary depending on your provider. Typically, the vaccine costs between $30 and $50. 

Featured Image: iStock.com/chuckcollier

Related Video: Which Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

Veterinarian

Dr. Liz Bales is a graduate of Middlebury College and The University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. She focuses on unique...

Help us make PetMD better

Was this article helpful?

Related Articles

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians.