Rhipicephalus sanguineus is found in practically all countries between 50 degrees N and 35 degrees S latitude, including most of the USA and parts of southeastern Canada.

Brown dog ticks can be found outdoors in the southern United States during any time of the year, but are found outdoors during the warm months in the northern United States. It is generally believed that this species of tick cannot over winter in the more northern United States except within buildings with centralized heating.