High-risk country (CDC list)
A country on the CDC's dog-rabies list. Where a dog was in the previous 6 months decides its US entry track: low-risk origins need the basics, high-risk origins add rabies paperwork and sometimes a reserved arrival facility.
The CDC keeps this list for dog rabies, and being on it or not changes what your dog needs to enter the United States. If the dog has only been in countries off the list in the previous 6 months, which includes the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia and most of the Americas, the universal requirements are typically enough. If it has been in a listed country, add proof of rabies vaccination and, depending on the case, arrival at a port with a CDC-registered animal care facility. Those slots are limited, so the facility is booked before the flight, not after.
Guides that use this term
Rules & paperwork
Bringing a dog into the United States: the CDC rules explained
Since August 2024 every dog entering the US needs to be 6 months old, microchipped and on the CDC Dog Import Form. High-risk countries add rabies steps.