Many thanks to Christian (IX1CKN) who shares the following field report: POTA Friends Meet to Activate IT-0737 by Christian (IX1CKN) With Andrea (IW0HK) in Turin for a few days, it would have been a shame not to use Sunday for a POTA activation, recreating the “Multicountry Rove” team that participated in the Friedrichshafen Fair. Our chosen destination, … Continue reading Quarter-Wave Conquers: Christian and Andrea’s POTA Success Despite Solar Slumber→
by Teri (KO4WFP) As my friend Jon KC1FUU says “Some days are diamonds, some are stone.” The third day (Tuesday, July 16) of my North Carolina trip definitely fell into the “stone” category. The day began nice enough with a slow but steady pace. As our next overnight stay was at Lake James State Park, … Continue reading The POTA Babe Strikes Out – Day 3→
She’s adamant that we must stay in our assigned seats but I somehow find myself stealthy relocated to a window seat.
Tired, excited and most likely caffeinated we are airborne from Cairo. The previous flight had left London sometime past midnight, presumably to garner the cheapest departure cost, inevitably has disrupted my sleep pattern, worsened by rigid and unbending seats.
Alarm and confusion set in as we descended early and all l could see was miles of desert and dunes. This can’t possibly be India and I wonder if we have somehow found our way onto the wrong flight to the wrong destination. Maybe she’s amused but responds that we are landing in Dubai and assures us we will get to Bombay after a short stop that requires no disembarkation on my part.
Weeks go by and we’ve traveled enormous distances at a snail’s pace. We’ve crept south from Bombay to Cape Comorin, the southernmost tip of India. As lone travelers we are an oddity to many. We visit Hindu temples, have become very familiar with train stations, carriages, government hotels and a diet that is proving hard. Density varies from a handful of people in remote and struggling villages to throngs that are almost a deluge in cities of equally challenged people. We’ve swung north along the Bay of Bengal towards Darjeeling.
Me, 1978, somewhere in India
Weeks become almost two months and we’ve skirted westward across the lower Himalayas and into Kashmir. Maybe it was an article in the Guardian, but Rico has decided we must visit Leh in the otherworldly place called “Little Tibet” or more formally, Ladakh. Not long since a war frontier in bloody battles with China, this area is now open for the first time to tourists.
Srinagar to Leh, 2 days, ~250 miles
Ill again, I stay in the Srinagar hotel room. Against the odds, Rico has scored a victory with two bus tickets and permission for us to ride from Srinagar up through the mountains on what is sometimes a plausible road clinging to the mountain side high above the Indus River.
Kargil is a desolate high altitude place. Unfamiliar with much, all hotel beds are nabbed by those in the know and we find ourselves sleeping on a dirt floor in a hovel. Maybe tea revived us the next morning but a day later we arrived in Leh and straight into the 15th century. No cars, limited electricity, heavy felt clothing, distinctive hats all make for a sense of somewhere that is not India. Buddhist pray wheals, pray flags and a miniature Portola dot a hilly and rugged community and close in feel and outlook to Tibet versus India.
The compartment was typical of the era. Two doors, two bench seats offering privacy and these cramped spaces were repeated the length of the carriage. No bathroom, no ability to move up or down the carriage. If trapped, fellow travelers could make the journey almost unbearable.
Each is not particularly heavy nor bulky but five, seven or more rapidly became a chore to move. Pulling one out was possibly the highlight of the trip. Aged relatives with little to say made for difficult company for this ten year old who was shy and also had little to say.
In a world of black and white TV and music pouring from a tiny transistor radio, badly curated by a prescriptive BBC, National Geographic was manna from heaven. A beautiful, exciting and colorful world existed beyond the drab 1970s UK.
I loved the photos of American National Parks, hoodoos in Bryce or geysers in Yellowstone. Definitely not central London. I loved the photos of American states, colorful Vermont, cactus rich Arizona, I’m sold, I’m coming!. The occasional pull out map was always a perennial favorite. Photo tours of Africa, South America and even Europe were a delight. The ads for Bell Air or Cadillac conveyed such a sense of optimism. Camera and exotic shortwave radio ads sealed the deal for me. There is a Brave New World somewhere else.
Thunderbird, Cadillac, Bel Air….the stuff of dreams
We were essentially broke. Film was expensive, space was tight and unbelievably for an almost three month trip I have around twelve rolls of 35mm film, predominantly color but a few rolls of black and white. As a pretty unseasoned photographer on such a ridiculous “snap” budget it’s a marvel I have really anything to show for what was and is tritely, a life changing trip which made me a better human. Not many, a few, sunrise at Cape Comorin and this.
