Paws & Papers / Routes / Russia → United States

Bringing a dog or cat from Russia to the USA in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 58 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 28 days.

Minimum from scratch

58 days

If already vaccinated

28 days

Quarantine

None for pets that meet the rules

Last checked

3 November 2026

Steps, in order

1. Start nowMicrochip readable by a universal scanner, implanted before the rabies vaccineDogs onlySkip if already chipped and vaccinated
2. With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (dog at least 12 weeks old). The dog must be at least 6 months old on arrivalDogs onlySkip if already chipped and vaccinated
3. 30 days after the rabies vaccineRabies blood test: sample at least 30 days after the vaccine, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, at VGNKI (Moscow) or ARRIAH (Vladimir), both on the CDC list. Results take 5 to 14 daysDogs only
4. 28 days after the blood testEarliest arrival: 28 days after the blood sample. Without a valid test the dog waits 28 days in quarantine at your costDogs only
5. 30 days before travelCDC animal care facility booking. Reserve a place at the CDC-registered animal care facility at your arrival airport (ATL, DFW, LAX, MIA, JFK, PHL, SEA or IAD). CDC suggests 30 days or more ahead Official pageDogs only
6. 10 days before travelCDC rabies and microchip form. Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip, signed by a vet and endorsed by Rosselkhoznadzor, no more than 30 days before travel Official pageDogs only
7. 3 days before travelCDC Dog Import Form receipt. Fill in the free CDC Dog Import Form Official pageDogs only
8. Start nowRabies vaccine at least 21 days before departure: Russian export papers need it, the USA does notCats onlySkip if already chipped and vaccinated
9. 21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest departure: 21 days after the vaccineCats onlySkip if already chipped and vaccinated
10. Start nowNo federal paperwork for cats, but check your US state and airline rulesCats only
11. 5 days before travelRussian vet certificate Form 1 from a state vet clinic (SBBZh), issued in the Mercury system no earlier than 5 days before departure Official page
12. 5 days before travelInternational vet certificate Form 5a. Swap Form 1 for the international vet certificate Form 5a with a Rosselkhoznadzor inspector, at the airport on departure day or in advance. You can book a slot online in eCert (Есерт. Питомцы); the swap at the border is free Official page

Documents

• MicrochipAny vet
• Rabies vaccination recordVet, in the pet passport or vaccination card
• Rabies antibody test resultApproved lab, blood drawn by a vet
• CDC rabies and microchip formVet, endorsed by the official vet service
• CDC Dog Import Form receiptYou, online, free
• Russian vet certificate Form 1State vet clinic (SBBZh)
• International vet certificate Form 5aRosselkhoznadzor inspector

Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from Russia to the USA?

Plan at least 58 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 28 days.

Which documents do I need from Russia to the USA?

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Rabies antibody test result (approved lab, blood drawn by a vet); CDC rabies and microchip form (vet, endorsed by the official vet service); CDC Dog Import Form receipt (you, online, free); Russian vet certificate Form 1 (state vet clinic (sbbzh)); International vet certificate Form 5a (rosselkhoznadzor inspector).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

Yes. Rabies blood test: sample at least 30 days after the vaccine, result at least 0.5 IU/ml, at VGNKI (Moscow) or ARRIAH (Vladimir), both on the CDC list. Results take 5 to 14 days.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Microchip readable by a universal scanner, implanted before the rabies vaccine.

Will my pet be quarantined?

No, if every document is in order.