As a US-based veterinarian, it is crucial to understand how these revised regulations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the importation of dogs into the United States will affect your clients traveling abroad with their pets.
Starting August 1, 2024, in addition to ensuring pets are microchipped (ISO-compatible), you must complete an additional document for clients traveling internationally with US rabies-vaccinated pets. This document is essential to guarantee the smooth re-entry of their pets into the US.
The Certificate of US-issued Rabies Vaccination
The Certificate of US-issued Rabies Vaccination, available exclusively in VEHCS, serves as proof that the rabies vaccination was administered in the US. Upon submission, the USDA will review and endorse the certificate before returning the document electronically via VEHCS.
GlobalVetLink is actively working to integrate this new certificate workflow into our product, with availability expected later this year. In the meantime, you can find detailed instructions for completing the certificate in VEHCS at this link: CDC Instructions for Completing the Certificate.
Note: If the pet is returning from a rabies high-risk country, the USDA-endorsed export health certificate (IHC) issued before July 31, 2025, can be shown instead of the Certification of US.-issued Rabies Vaccination form during the CDC’s transition period. The rabies vaccination must be valid upon re-entry into the US, or the form is invalid.