California Entrance Requirements for Dogs

Last updated on 07/17/24.

A dog sitting next to a travel carrier.

By law, 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 help make sure that animals do not carry serious diseases, such as rabies, across or between states, territories, or countries.

Visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture for information about bringing livestock into California. 

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

  • Current rabies vaccination certificate for dogs over 4 months of age.
  • A health certificate (also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) completed by an accredited, licensed veterinarian within 10 days before the dog arrives to California.
    • All dogs brought into San Diego County for the intent of sale, or change of ownership, need this health certificate.
    • The person transporting the dog must send the health certificate to the address below within 7 days of the dog’s arrival:

County of San Diego
Vital Records
P.O. Box 429001
San Diego, CA 92142
619-692-5733

Additional Requirements for Receiving Party

  • A receiving party, such as a pet store, rescue, owner, or breeder may reject any shipment of a dog that arrives without a valid health certificate. 
  • Anyone transporting dogs by commercial air, or other transportation routes, should contact the airline/transportation company for any additional requirements.

For state-specific information about the movement of pets from California to other U.S. States or territories, visit the California Department of Public Health Importation and Exportation of Pet Animals website. 

Enforcement

You can make a complaint for violations of Health & Safety Code Section 121720 to your local animal control provider.

Required Documents for Dogs Entering California from Another Country

A dog laying in the grass.

In addition to the state requirements above, 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.

Starting 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.,
  • Where they received their rabies vaccines (if required), and
  • When your dog will arrive in the United States.

Requirements for All Dogs

All dogs must:

  1. Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the U.S.
  2. Be healthy upon arrival.
  3. Have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations).
  4. Have a CDC Dog Import Form Receipt.
  5. Have additional documents depending on where the dog has been in the 6 months before entering or returning to the United States, or if the dog has a current rabies vaccine administered in the U.S.

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