Rabies Requirements for Cat Travel to the United States

Name: Belma
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Scottish Fold
From: Istanbul, Turkey
To: New York, USA

Dear Sir or Madam,

I’m a resident of the USA and planing to travel to the USA on the 14th of December with a 3-month-old kitten. The issue is that my kitten will have the rabies vaccination this week. (I could not do it earlier because it was so little). I just wonder if there will be any problem regarding the date of rabies vaccination. I read that the rabies vaccination has to be done 30 days before my departure, so I would like to ask your suggestion regarding that.

Thanks,

Belma

Hi Belma,

The United States does not require that cats be vaccinated against rabies before they enter the country (read more here). However, you'll want to double check with the airline you're using as well as with Turkish Customs to find out if they have additional requirements. (Often it's best to contact the governmental source directly to receive an answer.) 

Please take a look at our blog for more information about international cat travel, and feel free to fill out our consultation form if you'd like further assistance.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!