28-Day CDC Quarantine Care for Dogs at DFW

Federally mandated quarantine care for dogs arriving from CDC-designated high-risk rabies countries — delivered inside Texas's first CDC-registered Animal Care Facility near Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport.

Dog resting comfortably during 28-day CDC quarantine care at DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

CDC-Registered Animal Care Facility — Texas's First

The 28-day quarantine is a federal legal requirement for dogs arriving from CDC-designated high-risk rabies countries without a qualifying rabies titer. It can only be carried out at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility. DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine is that facility at DFW — the first of its kind registered in Texas.

If your dog has been in a CDC-designated high-risk rabies country within the past six months and does not have a passing rabies serology titer (≥0.5 IU/mL), U.S. federal regulations require your dog to complete a 28-day quarantine period at a CDC-registered ACF upon arrival at DFW. Our facility provides that mandated quarantine with professional, compassionate care throughout every day of the stay.

CDC-Registered ACF
28
Day quarantine period
Fear Free certified
USDA-accredited vets
Certified & accredited: Fear Free Certified Professional International Boarding & Pet Services Association member
Reserve Quarantine Care (817) 393-3315

What's Included in the 28-Day Quarantine

Every day of the quarantine period is managed to CDC compliance standards inside our registered facility — with professional care from arrival to release.

Veterinary Oversight

USDA-accredited veterinary partners provide the required examination and rabies vaccination on arrival, with ongoing oversight throughout.

  • U.S. rabies vaccination on arrival
  • Veterinary examination at intake
  • Routine health checks throughout stay
  • Emergency veterinary care available

Daily Care & Feeding

Your dog's routine is maintained throughout the full quarantine period — consistent feeding, hydration, and comfort care every day.

  • Regular meals to your dietary instructions
  • Fresh water throughout each day
  • Medications administered as instructed
  • Comfort items from home welcomed

Daily Updates

We know 28 days is a long time to be apart. Regular updates keep you connected throughout your dog's stay.

  • Photo and video updates throughout stay
  • Health and behaviour status reports
  • Milestone notifications as stages complete
  • Direct team contact by phone or email

Exercise & Enrichment

Structured outdoor breaks and gentle interaction keep your dog active and mentally stimulated throughout the quarantine period.

  • Supervised outdoor relief breaks daily
  • Secure outdoor nature break area
  • Fear Free handling throughout

Compliant Facility

Your dog is housed in dedicated quarantine accommodation — not a general boarding kennel — meeting all CDC ACF standards.

  • Clean, climate-controlled private rooms
  • 24-hour video surveillance
  • Access-controlled secure entry

Compliant Release

At the end of the 28-day period, your dog is formally cleared and released with a full documentation package.

  • CDC compliance documentation completed
  • Vaccination certificate issued
  • Coordinated pickup or delivery arranged

How the 28-Day Quarantine Period Works

1

Arrival at DFW

Our team collects your dog from the DFW cargo facility once CBP has completed arrival processing and approved the transfer.

2

Vaccination & Exam

Our USDA-accredited veterinary partner administers the U.S. rabies vaccination and completes the required intake examination. The 28-day period starts from this date.

3

Quarantine Care

Your dog receives daily care, feeding, exercise, monitoring, and regular updates throughout the full 28-day period in our CDC-registered facility.

4

Cleared & Released

Once the period is complete and CDC conditions are met, your dog is released with a full documentation package — vaccination certificate, quarantine record, and veterinary sign-off.

Important — Reserve Early

Quarantine spaces at our facility are limited. The CDC requires a confirmed reservation at a registered ACF before your dog travels — dogs arriving without a confirmed reservation may be denied entry at the port of entry.

We recommend contacting us at least 4–6 weeks before travel. See our reservation requirements page for full details on what you need before booking.

Full Quarantine Process

The complete six-step process from pre-travel guidance through to safe release — explained in plain language.

View the Process

Import Service Tracks

Find out if your dog qualifies for the Fast Import Track, Standard Quarantine, or Customs Clearance with Handover.

Review Import Tracks

Reservation Requirements

What you need before making a reservation — documentation checklist and federal requirements.

View Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the 28-day CDC quarantine at DFW Pet Lounge & Quarantine.

The 28-day quarantine is a federal CDC requirement for dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries that do not have a qualifying passing rabies serology titer (≥0.5 IU/mL from a CDC-approved laboratory). It begins on the date the U.S. rabies vaccination is administered at a CDC-registered ACF and cannot be shortened or waived.

Yes — if your dog has a valid passing rabies titer result before travel, they may qualify for the Fast Import Track, which does not require a 28-day quarantine. Review the three import service tracks to confirm which applies to your dog, or contact our team and we'll help you assess your documentation before you book travel.

The 28-day period begins on the date your dog receives the U.S. rabies vaccination at our facility — administered by our USDA-accredited veterinary partner at intake. The quarantine does not begin at the time of arrival at the airport; it begins at vaccination.

Visits are not permitted during the quarantine period as a condition of our CDC registration and federal compliance requirements. Our team provides regular photo and video updates throughout your dog's stay. You can contact us directly at (817) 393-3315 for updates at any time.

Pricing is quote-based and depends on your dog's size, the import track, and any additional veterinary services required. Submit a reservation request and our team will provide a provisional estimate after reviewing your documentation.

We recommend at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date. Quarantine spaces are limited and a confirmed reservation is required before your dog travels. Call us at (817) 393-3315 or submit a reservation request to check availability.

Once the quarantine period is complete and all CDC compliance conditions are met, your dog is formally cleared for release. We coordinate pickup with you or a designated representative, or can arrange delivery via our private transport. You receive a full documentation package — vaccination certificate, quarantine record, and veterinary sign-off — confirming your dog is fully compliant with U.S. CDC import requirements.

Bring your dog's food (enough for 28 days or arrange for us to use our standard diet), any medications with clear dosage instructions, current vaccination records, and a comfort item from home. For documentation requirements, see our full reservation requirements checklist.

Ready to reserve your dog's quarantine place at DFW?

Spaces are limited at Texas's first CDC-registered ACF. Contact our team early to confirm availability, review your documentation, and secure your dog's reservation before you book travel.

Reserve Quarantine Care Contact Our Team (817) 393-3315

6148 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, TX 76054