Bringing an Animal into U.S. | Importation (2024)

FAQs

Can you bring an animal from another country to the US? ›

General Information for Bringing a Pet into the United States from Another Country. Animals entering the U.S. may be subject to regulation by USDA-APHIS and other federal agencies. Depending on your destination state, your pet may need to also meet additional health requirements.

CDC Dog Import Permit:

As of July 14, 2021, there is a temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk dog rabies countries. Hence, all dogs entering the United States from countries classified as high-rabies must apply for an import permit.

Bring a Pet From Another Country into the United States (Import) Animals entering the United States may be subject to regulation by APHIS and other Federal agencies. Depending on your destination State, your pet may need to meet State entry requirements in addition to Federal entry requirements.

APHIS Veterinary Services does not have any animal health requirements related to bringing (importing) a pet cat into the United States from a foreign country.

Furs and other parts from seals, polar bears and sea otters are also prohibited. BIRDS: In most cases, you cannot buy a wild bird (such as a parrot, macaw, co*ckatoo or finch) in another country and bring it home with you. The U.S. prohibits the importation of the feathers and parts of most wild birds without a permit.

However, when you enter the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dogs have NOT been in a country that is high risk for rabies within the last 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age.

You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

The current fee for USDA travel endorsem*nts is $38 per endorsem*nt certificate. This applies to any number of pets. If your pet requires a specific lab test to enter a country, the fee is $121 for one or two tests.

The only mandatory requirement in order for your dog to travel to the USA, is that they must have a health check to ensure they are healthy enough to fly. However, we also strongly recommend that your dog gets vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before they go to the USA.

Can I take my dog from India to the USA permanently? ›

All DOGS entering USA need to have a Rabies Titre Test and can enter USA minimum 45 days after the test only. However CATS do not need to have a titre test and waiting period of 90 days.

Bringing a Cat into the United States

Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry. Domestic cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry. A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of domestic cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them.

The only way to clear your pet through U.S. customs is to provide a physical copy of the air waybill, health certificate and rabies certificate .

Cats - Requirements for bringing a cat into the United States. As a rule, there are no restrictions on bringing domestic cats into the United States. A general certificate of health is not required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first thing you should do is determine if the dog is coming from a high-risk country for dog rabies. The CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. To see the list of high-risk countries, click here.

Dogs from outside the US can have rabies.

Dog rabies remains common in many countries. When adopting a dog from overseas, be sure you know where the dog is from and its history because health records, including rabies vaccination certificates, can be fraudulent.

Live animals, including dogs, imported into the United States require foreign health certificates and import permits issued by CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for admission. CBP serves as a clearinghouse for dog importation at ports of entry (POE).

Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry. Domestic cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry. A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of domestic cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them.