The United States enforces strict CDC regulations for pet imports, especially for dogs. All dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries require additional vaccination documentation. Cats must appear healthy on arrival but do not require rabies vaccination proof.
Companies Listed
74
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
7 documented
Key Import Requirements
CDC Dog Import Form receipt required for all dogs
Dogs must be at least 6 months old
ISO-compliant microchip required for all dogs
Rabies vaccination required for dogs from high-risk rabies countries
Dogs from high-risk countries need USDA-endorsed Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination
Cats must appear healthy upon arrival (no rabies vaccination proof required)
USDA export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025 no longer accepted for CDC dog requirements
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to United States vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds may enter the US but face strict USDA APHIS controls. An advance import permit and a government veterinary health certificate are required. Non-US-origin pet birds must complete a 30-day federal quarantine (except those from Canada), with mandatory cloacal-swab testing for avian influenza and Newcastle disease. CDC and US Fish & Wildlife (CITES) rules also apply.
Obtain a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services import permit before travel
Health certificate in English issued by a salaried/official veterinarian of the exporting country's national government
30-day federal quarantine at a USDA Animal Import Center for non-US-origin pet birds (Canada exempt), with mandatory cloacal-swab testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease
Reserve quarantine space and arrange airport-to-facility transfer by contacting the USDA Animal Import Center before arrival
Pet birds may only enter at certain APHIS-designated ports of entry
Check US Fish & Wildlife Service (CITES) requirements for protected species before travel; CDC also regulates psittacosis/avian disease concerns
Entry can be prohibited entirely from countries/regions affected by certain avian disease outbreaks (e.g. HPAI); current advisories change frequently, so confirm with APHIS before booking. Home quarantine is generally only an option for returning US-origin birds, not new imports. Permit fees and exact quarantine costs are not stated here.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into the US under USDA APHIS rules. An import permit and an original English-language export health certificate are required. Horses undergo a minimum 7-day observation quarantine in an APHIS-approved facility and blood testing for equine infectious anemia, piroplasmosis, dourine, and glanders. Stricter CEM rules apply to horses from CEM-affected countries.
Import permit issued by USDA APHIS National Import Export Services
Original official paper export health certificate in English (or with English translation), issued by the exporting country
Minimum 7-day observation quarantine in an APHIS-approved permanent quarantine facility (length varies by origin and disease status)
Negative blood tests (analyzed by USDA NVSL) for equine infectious anemia (EIA/Coggins), equine piroplasmosis, dourine, and glanders
Horses from CEM-affected countries (or residing in one within 12 months) must reserve space at an approved CEM quarantine facility and complete CEM testing
Reserve permanent quarantine facility space in advance of arrival
Quarantine length varies by country of origin and disease status; horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial observation quarantine without further CEM testing. Exact fees and facility costs are not stated here. Horses from Canada are generally exempt from import quarantine.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Reptiles may generally be imported into the US, but all wildlife must be declared to US Fish & Wildlife Service on Form 3-177 at a designated port with an inspection office. CITES-listed species need valid CITES permits, and certain species (e.g. large constrictor snakes listed as injurious under the Lacey Act) are banned from import.
File a USFWS Form 3-177 wildlife declaration (often via eDecs) at the first US port of entry
Clear inspection at a designated USFWS port with a wildlife inspection office
Provide valid foreign (and US, if required) CITES permits for any CITES-listed species
Verify the species is not listed as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act (import banned)
Comply with any state-level restrictions in the destination state
Confirm USDA/CDC do not impose additional disease conditions for the specific species
Large constrictors listed as injurious under the Lacey Act are prohibited from import: Burmese python, Northern African python, Southern African python, and yellow anaconda (2012), plus reticulated python and green, Beni, and DeSchauensee's anacondas (2015). Specific permit fees and processing times are not stated here. CITES applicability is species-dependent.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
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