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United States
Pet Types
cat Regulations
Vaccinations
Description: Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies, and your U.S. destination may have additional requirements.
Certifications
Description: No health certification is required for cats entering the United States.
Microchip
Microchips are not required for cats entering the United States, but they are recommended.
More Info
Not specifically applicable to cats. However, general health inspection may occur upon arrival.
dog Regulations
Vaccinations
Description: Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. The requirements vary depending on whether the dog is vaccinated in the U.S. or in a foreign country and based on the country’s rabies risk status.
- Dogs from high-risk countries must be vaccinated against rabies at least 28 days before entry.
- Foreign rabies vaccination certificates must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian if used to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit.
- Dogs entering from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries may not require rabies vaccination if traveling with proof of residency in a low-risk country for the past 6 months.
- U.S.-vaccinated dogs re-entering from high-risk countries must enter via a CDC-approved port with required documents.
Certifications
Description: Required for dogs vaccinated in foreign countries that are high-risk for dog rabies.
- Valid rabies vaccination certificate
- Recent photo of the dog
- Microchip number
- Travel itinerary
- Arrival at CDC-approved port of entry
Description: Must meet specific requirements to be valid for import. Required if applying for a CDC Dog Import Permit.
- Must include dog’s date of birth or age
- Date of rabies vaccination and product information
- Date vaccination expires
- Name, license number, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccine
Description: Used to prove vaccination if dog is re-entering from a high-risk country.
- Issued by a U.S.-licensed veterinarian
- Must be valid at time of re-entry
- Include microchip number that matches the dog’s microchip
Description: Required by some airlines and destination states but not by CDC. However, it may be necessary for entry into the United States or for transit.
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian
- Document dog’s health status and vaccination history
Description: Required for dogs from countries where screwworm is known to exist.
- Dog inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to travel
- Certification that dog is free of screwworm or was treated until free
- Signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the exporting country
Microchip
Required for dogs entering from high-risk countries. Microchip number must match documentation and vaccination certificate.
More Info
All dogs entering the U.S. must meet CDC importation regulations. Requirements vary depending on the country of origin and rabies risk level. Dogs from high-risk countries must enter through CDC-approved ports. Some dogs require import permits, certificates, and proof of rabies vaccination.
bird Regulations
Vaccinations
Description: Birds may be subject to avian influenza monitoring upon arrival. If your bird is from a country with avian influenza outbreaks, special restrictions apply.
- Subject to health inspection at port of entry
- Must meet specific country-based disease control requirements
Certifications
Description: All birds must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a government authority in the country of origin.
- Issued within 30 days prior to travel
- Must confirm the bird is free from communicable diseases
- Include bird species, age, origin, and health status
Description: All birds entering the U.S. must be declared with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).
- Submit Form 3-177 electronically prior to arrival
- Present documentation upon arrival
Microchip
Not required for birds, but species and band/ID may be noted in the health certificate.
More Info
Birds imported into the United States are subject to regulations by USDA-APHIS, CDC, and FWS. Birds from certain regions may be quarantined upon arrival. Quarantine arrangements must be made in advance with a USDA Animal Import Center.
Import-Specific Links
USDA APHIS Bird Import Info CDC Bird Import Requirements US Fish & Wildlife Import GuideAmphibian Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Description: Some airlines and states require health certificates.
- Certify animal is free of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and other diseases
Microchip
Not required for amphibians.
More Info
Not regulated by CDC or USDA. Must be declared to Fish & Wildlife.
Import-Specific Links
CDC Amphibian Import InfoFerret Regulations
Vaccinations
Description: Required for ferrets over 3 months old.
- Administered at least 30 days prior to entry
- Must be USDA-approved rabies vaccine
Certifications
Description: Required for all ferrets entering the U.S.
- Issued within 10 days of travel
- Include rabies vaccination details
Microchip
Not required, but recommended.
More Info
Ferrets are subject to airline restrictions and must be declared to Fish & Wildlife.
Import-Specific Links
CDC Ferret Import InfoHedgehog Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Description: Required by some airlines and states.
- Confirm the animal is healthy and parasite-free
Microchip
Not required for hedgehogs or tenrecs.
More Info
Not regulated by CDC or USDA. May be prohibited by individual states.
Import-Specific Links
CDC Hedgehog Import InfoRabbit Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Description: Health certificate required from country of origin's competent authority.
- Issued within 30 days of travel
- Must state animal is healthy and disease-free
Microchip
Not required for rabbits.
More Info
Rabbits are not regulated by CDC or USDA but must still meet Fish & Wildlife declaration rules.
Import-Specific Links
CDC Rabbit Import InfoReptile Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Description: Required for most reptiles and should be issued by a licensed vet.
- Include species, sex, age, and confirmation of good health
Microchip
Not required for reptiles.
More Info
Some reptiles may be regulated under CITES and require permits from US Fish & Wildlife. Turtles have additional restrictions based on shell size.
Import-Specific Links
CDC Reptile InfoRodent Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Description: A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required for rodents entering the U.S.
- Issued within 10 days prior to travel
- Indicates the animal is free from infectious diseases
Microchip
Not required for rodents.
More Info
Rodents are regulated by the CDC for zoonotic disease risks. There are restrictions on certain species due to disease outbreaks like monkeypox.