3 months, ~12 rolls of film….practically impossible to get anything of value save this!!
Permission granted, not as V victory but by two fingers, a rupee for each.
I snapped it, I labored to develop and print it and caringly carried it over the decades through countless moves, an emigration to America and stashed it with family photos.
Its significance, somewhat unrecognized nor fully understood until later in life. In a way it’s a homage to National Geographic. Imitation is the finest form of flattery and I was “mimicking” what I had so enjoyed.
Twenty five percent inflation, relentless crippling strikes and an IMF bailout sharpens the will in 1970s London to avoid failure.
With a newly minted Computer Science and Math degree, emigrating to join the A team was made all the more palatable having so enjoyed National Geographic’s simple message; the world is a wonderful place, the glass is half full, not half empty and optimism and America are the same thing.
A simple philosophy to guide a simple life.
Thirty two years on. Three recent snaps from Bhutan ….the homage continues
Many thanks to Rand (W7UDT) for sharing this short field report: Eiffel Tower QRP (Failed) “Activation” by Rand (W7UDT/FR) Earlier this Spring, my wife & I went on a ten day vacation to Paris. What a beautiful city, and a memorable time we had! Amongst our many excursions, was a visit to the Eiffel Tower. … Continue reading QRP Dreams in the City of Lights: Rand’s Eiffel Tower Beacon Attempt→
by Teri (KO4WFP) Monday, July 15, the second day of my North Carolina camping trip for POTA and SOTA, started chilly with overcast skies. Today I would attempt my first SOTA activations. I chose two easy summits – Black Balsam Knob and Richland Balsam. Daisy and I headed out after a simple breakfast up US … Continue reading The POTA Babe Becomes a SOTA Babe – Part 1→
by Teri (KO4WFP) Sunday, July 14 finally arrived, a day for which I prepared the past five weeks. It was time for Daisy and the POTA Babe to head to North Carolina for a week of POTA, SOTA, and camping. The drive was straight-forward and easy – Interstate 95 to Interstate 26. About four hours … Continue reading The POTA Babe Goes North – Day 1→
Many thanks to Christian (IX1CKN) for sharing the following video recorded during his multi-park rove with Andrea (IU1APL). The video was only recently published, but I’ve added it to Christian’s original field report. We’re highlighting it here for those who may otherwise miss it. (Note: Some of the video is in Italian, but YouTube closed … Continue reading Video: IX1CKN & IW0HK’s Friedrichshafen ’24 POTA Rove→
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, my wife and I were in the middle of a week-long stay in Wilmington, North Carolina, while our daughters attended residential programs at NCSU and UNCW. That particular day, we couldn’t decide what to do because the weather was fickle! Temperatures and humidity were high, fueling a constant string of … Continue reading Beautiful POTA activation at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson and Afternoon in Southport!→
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, was a very radio-active day! I was in Wilmington, North Carolina, and that morning, I had the privilege of activating the Battleship North Carolina from inside the battleship. Click here to read the field report and watch the video. In short? It was amazing and certainly a fabulous way to start … Continue reading Carolina Beach State Park: A QRP Oasis Amidst the Summer Heat and Activities→
With all the news coming out of the United States recently between the attempted Assassination and the Republican Convention this might of been missed.
The following is a “Cut N Paste” from the CDC website (above link)
Requirements for all dogs
All dogs must:
Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
Have an implanted International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip
This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
Appear healthy upon arrival
Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.
Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.
This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
Have additional documentation which varies 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 United States
Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.
Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies must:
Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
Have a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in high-risk countries for dog rabies within the 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
Please note, during the transition period (which will expire on July 31, 2025), the importer may instead present a copy of the USDA-endorsed export health certificate that was used to ship the dog from the United States, if that export health certificate was issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before July 31, 2025, and documents the dog’s age (at least 6 months), the microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States. The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt
This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months must:
Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
Have one of the following documents:
A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States; or
A USDA endorsed export health certificate. The export certificate must demonstrate the dog is 6 months of age or older, list the microchip number, and either:
Be for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
Document a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt
(This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.)
Important information about the Certification ofU.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form
The Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S. Before asking your veterinarian to complete this form, verify the following requirements will be met:
Ensure your dog will be at least 6 months of age on date of return to the U.S.
