The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the USDA APHIS (U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) are the U.S. authorities responsible for overseeing the importation of pets and ensuring animal health safety. Species-specific information on U.S. import requirements is available on the USDA’s official website.
The CDC has simplified the entry requirements for dogs. For importation from rabies-free or low-risk countries (such as Finland), it is sufficient for the pet owner to complete the CDC Dog Import Form electronically prior to arrival in the United States. The form must include the dog’s microchip details and a recent photograph. Dogs must be at least six (6) months of age upon entry. Additional information on these requirements can be found here.
Owners are advised to ensure that the rabies vaccination is valid.
Please note that some airlines, particularly for long-haul flights, may require a valid animal health certificate. In addition, U.S. states may have their own supplementary requirements. The regulations of any transit state must also be taken into account.
Please also familiarize yourself with the prohibitions and restrictions regarding the export of pets (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
You can also enquire about the conditions for export from the U.S. embassy in Helsinki.