Pet Travel and Government Regulations

Export: Take your pet from the United States to a foreign country.

The United States has minimal requirements for animals to be exported to other countries.  (However, please be advised that there may be certain re-entry requirements if you plan to return to the United States with your pet.) If you are taking your pet out of the United States to another country, whether permanently or for a visit, you should do the following:

• Contact the APHIS Veterinary Services Area Office in the State from which your pet will be transported. Your Area Veterinarian-in-Charge can provide you with the current regulations, tests, required forms, documents, and inspections.
• Contact the visiting country's consulate or embassy for information about any requirements that you must meet. A listing of consulates can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.
• Additional information on Pet exports
• International Export Requirements by Destination Country
• Frequently Asked Questions about Exporting Anim
  

Import: Bring your pet into the United States from a foreign country.

• Cats and Dogs
• Pet Birds
• Fish: There are restrictions for koi and goldfish based on spring viremia of carp and for other fish species that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia.
• Other Animals:  APHIS generally does not have animal health requirements for the importation of other non-livestock animal species, such as rodents or carnivores, provided they have not been inoculated with any pathogens for scientific or other purposes. Animals inoculated with pathogens for scientific or other purposes must be accompanied by an import permit (VS application form 16-3).  In addition, APHIS does not regulate the import of most reptiles, but there are exceptions.

Other government entities regulate the import of pets into the United States in certain circumstances and should be contacted.

• State Regulations and Import Requirements
  
• What you need to know about bringing animals into the United States
• Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States: Licensing and Health Requirements
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife if pet is an endangered or threatened species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
  

Useful Links

• U.S. Department of State Pet Travel Policies
  
• Disease restrictions - National Center for Import and Export (NCIE).
• U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) publication on pet travel
• Scam Alerts, Tips, and Facts

Thanks USDA!

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