Have your dog microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations)
Once your dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age, have a USDA-accredited veterinarian vaccinate your dog against rabies with a U.S.-licensed vaccine in accordance with manufacturer instructions
Ensure the veterinarian scans the dog for the ISO-compatible microchip and records the microchip number at the time of vaccine appointment. Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip implantation will not be considered valid.
Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels. If your dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination lapses while overseas and your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, your dog will need to be revaccinated overseas and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs to return to the U.S., including having a rabies serology titer, arriving at a specific port of entry, and possible quarantine requirements.
Your dog must receive its initial (first) rabies vaccine at least 28 days before leaving the United States. USDA-accredited veterinarians should only issue the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form for dogs that received their initial (first) rabies vaccine at least 28-days previously. Booster vaccines are considered valid immediately.
Have the USDA-accredited veterinarian that administered the rabies vaccine to your dog complete the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form
Ensure the veterinarian submits this form to the USDA for official endorsement through the VEHCS portal
Obtain a copy of the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form from your veterinarian once it has been officially endorsed by the USDA
Your dog must travel with a printed copy of the official endorsed form upon your dog’s return to the United States if your dog has been in a high-risk country within the 6 months before returning to the U.S.
During the transition period (which will expire on July 31, 2025), U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, may have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA endorsed export health certificate for re-entry into the United States. Without one of these forms your dog will need to meet the requirements specific to the risk category of the countries where they have been in the 6 months before returning to the United States.
The export health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before July 31, 2025, and document the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the rabies vaccination date. The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
Step 1: Recommend to begin 60 days before travel out of the United States to allow sufficient time to prepare for travel
Verify dog will be at least 6 months old on day of travel back to the United States.Get your pet microchipped or have your veterinarian verify their microchip number. Make sure the microchip number is listed on all veterinary records.Visit veterinarian to get your dog their rabies vaccination (or booster) before travel.Your dog must be at least 12 weeks (84 days) old when it gets its first rabies vaccination.Make sure your dog’s rabies vaccination will be valid (not expired) for the entire duration of travel.
Step 2: Recommend to begin 30 days before travel out of the United States
Contact your veterinarian to have them complete either:the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form, orthe USDA endorsed export health certificate if your dog will be only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries and will return from the country listed on the certificate or that documents a valid rabies vaccination issued in the United States (if your dog will be in a high-risk country, this option is available during the transition period [which will expire on July 31, 2025])
Step 3: 2-10 days before travel back to the United States
Print a copy of the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or USDA APHIS-endorsed export health certificate from USDA.Take a photo of your dog and complete the CDC Dog Import Form.This form requires you to upload a picture (jpg, png, gif files only) of your dog showing its face and body.Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of return to the United States should have the photograph taken within 10 days before travel.Ensure you enter your dog’s microchip number into this form correctly. This is very important.Submit a corrected form if any of the information on this form changes.Print a copy of CDC Dog Import form receipt you will receive in your email and travel with it.CDC recommends you travel with at least 2 copies of this form in case the country you are visiting keeps one copy for their records. You will need to present this form for re-entry into the United States.Finalize travel arrangements with the airline or transport company.
Step 4: Day of travel back to the United States
If traveling by air, present the following to the airline before boarding your dog:CDC Dog Import Form receipt andCertification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or USDA APHIS-endorsed export health certificateArrive at the location on CDC Dog Import Form receiptPresent the following to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer:CDC Dog Import Form receipt andCertification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or USDA APHIS-endorsed export health certificate
Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry
Dogs, including service dogs, that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do not have appropriate documentation of current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine must:
Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
Have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form
Ensure the dog is microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip before receiving the rabies vaccination and the number is recorded on the veterinary documents or the vaccine will not be considered valid
Verify the dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies
The dog must have a valid (i.e., non-expired) rabies vaccination. If it’s the dog’s first vaccination or if the dog’s vaccination coverage has lapsed, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before arrival to the United States.
The Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form must be completed by your veterinarian AND endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country.
Have a valid rabies serology titer (titer not required if dog has reservation for 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility)
The blood sample for the rabies serology titer must have been drawn at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry to the U.S.
Dogs with a history of multiple valid rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip was placed may have the sample for the rabies serology titer drawn at any time after a rabies booster vaccination as long as the dog’s first vaccine was given at least 30 days before the blood sample was drawn and there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage. If a lapse occurs, the sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the valid booster vaccination was administered.
