CDC Dog-Import Rule (2024→2025): What It Means for Frenchie Owners

Quick Answer
Since August 1, 2024, every dog entering the U.S.—including Frenchies—must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, appear healthy, and have a CDC Dog Import Form. Additional paperwork varies with the dog’s whereabouts over the past six months: low‑risk countries are favored, while high‑risk origins require specific documents, designated ports, and additional steps. (CDC)

TL;DR

• Baseline for everyone: age ≥6 months, microchip, healthy appearance, and a completed CDC Dog Import Form. (CDC)
• Only low-risk/rabies-free travel in last 6 months: entry at any U.S. airport, seaport, or land border. (CDC)
• High-risk travel in last 6 months: requirements differ for U.S.-vaccinated vs foreign-vaccinated dogs; port options narrow for foreign-vaccinated entries. (CDC)
• Form tip: upload one photo that clearly shows the dog’s face and body; .jpg/.jpeg/.png, ≤1 MB. (CDC)
• Separate from airline rules: CDC entry rules don’t replace carrier pet policies—operating carrier policies still apply.

What Changed—and Why It Matters

The CDC’s updated rule, in effect since Aug 1, 2024, modernized decades-old dog-import regulations to keep the U.S. free of dog-variant rabies. It sets a universal baseline (age, microchip, form, healthy appearance) and then layers country-history requirements based on where a dog has been during the previous six months. Frenchie owners planning international trips—or importing a dog—should map their itinerary to the correct path well before travel. (CDC)

The Three Core Paths (pick your scenario)

1) Only in low-risk or rabies-free countries (last 6 months)

This is the most straightforward path. Dogs that have been only in low-risk/rabies-free countries during the last six months can arrive at any U.S. port—airport, seaport, or land border—once the baseline items and the CDC Dog Import Form are in order. (CDC)

2) Has been in a high-risk country; U.S.-vaccinated

For dogs vaccinated in the United States that traveled to a high-risk country and are returning, CDC lays out a defined set of documents (including the CDC form). After the one‑year transition period ended on July 31 2025, USDA‑approved export health certificates are no longer accepted for re‑entry. The port of entry must correspond to the one listed on the CDC form receipt. (CDC)

3) Has been in a high-risk country; foreign-vaccinated

This path is the most controlled. A foreign-vaccinated dog that has been in a high-risk country within the last six months must:

• Arrive by air at an airport that has a CDC-registered animal care facility,
• Have a reservation at that facility for an exam and revaccination (and quarantine if the dog lacks a valid rabies titer), and
• List that same airport/ACF on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
  Foreign-vaccinated dogs cannot enter at a land border. (CDC)

Check the current high-risk list when planning—countries can be added or removed. (CDC)

CDC Dog Import Form: What to Know

Every dog needs a CDC Dog Import Form—one per dog. You’ll upload identifiers (including the microchip number) and a photo showing the dog’s face and body. Acceptable formats are .jpg/.jpeg/.png and ≤1 MB in size; for pups under one year, CDC asks that the photo be recent (within 15 days of travel). Keep the receipt handy—certain paths require the port on the receipt to match your arrival port. (CDC)

Photo ID Tips (checklist for the CDC form)

• Lighting: bright, even light without harsh shadows.
• Framing: one image where the face and full body are both visible and centered.
• Background: plain, contrasting backdrop so edges are clear.
• Recency: update the photo if appearance changes; for dogs under one year, keep it within 15 days of travel.
• File rules: .jpg/.jpeg/.png, ≤1 MB, per CDC instructions. (CDC)

Ports of Entry—What’s Allowed Where

• Low-risk path: any airport, seaport, or land border is permitted. (CDC)
• U.S.-vaccinated after high-risk travel: may arrive at any port if documents are correct and the port matches the CDC form receipt. (CDC)
• Foreign-vaccinated after high-risk travel: must arrive at a U.S. airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility and have a reservation there. Land borders are not allowed for this path. (CDC)

Standards Snapshot

Breed identity isn’t part of CDC screening, but owners often ask where to check “French Bulldog” wording for paperwork.

(Registry links above are for identity literacy and paperwork checks, not medical guidance.) (CDC)

Genetics (context only)

Occasionally, import or airline forms ask for coat color. At a simple level, dogs express two main pigments: eumelanin (black/brown-based) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow-based). Genes such as MC1R (E-locus) influence whether black pigment shows at all, while ASIP (agouti) helps determine where lighter/red pigment appears; modifiers can lighten phaeomelanin toward cream. For a friendly, non-technical explainer, see the UC Davis VGL overview. vgl.ucdavis.edu/resources/dog-coat-color (American Kennel Club)

(This paragraph is informational only; it does not offer breeding or medical advice.)

Buying & Adoption Ethics (paperwork first, no hype)

• Verify identity with documents. If someone claims registry status, ask for authentic AKC, The Kennel Club (UK), or FCI paperwork and cross-check names and numbers before you plan travel. (CDC)
• Avoid “fly-ready” shortcuts. Some advertisements gloss over CDC requirements—insist on the CDC Dog Import Form and the correct country-history path that matches actual travel. (CDC)
• Be wary of color hype. If a listing leans on “rare color,” compare terminology with registry wording and ask for original documents; skip price talk and focus on verifiable info.
• Consider reputable rescues. Good rescues provide transparent histories, which helps satisfy CDC’s six-month lookback requirement with fewer surprises.

Light Care Basics

Coat & grooming: Short coat; routine brushing keeps shedding manageable.
Travel comfort: Calm handling, familiar bedding, and a well-ventilated carrier make long transits easier.
Microchip & ID: Keep microchip registration and tags updated—the number goes on the CDC form. (CDC)
For health concerns, consult your veterinarian.

Key Takeaways

• Four must-haves underpin everything: ≥6 months, microchip, healthy appearance, and a CDC Dog Import Form. (CDC)
• Travel history drives documents and ports: low-risk is flexible; high-risk paths have tighter entry points and extra steps. (CDC)
• Foreign-vaccinated + high-risk must land at an airport with a CDC-registered facility; land borders aren’t allowed. (CDC)
• CDC rules ≠ airline policies—always check the operating carrier for additional constraints.

Reference

• CDC—Media statement (effective date & baseline): https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0508-Dog-Importation-Regulation.html (CDC)
• CDC—Bringing a dog into the U.S. (hub): https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html (CDC)
• CDC—Dog Import Form & instructions: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-instructions.html (CDC)
• CDC—High-risk countries list: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html (CDC)
• CDC—Low-risk/rabies-free entries: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/rabies-free-low-risk-countries.html (CDC)
• CDC—U.S.-vaccinated, high-risk path (2025 update): https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/us-vaccinated-high-risk-countries.html (CDC)
• CDC—Foreign-vaccinated, high-risk path: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/foreign-vaccinated-high-risk-countries.html (CDC)
• CDC—FAQs (ports of entry): https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/faqs.html (CDC)
• USDA APHIS—Bring a pet dog into the United States: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs (APHIS)
• CBP—Bringing pets & wildlife into the U.S.: https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/protecting-agriculture/bringing-pets-and-wildlife-united-states (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
• AKC—French Bulldog (registry reference): https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/ (CDC)
• The Kennel Club (UK)—French Bulldog standard: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/utility/french-bulldog/ (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
• FCI—French Bulldog standard (PDF): https://www.fci.be/nomenclature/standards/101g09-en.pdf (CDC)
• UC Davis VGL—Dog coat color overview: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/resources/dog-coat-color (American Kennel Club)