Pet Travel From China to the United States

Name: Vicki
Number of Pets: One
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mix
From: China
To: Kansas, USA

Dear PetRelocation,

My husband is working in Handan, China, and he found a stray puppy that needed medical treatment and wants to bring it back home to join our family.

The puppy was taken to a vet and was malnourished with a severe eye infection. She was treated for 5 days and was picked up yesterday. He is currently keeping her at the office with him.

Could you please tell us exactly where to get information on what needs to be done for him to bring this dog home? The vet is planning to give the first set of vaccines next week. Still, I read somewhere that vaccines were not supposed to be given by a privately owned veterinarian in China to be able to be transported internationally.

Thanks,

Vicki

Hi Vicki,

Thanks for the question; we also applaud your kind-hearted plans!

Please take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States for an outline of what you'll need to do. The good news is that the United States has pretty simple requirements -- the dog will need proof of an updated rabies vaccine and a health certificate stating she is healthy and fit to fly (the airline requires this, and it should be issued within 10 days of departure).

Starting from March 1, 2023, new documentation requirements apply to dogs imported from high-risk rabies countries. Additionally, the CDC's temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies has been extended through July 31, 2023. Review the CDC and USDA websites for the most current pet travel requirements.

You can take a look at the USDA website for more details or give our office a call if you're concerned that your vet is not properly certified -- since China is listed as a country affected by screwworm, you'll also need to show proof (using the vet's signature) that your dog has been inspected and found to be free of the condition.

Hope this helps... Please contact us if you have further questions, and good luck with your new dog!