Issaquah Veterinary Hospital

All dogs must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for entry into the U.S.

• Be a minimum of 6 months old
• Have an international Organization for Standard (ISO) – compatible microchip
• Appear healthy upon arrival
  • Dogs may not enter the US if they are carrying a disease contagious to people
• Have an International Standards Organization (ISO) – compatible microchip
  • ISO Microchips Operate at a radio frequency of 134.2 kHz and Contain 15 digits, the first three of which are the unique assigned manufacture ‘code’.
  • We recommend confirming that the microchip is functional and ISO compliant before you travel, please contact us to schedule an appointment
• Beginning August 1st, An online CDC Dog Import Form submission receipt MUST be completed prior to arrival at the U.S. port of entry.
  • CDC Import Form Instructions 
  • Important information about the CDC Import Form:
    • Should be filled out online 2 – 10 days before arrival however it can be completed the night before or the day of arrival if you have internet access
    • All information including the port of entry where the dog is arriving must be correct at the time of arrival at the U.S. Port of Entry
      • If you need to make changes once a form has been completed, you must submit a new form and indicate that you are making changes to an existing form.
    • The form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body
      • Dogs that will be less than 1 year old at the time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days of arrival.
    • There is no charge for importing this form.

• Your Airline and your country of export MAY require a Pet health certificate from the pets country of origin. This must be completed by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel depending on local regulations

• Option One – Certificate of U.S. Issued Rabies Vaccination
  • Obtain an endorsed certificate of U.S. issued Rabies Vaccination form signed and completed by a USDA accredited veterinarian, submitted to the USDA through the VEHCS system.
    • This certificate is valid for multiple entries until the rabies vaccination expires.

• Option Two – Until July 31, 2025, a USDA-endorsed health certificate may be used if
  • The Certificate documents the dog’s age, microchip number, and valid rabies vaccine administered in the U.S.
  • The vaccination documented is valid on the date of the return.
  • The certificate was issued before July 31, 2025.
  • The certificate is valid for re-entry as long as the U.S. issued rabies vaccination has not expired.

• As of August 1st there will only be six designated ports in the U.S. for dogs being imported from high-risk countries.
• Beginning August 1st, An online CDC Dog Import Form submission receipt MUST be completed prior to arrival at the U.S. port of entry.
  • CDC Import Form Instructions 
  • Important information about the CDC Import Form:
    • Should be filled out online 2 – 10 days before arrival however it can be completed the night before or the day of arrival if you have internet access
    • All information including the port of entry where the dog is arriving must be correct at the time of arrival at the U.S. Port of Entry
      • If you need to make changes once a form has been completed, you must submit a new form and indicate that you are making changes to an existing form.
    • The form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body
      • Dogs that will be less than 1 year old at the time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days of arrival.
    • There is no charge for importing this form.