For a dog, the US pathway depends on recent country history and where its rabies vaccine was given. India is on CDC’s high-risk list. A cat needs its own checklist; the dog import process is not a cat checklist.
Choose the dog’s actual CDC pathway
Use CDC’s navigator and record every country the dog has visited in the previous six months. CDC’s general dog conditions include being at least six months old, microchipped and apparently healthy, with a Dog Import Form receipt. Additional requirements depend on the vaccination and travel history.
Official sources: CDC: dog import pathway navigator · CDC: high-risk countries for dog rabies · CDC Yellow Book: travelling with pets
A dog vaccinated outside the United States
For the high-risk, foreign-vaccinated pathway, plan the official Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip, the CDC form receipt, and a reservation at a registered animal care facility. Arrival must use the matching airport. The facility process and acceptable serology evidence need arranging before the flight; without qualifying test evidence, a 28-day quarantine reservation may be needed.
Official sources: CDC: Dog Import Form instructions · CDC: registered animal care facilities · CDC: foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries
A US-vaccinated dog coming back from India
CDC describes a different route using the Dog Import Form receipt and the specific US-issued rabies certification completed before the dog leaves the US and endorsed through USDA. Its current page says export health certificates issued after 31 July 2025 are not accepted as a substitute for re-entry. A routine vaccine slip is not the specified CDC form.
Official sources: CDC: US-vaccinated dogs returning from high-risk countries
Cats, destination states and the airline
Check the cat-specific conditions and the state of final destination. CDC explains that general health certificates can be required by a state or an airline even when not required by CDC itself. Ask for the state and carrier requirements rather than stopping at the federal dog page.
Official sources: CDC: animal entry and state/airline requirements
Before committing to travel
Get the receiving facility’s written arrangements where required, then match the operating airline and airport. Ask for a quote that separates handling, examinations, any quarantine, certification and transport.
Complete the Indian export checklist and compare the pet’s identity across every record. Keep all confirmations accessible at check-in. If the trip is temporary, read the Indian re-import guide and the US return pathway before the first departure.
Your document checklist
| Document | Who provides it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| CDC pathway and import-form receipt | CDC / owner | Use the dog’s full recent country history. |
| Pathway-specific rabies and chip certification | Required official veterinary system | Do not substitute a routine vaccine record. |
| Facility reservation and testing evidence, where required | CDC-registered facility / approved laboratory | Match the arrival airport. |
| Cat, state and carrier conditions | Relevant authority / operating carrier | Check separately from the dog pathway. |
Common questions
Does the same CDC checklist apply to my cat?
No. Use the cat information and check the destination state and carrier.
Can a US-vaccinated dog use the foreign-vaccinated route checklist alone?
Use CDC’s navigator. The US-vaccinated return pathway has its own specific certification requirements.
Want help putting the journey together?
Discuss your route, dates and pet’s needs with Anist.
Request a travel callbackSubmitting a request does not confirm a booking. Government clearance and carrier acceptance are separate.
