The Centers for Disease Control toughened rules for dogs on U.S. flights. As of Aug. 1, passengers bringing dogs to the United States must adhere to new steps, which depends on where your dog has been in the past six months. The United States has been free of dog rabies since 2007.

Taking feedback from various countries, industry partners and the public, the CDC simplified the process for meeting requirements for dogs arriving from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries.

“CDC strives to protect America’s families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies into the United States,” the organization stated. “Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority. CDC recommends all dogs be vaccinated against dog rabies.”

This means that for dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last six months, owners must complete just one form, the CDC Dog Import Form, which takes a few minutes to complete. Previously, there was no form for dogs traveling into the country from countries with low or no risk of rabies.

The form remains valid for six months and can be used multiple times for entry into the United States as long as the dog has not been in a high-rabies country. Free to fill out, the form requires each pet to have its own form.

The new rules will affect an estimated 4 million animals traveling by air annually. The regulations mark the first change in import requirements for the CDC since 1950. Visit here to see which countries are dog rabies-free or low-risk.

Travelers from countries with a high-risk of rabies are required to fill out both the CDC Dog Import Form and have either a USDA-endorsed export health certificate or a certification of U.S.-issued rabies vaccination form. Popular high-risk countries include Brazil, China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), Dominican Republic, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Türkiye.

All pets must be at least 6 months old, appear healthy upon arrival to the United States and have a microchip inserted before they are given a rabies vaccine.

Unlike dogs, cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the country, but the CDC does recommend all cats be vaccinated against rabies. It’s also important to check if your U.S. destination has additional requirements. All cats arriving in Hawai’i and the territory of Guam (even from the U.S. mainland) are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements.

Have you traveled with a dog or cat into the United States before? What was your experience like? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.