India to the United States: moving with a dog or cat
Yes, but dogs face the strictest rules of any common route. Plan for at least 2 months from the first rabies vaccine, and longer for a puppy. Cats are much simpler.
Updated 20 Oct 2026. 9 rules, 9 verified against official sources.
The short version
- India is on the CDC list of high-risk countries for dog rabies, so every dog that has been in India in the last 6 months follows the high-risk rules.
- Your dog must be at least 6 months old, microchipped before its rabies vaccine, and booked into a CDC-registered animal care facility at the US airport where it lands.
- A passing rabies titer drawn at least 28 days before entry avoids a 28-day quarantine at that facility.
- Cats do not need proof of rabies vaccination for CDC, but your US state and airline may have their own rules.
The rules, with sources
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India counts as a high-risk country
Verified 20 Oct 2026Dogs that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the 6 months before arrival must meet the high-risk requirements.
Dogs. Source: CDC, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Minimum age 6 months at entry
Verified 20 Oct 2026The first rabies vaccine must be given at or after 12 weeks (84 days) of age. Vaccines given earlier are not accepted.
Dogs. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Microchip before the rabies vaccine
Verified 20 Oct 2026The chip must be readable by a universal scanner and implanted before the rabies vaccine, or the vaccine does not count. The chip number must appear on every form.
Dogs. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Rabies titer at a CDC-approved lab
Verified 20 Oct 2026Blood drawn at least 30 days after the first valid rabies vaccine and at least 28 days before entry. A passing titer stays valid while vaccination does not lapse. Without a valid titer, the dog is quarantined for 28 days at the animal care facility.
Dogs. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), checked 20 Oct 2026
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CDC Dog Import Form (free, online)
Verified 20 Oct 2026One form per dog. The emailed receipt is valid for one entry on the stated date and airport; change either and you must file a new form. Dogs under 1 year need a photo taken within 15 days before travel.
Dogs. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip
Verified 20 Oct 2026Completed by your vet and endorsed by an official government veterinarian in India, no more than 30 days before travel. Single use; carry the printed copy.
Dogs. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Reserve a CDC-registered animal care facility
Verified 20 Oct 2026Book before travel. The dog must land at that facility's airport (ATL, DFW, LAX, MIA, JFK, PHL, SEA cargo-only, or IAD as of 1 Sep 2026) and is examined and revaccinated there at your cost.
Dogs. Sources: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), checked 20 Oct 2026; CDC, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Cats: no CDC rabies proof required
Verified 20 Oct 2026Cats must appear healthy on arrival. Some US states and airlines require a health certificate; Hawaii and Guam quarantine all arriving cats.
Cats. Source: CDC, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Air India does not carry pets in cabin or as checked baggage to the USA
Verified 20 Oct 2026Air India lists the USA among routes not served for cabin or checked-baggage pets. Ask a relocation agent about cargo options on your route.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
Timeline
- Day 0Microchip (if not already done), then the rabies vaccine. Puppy must be at least 12 weeks old.
- Day 30 or laterTiter blood draw, sent to a CDC-approved lab.
- At least 28 days after the blood drawEarliest entry date with a passing titer.
- Within 30 days before travelVet completes the foreign vaccination certificate; official government vet endorses it.
- Before you book flightsReserve the animal care facility; file the CDC Dog Import Form for that airport and date.
Airlines on this route
Confirm before you book
Rules change. Check these official pages, and your airline, before you pay for anything:
For health questions (fitness to fly, sedation, breed risks) ask your vet. We do not give veterinary advice.
Common questions
Can I take my dog from India to the USA?
Yes, if the dog is at least 6 months old, microchipped before its rabies vaccine, has a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, an endorsed foreign vaccination certificate and a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility at the arrival airport. A passing titer drawn 28+ days before entry avoids a 28-day quarantine.
Does my cat need a rabies certificate for the USA?
Not for CDC. Cats must look healthy on arrival. Check your destination state and airline, which may ask for a health certificate.
Which US airports can my dog arrive at?
Only the airport of the animal care facility you reserved. As of CDC's 1 Sep 2026 list: Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Philadelphia, Seattle (cargo only) and Washington Dulles.