Bringing Your Dog to the U.S.? Here’s How Rue’s Kennels at LAX Makes the Import Process Simple

Importing a dog into the United States is a whole process. It’s not just a matter of hopping on a plane and landing in Los Angeles with your dog in tow. There are rules—lots of them. If you’re coming from a high-risk rabies country, the CDC has a list of requirements that must be met before your dog can enter the country. If those aren’t met, your dog could be denied entry or held for quarantine. For most pet owners, that’s a nightmare scenario. But it doesn’t have to be. Rue’s Kennels at LAX is one of the few CDC-approved animal care facilities in the country, and they’re set up specifically to help you and your dog navigate this exact situation.

Here’s what to expect when importing a dog and how Rue’s Kennels makes the entire experience smoother, safer, and less stressful for everyone involved.

Let’s start with the basics. If you’re bringing a dog into the U.S. through Los Angeles International Airport, you need to follow the guidelines laid out by the CDC, USDA, and U.S. Customs. The rules vary depending on where the dog is coming from, its age, and its vaccination history. Starting August 1, 2024, new CDC regulations require that all dogs entering the U.S. be at least six months old, appear healthy upon arrival, and have a valid rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. Your dog also needs a microchip that complies with ISO standards. And if this is your dog’s first rabies vaccine, it must be given at least 28 days before travel.

One of the most overlooked steps in the process is the CDC Dog Import Form. It’s required for all dogs entering the country and has to be completed and submitted before arrival. Depending on your dog’s vaccination history and where it's coming from, you may also need a rabies serologic titer test and an import permit. It’s a lot to coordinate, and mistakes or delays in paperwork can cause major problems. That’s where Rue’s Kennels becomes more than just a holding facility—they become your logistics partner.

Rue’s Kennels at LAX works directly with veterinarians, customs agents, and government agencies to ensure that everything is in order before your dog arrives. Their team helps you gather the right documents, verify vaccination records, and get your dog scheduled for inspection or quarantine if needed. And if your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country and doesn’t have the proper paperwork, they’re also one of the few places in the U.S. allowed to conduct the mandatory 28-day quarantine.

They don’t just house dogs—they take care of them. Their facility is designed to keep pets safe, clean, and calm during what can be a stressful time. Dogs in quarantine receive regular vet checks, appropriate vaccinations, daily care, and attention. It’s not a holding pen. It’s a place built to protect your dog and give you peace of mind. You’ll get updates, and if something unexpected comes up, they’ll reach out directly to work through it with you.

But Rue’s doesn’t just serve people with complex cases. Even if your dog meets all CDC requirements and doesn’t need to quarantine, Rue’s Kennels can help with hand-carry arrivals. If you’re flying in with your pet in-cabin or as checked baggage, they can coordinate with your airline and customs officials to make the handoff smooth and compliant. They’re also equipped to receive dogs flying as manifest cargo. In every situation, they serve as your boots on the ground at LAX.

Something that sets Rue’s Kennels apart is that they’ve adapted quickly to the changes in CDC policy. A lot of facilities aren’t authorized to handle these new regulations. Rue’s is not only authorized—they’ve built their business around it. They’ve worked with pet owners, breeders, rescue organizations, and transport professionals all over the world. Whether it’s a one-time relocation or a regular shipping need, they know the process inside and out.

One of the most common reasons people get in touch with Rue’s Kennels is that they’re overwhelmed. Maybe they’ve read the CDC guidelines but still aren’t sure which category their dog falls under. Maybe they’re getting conflicting information from different agencies. Or maybe they’re just worried they’ll make a mistake that delays their dog’s entry or puts them in jeopardy. The team at Rue’s walks people through every scenario. They’ll tell you exactly what’s needed based on your specific case and country of origin. They’ll help you figure out if your dog qualifies for home quarantine, if you need to schedule CDC inspection upon arrival, or if you need to plan for the full 28-day stay at their facility.

They’re also incredibly responsive. While government sites and airline reps can be hard to reach, Rue’s Kennels offers direct phone and email contact. They even have an emergency number in case you’re traveling outside of business hours or run into an unexpected situation on the ground. That kind of accessibility makes a huge difference during an already complicated process.

Beyond the importation and quarantine services, Rue’s Kennels also offers daycare and boarding. So even if you’re a local pet owner in Los Angeles who isn’t traveling internationally, you can still take advantage of their care and facilities. Their experience with international travel and health protocols just means that your dog is in especially good hands.

The truth is, trying to handle all of this on your own can feel like a full-time job. The paperwork, the timing, the health certifications—it’s a lot. One misstep and your dog could be delayed, quarantined unexpectedly, or even sent back. But with Rue’s Kennels at LAX, you have a team that knows the regulations and works daily with these agencies. They’ve streamlined the process to give your pet the smoothest, safest transition into the U.S.

If you’re planning to import a dog through LAX, don’t wait until the last minute. Reach out to Rue’s Kennels as early as possible to start the process. They’ll walk you through every form, every test, and every option available. It’s not just about getting your dog through customs—it’s about making sure they’re healthy, comfortable, and safe every step of the way.

You can contact Rue’s Kennels at LAX by calling 310-692-0843 or emailing cdcreservation@rueskennelsatlax.com. If you’re in a time crunch or traveling outside normal hours, they also have an emergency contact at 919-619-4374. They’ve made it their mission to help pets and their people get where they’re going—without the stress and uncertainty that often comes with international travel.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the import process, don’t try to figure it all out on your own. Let Rue’s Kennels at LAX take the lead. Your dog deserves a smooth welcome into the U.S., and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted partner by your side.