Bringing a dog into the United States through Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport is not a standard kennel problem. It requires a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility, federal document compliance, USDA-accredited veterinary oversight, and direct coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine was purpose-built for exactly this — as Texas's first CDC-registered ACF at DFW.

Not a Boarding Kennel — A Federal Compliance Facility

Most pet boarding facilities near DFW Airport offer standard kennel services: a run, a bowl, and a staff member who checks in twice a day. That model doesn't apply here. DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine is a federally registered CDC Animal Care Facility (ACF) — one of a limited number of approved facilities in the United States, and the first in Texas.

Our primary function is regulatory: receiving dogs entering the U.S. from CDC-designated high-risk rabies countries, verifying their documentation, completing the required veterinary examination and rabies revaccination, processing CDC and CBP compliance, and coordinating customs clearance before release. The care we provide during that process — feeding, housing, exercise, daily monitoring — is part of a compliance framework, not a boarding product.

Why International Pet Owners Need a CDC-Registered ACF

The CDC classifies many countries as high-risk for dog rabies. If your dog has been in one of those countries within the past six months, U.S. federal regulations require a confirmed reservation at a CDC-registered ACF before your dog travels — and your dog must land at the specific airport where that ACF is located.

For DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine, that means your dog must arrive at Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport. You cannot make a reservation here and route your dog through another U.S. port of entry.

This isn't optional or a convenience — it is a federal legal requirement under 42 CFR § 71.51. Dogs arriving without a confirmed ACF reservation may be denied entry at the port of entry.

The Three Import Service Tracks

Your dog's pathway through our facility depends on their documentation status and country of origin. We operate three distinct service tracks:

  • Fast Import Track — for dogs from high-risk countries with a valid passing rabies titer (≥0.5 IU/mL from a CDC-approved laboratory). No 28-day quarantine required. Quickest path through CDC and CBP requirements.
  • Standard Import Track — for dogs from high-risk countries without a qualifying titer. U.S. rabies vaccination administered on arrival and a federally mandated 28-day quarantine at our registered ACF.
  • Customs Clearance with Handover — for dogs from CDC low-risk countries or high-risk countries with qualifying prior documentation. Customs clearance managed on your behalf, up to 6-hour holding after landing. No quarantine required.

Review all three tracks in detail: Dog Import Service Tracks at DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine.

What Makes Our Facility Different

DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine was built from the ground up for federal import compliance — not converted from a general boarding kennel. The infrastructure reflects that:

  • CDC-registered ACF — subject to federal inspection and oversight, listed on the CDC's official registry
  • USDA-compliant operations — housing and veterinary oversight meeting USDA requirements
  • U.S. Customs surety-bonded areas — required infrastructure for international arrivals under federal hold
  • Texas Health & Human Services approved — state-level compliance alongside federal registration
  • USDA-accredited veterinary partners — on-call for examination, vaccination, and emergency care throughout every stay
  • Fear Free certified handling — every procedure designed to reduce anxiety and protect your pet's emotional wellbeing
  • 24-hour video surveillance with access-controlled secure entry
  • Climate-controlled private accommodation — dedicated quarantine rooms separate from any general boarding population

Airport Collection & Customs Coordination

Coordinating your dog's transfer from DFW Airport to our facility is a core part of our service. Our team works directly with airlines, CBP, and our dedicated customs broker to manage the handover process:

  • Manifested Cargo — collected from the airline's DFW cargo facility once CBP processing is complete. Our experienced animal handlers use private, climate-controlled vehicles. STA-badged agents available for airside access where required.
  • Excess Baggage or In-Cabin — our team meets you at DFW Terminal D and assists with the CBP Post-Entry Air Waybill process. Approximately 2–3 hours after landing.

Learn more about how airport collection and customs clearance works: Airline & Import Services at DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine.

What Happens After Your Dog Arrives at Our Facility

Once your dog is in our care, a structured intake process begins regardless of the length of stay:

  • Microchip scan and documentation verification against import paperwork
  • Veterinary examination by our USDA-accredited veterinary partner
  • U.S. rabies revaccination where required by CDC regulations
  • Settlement into climate-controlled private holding accommodation
  • Feeding, fresh water, and supervised outdoor relief breaks
  • CDC compliance documentation completed and submitted
  • CBP customs clearance coordinated through our dedicated broker
  • Regular updates to you or your agent throughout

For dogs on the Standard Import Track, this process extends into a 28-day quarantine stay with daily care, photo and video updates, and full veterinary oversight throughout.

Reservations — Book Before Your Dog Travels

A confirmed reservation at our CDC-registered ACF is a federal requirement — not an optional booking. Dogs arriving from high-risk countries without a confirmed reservation may be denied entry at the port of entry by CBP.

We recommend contacting us at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date. Our team will review your documentation, confirm your import track, and issue a reservation confirmation you need before booking your dog's flight.

See the full reservation requirements: Reservation Requirements for CDC Quarantine at DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine.

"Charlie came from Colombia and required the full quarantine process at DFW. I was anxious about leaving him for that long but the team was outstanding — daily updates, proper feeding, and he clearly thrived. The facility is exactly what they say it is: clean, secure, and professionally run."

Charlie's Owner — International relocation, Colombia → DFW, 28-day quarantine

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dog need a CDC Animal Care Facility?
If your dog has been in a CDC-designated high-risk rabies country within the past six months and was vaccinated abroad, yes. Check the CDC Dog Importation Navigator and contact our team before booking travel.

Can I avoid the 28-day quarantine?
Yes — with a valid passing rabies titer (≥0.5 IU/mL from a CDC-approved laboratory) your dog may qualify for the Fast Import Track. A reservation is still required even with a valid titer.

How far in advance do I need to book?
At least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date. Quarantine spaces are limited. Contact us before finalising your flight whenever possible.

Where are you located?
6148 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, TX 76054 — approximately 12 miles from Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport. We provide private, climate-controlled transport to and from DFW cargo facilities and terminals.

More from Our CDC Import & Pet Travel Guide

The Complete Guide to Importing Your Dog Through DFW Airport — CDC Requirements, Quarantine & Customs Clearance Pet Boarding Near DFW Airport: The Mid-Cities & DFW Area Guide Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make When Booking Quarantine CDC Holding & Transit Care at DFW — What Happens During a Stopover or Flight Delay How to Prepare Your Dog or Cat for Boarding Near DFW Airport When Is Pet Day Boarding the Right Choice? A Guide for Busy Dog & Cat Owners