The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory. If there is no CDC-approved laboratory in your country, your veterinarian may draw the sample and send it internationally to a CDC-approved laboratory.
Passing results must be obtained in order for a serology to be valid.
Rabies serology titer results will be considered valid for the life of the dog as long as the dog’s rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse. If a lapse occurs, a new rabies serology titer will be required and that sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the new vaccination was administered.
If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, it will be required to be quarantined at a CDC-registered animal care facility for 28 days after the dog is revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
Have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility for examination and revaccination (and quarantine if the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer)
All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must have a reservation for examination, verification of age, documents, and microchip number, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility immediately upon arrival in the United States.
Dogs that do not have a valid rabies serology titer must also have a reservation for quarantine. Dogs will be quarantined at the facility for 28 days at the importer’s expense after being revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
All CDC-registered animal care facility expenses, including exam, revaccination, and quarantine (if required), are the responsibility of the importer.
The facility will need copies of all required documents prior to confirming your reservation.
Ensure the dog meets any facility-specific requirements (contact facility for additional information).
If after arrival the CDC-registered animal care facility determines that your documents are not valid or the dog’s microchip number, age, or description does not match the paperwork provided, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.
Dogs that have evidence of illness or are not healthy will be required to have testing to confirm they do not have contagious diseases before they will be eligible for release, which may extend the required quarantine period beyond 28 days. Any required testing or extended stay in quarantine will be at the importer’s expense, so please ensure dogs are healthy upon arrival (including no evidence of fleas, ticks, or skin diseases).
Have an international flight that arrives directly at the airport with the CDC-registered animal care facility where the dog has a reservation
Dogs must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation.
This must also be the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form
Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not permitted until after the dog receives required follow-up services at the CDC-registered animal care facility and is cleared for entry.
SERVICE DOGS ARRIVING BY SEA: Service dogs, as defined in 14 CFR 382.3, may arrive by sea if they meet the requirements in the “All Dogs” section, have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form and a valid rabies serology titer, and are traveling with their handler. Emotional support animals are not service animals under this definition.
Step 1: Recommend to begin 60-90 days (or more) before travel
Verify the dog will be at least 6 months old on day of arrival in the United States.Get the dog microchipped or have a veterinarian verify its microchip number. Make sure the microchip number is listed on all veterinary records.Visit a veterinarian to get the dog its rabies vaccination (or booster) before travel.Vaccination must be current on date of arrival.The dog must be at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies.Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first rabies vaccine or if its rabies vaccination coverage has lapsed.Have the veterinarian collect a blood sample (at least 30 days after first valid rabies vaccine) to send to a CDC-approved laboratory for a rabies serology titer if you wish to avoid a quarantine for the dog.You may have this completed at a different time point, but the sample must be collected at least 30 days after the dog’s first rabies vaccination. Note that results may take weeks to obtain from the laboratory and samples must be drawn at least 4 weeks (28 days) before entering the United States.
Step 2: Recommend to begin 30 days before travel
Contact veterinarian to have them complete the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form.The veterinarian must submit this form to an official government veterinarian in the exporting country for certificationIf not done already: last chance to have a veterinarian collect a blood sample to send to a CDC-approved laboratory for a rabies serology titer to avoid a quarantine for the dog. Titers MUST be collected at least 28 days before travel to the U.S.Receive copy of endorsed Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form from the official veterinarian in the exporting country.Book a reservation at CDC-registered animal care facility.All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country must have a reservation for (at minimum) examination, verification of age, microchip, and documents, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination.If the dog will not have a valid rabies serology at time of entry to the United States, you must also make a reservation for quarantine.Print a copy of the reservation confirmation from the CDC-registered animal care facility. This reservation confirmation MUST accompany the dog.Finalize the dog’s travel arrangements.Make sure the itinerary has the dog’s first point of arrival in the United States at the airport with the CDC-registered animal care facility where the dog has a reservation.
Step 3: 2-10 days before travel
Take a photo of the dog and upload it to complete the CDC Dog Import Form.This form requires you to upload a picture (jpg, png, gif files only) of the dog showing its face and body.Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.Ensure you enter the dog’s microchip number into this form correctly. This is very important.Ensure the airport entered into the form is the same one where the CDC-registered animal care facility where the dog has a reservation is located.Submit a corrected form if any of the information on this form changes.Print a copy of CDC Dog Import Form receipt you will receive in your email and ensure it accompanies the dog.Finalize travel arrangements with airline or transport company.
