While bringing your dog to Illinois from another country may seem straightforward, there are important considerations to keep in mind:
Entry Requirements
To bring a dog into Illinois from abroad, you’ll need:
- A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 30 days of entry
- Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs over 16 weeks old
- The dog must be free from visible signs of communicable disease
- The CVI must list Illinois as the final destination with a complete address
Federal Regulations
In addition to Illinois requirements, you must comply with CDC and USDA regulations:
- As of July 2021, dogs from high-risk rabies countries face import restrictions
- All dogs must be at least 6 months old and appear healthy upon arrival
- Dogs must be microchipped.
Potential Risks
While the process may seem simple, there are risks to consider:
- Imported dogs can potentially bring diseases like rabies into the U.S.
- There’s been an increase in fraudulent health documents for imported dogs
- A recent case of a rabid dog imported from Azerbaijan highlights the dangers
Is It Worth It?
Before importing a dog, consider:
- The stress of international travel on the animal
- Potential quarantine periods
- The availability of adoptable dogs already in the U.S.
- The risk of introducing diseases to local pet populations
While it’s possible to bring your dog to Illinois from abroad, carefully weigh the risks and requirements against the benefits. Always ensure you’re following the most up-to-date regulations from both state and federal authorities.
Sources
- https://agr.illinois.gov/animals/animalhealth/animal-import.html
- https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2021/07/24/the-puppy-and-public-health-an-update-on-pet-importation-policy/
- https://insidesources.com/ban-on-dogs-from-high-risk-countries-a-wake-up-call-about-importation-health-crisis/
- https://agr.illinois.gov/animals/animalhealth/international-import-requirements-for-dogs-and-cats.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html
