Shipping pets from Vietnam to the United States requires advance planning and a clear understanding of timelines.
Dogs and cats follow different import procedures, especially due to U.S. rabies control regulations.
Below is a step-by-step timeline to help pet owners prepare efficiently.
Pet Shipping Timeline for Dogs
Vietnam is classified as a high-risk rabies country by U.S. authorities, so dogs are subject to stricter import rules.
You can review the official requirements directly on the
CDC dog import regulations.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| ISO-compliant microchip and age verification (minimum 6 months) | Before vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination (after microchip implantation) | 1–2 weeks |
| Rabies antibody titer test (if required) | 4–6 weeks |
| CDC Dog Import Form submission and approval | Several days |
| CDC-approved facility reservation and quarantine (if applicable) | Up to 28 days |
| Airline booking and IATA-compliant crate preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Final health check and export documentation | 7–10 days before departure |
Total preparation time for dogs typically ranges from 8 weeks to several months, depending on vaccination history and testing requirements.
Pet Shipping Timeline for Cats
Cats entering the United States are not subject to the same CDC rabies import permits as dogs.
However, airlines and destination states may still require health documentation.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Microchip implantation (recommended) | 1 day |
| General health examination and certificate | 7–10 days |
| Airline booking and IATA-compliant crate preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Final documentation and pre-departure check | 7 days before departure |
In most cases, cats can be prepared for travel within 3–6 weeks, depending on airline availability.
Dog vs. Cat Timeline Comparison
| Requirement | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Required | Recommended |
| Rabies vaccination | Required | Recommended |
| CDC import approval | Required | Not required |
| Rabies antibody titer test | May be required | Not required |
| IATA-compliant travel crate | Required | Required |
Planning Your Pet Shipping Timeline
Early preparation is the most effective way to avoid delays when shipping pets internationally.
Professional guidance can help ensure compliance with airline rules and U.S. entry requirements.
If you are preparing to ship your pet from Vietnam to the United States, you can learn more about our full service process on our Pet Shipping from Vietnam to the United States.