What North Carolina requires when a dog arrives — whoever you are arriving from. These rules hang off the arrival, not the trip type: a flight from Frankfurt and a flight from Los Angeles are treated the same here. Requirements can change — always confirm with the authority before you travel.
These requirements come on top of the country's — they can only tighten or add, never loosen.
The animal must be currently vaccinated against rabies on entering the state — or receive the vaccination within one week of entry.
⚠️ The source names no age threshold, only "if of appropriate age", and makes no statement about arrivals from abroad.
North Carolina itself no longer requires a health certificate. That is a statement about state law, not about the airline — most airlines require one regardless.
🗓️ Read at the state authority on 01/08/2026.
Source: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/importexport.html
Arriving from Germany/the EU, the national entry requirements of USA apply on top. Arriving from another part of the same country means crossing no international border — then only the section above applies.
No classic import permit needed, but the CDC Dog Import Form is mandatory for all dogs: complete online at cdc.gov/importation/dogs before travel (DogBot); allow 2–10 business days; bring the receipt to the airport.
Yes – readable by universal scanner
Dogs: minimum age 6 months (CDC requirement).
No additional tests from Germany.
No separate CDC health certificate needed (CDC Dog Import Form: see import permit). Nearly all airlines require a veterinary health certificate (often valid max. 10 days before departure). Please check with your airline.
Not required from low-risk country (recommended)
No (from Germany)
Not required
Keine
State/municipal rules
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
No federal breed bans (states/municipalities vary)
State/municipal rules
Dog must be ≥6 months old; states may differ
States may add requirements
Authority: CDC (Hunde) + USDA APHIS
🗓️ Read at the responsible authority on 20/07/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.