Step 4: Day of travel
Present the following to the airline before boarding the dog:CDC Dog Import Form receipt andreservation confirmation for the CDC-registered animal care facilityArrive at the location where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located and that is printed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.Present the following to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:CDC Dog Import Form receipt andreservation confirmation for the CDC-registered animal care facilityFollow instructions provided by CBP and the CDC-registered animal care facility to ensure the dog is transferred to the facility.
Step 5: After travel
Follow the instructions of the CDC-registered animal care facility regarding where and when to pick up the dog after required services have been completed.
Requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry
Countries that are not on the list of countries at high risk for dog rabies are considered to be free of or low risk for dog-mediated rabies virus variant (DMRVV) (called dog rabies-free or low-risk countries on these webpages).
Dogs, including service dogs, that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry into the United States must:
Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
Have one of the following (note: any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates):
Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND valid rabies serology titer OR veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. This form must be for the dog rabies-free or low risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated. The form has different entry requirements depending on whether and where the dog was vaccinated. The form is valid for:
A single entry into the U.S. for 30 days after it was issued if it does not contain information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, OR
Multiple entries into the U.S. for the duration the rabies vaccination is valid (1 or 3 years) if the rabies vaccination was administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country
Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry.
Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
Valid USDA-endorsed export health certificate that either:
Is for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The certificate must be issued within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry.
Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select it when you complete the CDC Dog ImportForm.)
Any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates. For example, if the dog’s documents were issued in France, the dog may not enter the U.S. via a land-border crossing from Mexico to the U.S.
*Examples of veterinary records that must accompany completed forms are European Union pet passports or proof of payment for veterinary services received in the exporting low-risk country for the previous 6 months. Records must include the dog’s microchip number.
Step 1: Recommend to begin 60-90 days before travel
Verify dog will be at least 6 months old on day of travel.Get dog microchipped or have a veterinarian verify its microchip number. Make sure the microchip number is listed on all veterinary records.Visit a veterinarian to get your dog its rabies vaccination (or booster) before travel.Rabies vaccination is not required if the dog has been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for 6 months, but is strongly recommended. It may also be required by the U.S. state or territory to which the dog is traveling.
Step 2: Recommend to begin 30 days before travel
Ask the veterinarian to complete the Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form† or other CDC-approved documentationThe veterinarian must submit this form to an official government veterinarian in the exporting country (or to USDA if the dog was vaccinated in the United States) for certification Collect veterinary records for past 6 months.These must list an address for the veterinarian in the low-risk country from where the dog is departing for the U.S. and the dog’s microchip number.Veterinary records are not needed if the dog’s documentation is a valid Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form, or a USDA endorsed export health certificate if the dog is returning from the dog rabies-free or low-risk country listed on the certificate.If the dog’s documentation is the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, the importer can present a valid rabies serology titer instead of veterinary records.Receive copy of Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States (or other CDC-approved documentation) from the veterinarian. Begin making travel arrangements and reservations.†The Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form has different entry requirements depending on whether and where the dog was vaccinated. The form is valid for:A single entry for 30 days after the form was issued if it does not contain information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country ORMultiple entries into the US for the duration the rabies vaccination is valid (1 or 3 years) if it contains information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies free or low-risk country
Step 3: 2-10 days before travel
Take a photo of the dog and complete the CDC Dog Import Form.This form requires you to upload a picture (jpg, png, gif files only) of the dog showing its face and body.Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days of travel.Ensure you enter the dog’s microchip number into this form correctly. This is very important.Submit a corrected form if any of the information on this form changes.Print copy of CDC Dog Import Form receipt you will receive in your email and ensure it accompanies the dog.Finalize travel arrangements with airline or transport company.
Step 4: Day of travel
Present the following to the airline before boarding the dog:CDC Dog Import Form receipt andCertification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United form States (or other CDC-approved documentation)☐ Arrive at the location on CDC Dog Import Form receipt.☐ Present the following to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:CDC Dog Import Form receipt andCertification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form (or other CDC-approved documentation)
Note that this applies to Canadian Dogs entering the States and also American Dogs returning to the States.
Now it only makes sense that Canada will mirror the law as closely as possible to make it easier for American dogs entering Canada to return home after their visit. There is no official on when the Canadian restrictions (if any) will come into effect.
Keep watching the CBC News Website (link at the top) for more info.
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