One of my colleagues bought a dog.

bloody daft considering she's not planning to be here much more than a year.

she thinks it's going to be easy to take it home.

Is this true or is she being a dumb American ?

It does not appear to be very difficult. As long as the dog is in good health and it has it's vaccinations.

Here is a link to the US Department of Agriculture that talks about it.

From the CDC website

Dogs

(Note: this section updated September 6, 2006)

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A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet dogs into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a dog appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense might be required at the port of entry.

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Proof of Rabies Vaccination: Dogs must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry into the United States. These requirements apply equally to service animals such as Seeing Eye dogs.

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Importation of Unvaccinated Dogs: Dogs not accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination, including those that are too young to be vaccinated (i.e. less than 3 months of age), may be admitted if the importer completes a confinement agreement (see below) and confines the animal until it is considered adequately vaccinated against rabies (the vaccine is not considered effective until 30 days after the date of vaccination). Spanish, French, and Russian translations of form CDC 75.37 are available, but must be completed in English.

Edited February 22, 200818 yr by jstumbo