One Health Epidemiology Program | Office of Vital Records and Statistics

California Entrance Requirements for Dogs

Last updated on 1/13/2025.

A dog sitting next to a travel carrier.

There are requirements to bring dogs:

  • Into California either to or from another U.S. state/territory, or 
  • To or from another country. 

This is to prevent animals from bringing infectious diseases, such as rabies, across or between states, territories, or countries.

On this page, requirements:

Requirements for Dogs Entering California from Another U.S. State or Territory

  • Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as health certificates, are required for dogs entering California for the purpose of sale or change of ownership. The CVI must be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). A CVI must be:
    • Completed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian.
    • Submitted to CDFA and buyer within 10 days prior to entry into California.

Additional Requirements

  • Visit the California Department of Public Health Importation and Exportation of Pet Animals website for additional requirements for dogs entering California.
  • Contact the airline, or transportation company, for any additional requirements to transport dogs by commercial air or other transportation routes.

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Requirements for Dogs Entering California from Another Country

A dog laying in the grass.

There are federal requirements from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that oversee the international importation of pets.

Since August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must meet new, specific requirements depending on:

  • Where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S., and
  • Where they received their rabies vaccination.

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Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.

Dogs must:

  • Have a CDC Dog Import Form Receipt, and:
    • Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the U.S.
    • Be healthy upon arrival.
    • Have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations).
  • Additional documents may be necessary depending on whether the dog has been in a high-risk rabies country in the past 6 months before entering or returning to the United States.

See all requirements and more information on the CDC's Bringing a Dog into the U.S. website.

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Contact the San Diego One Health Epidemiology Program through our contact form, via e-mail at phs.ohep.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov, or call the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499, for more information.