Not sure if the requirements are different, but I took a dog from Japan into the US In 2005.
Required a veterinary certificate of health issued no later than a few days before travel. Shots current: rabies, distemper, parvo. Dog also must have no fleas or ticks and been on treatment for several months prior to flying. My dog was microchipped, but not sure if it was required. All documents must be handcarried and copies securely attached to the cage.
Check with the airlines for (strict) guidelines regarding cage.
If you change planes somewhere, you'll need to forward an enroute animal certificate to the appropriate offices. The airline was very helpful in arranging travel.
This site is useful:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export ... pets.shtml