What is a Rabies Vaccination Certificate?

All dogs coming from the high-risk countries (see Rabies vaccine certificate required when coming from these countries) must have a valid rabies certificate showing they are vaccinated for rabies and fully immunized. It takes 28 days for the rabies vaccine to fully immunize and protect your dog.

• All dogs vaccinated against rabies for the first time must be vaccinated at least 4 weeks (28 days) before traveling.
• Puppies must NOT be vaccinated against rabies before they are 3 months (12 weeks or 84 days) old. The rabies certificate must include the puppy’s age or date of birth.
• Adult dogs (15 months or older) must show a history of previous rabies vaccinations (with the first given after 3 months old) and have a record of all booster rabies vaccinations. With this record, adult dogs don’t need to wait 4 weeks before traveling.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/vaccine-certificate.html