The following rules pertain to moving dogs, cats, and birds into United States from other countries. They are pet import requirements stated by United States Government.
A pet veterinarian from the originating country needs to issue an international health certificate that has to be presented to the airlines through which the pet will travel. This health certificate should mention that the pet is in a good health condition and there is no concern regarding it flying.- Apart from the general health certificate, a rabies vaccination and certificate for it is also required for transporting a pet into any US state. Dogs should be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months. For dogs and cats coming from areas 'not free of rabies,' a valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.
- If a pet is not vaccinated against rabies, or the certificate is not valid, it has to be admitted, if it is confined, immediately upon arrival at a place of the owner's choice. The dog must be vaccinated within 4 days upon arrival at the final destination, but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. Such a pet must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated.
- All the cats and dogs have to be inspected at ports of entry for evidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
- For moving birds into the United States, a Veterinary Health Certification should be issued by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the agency responsible for animal health of the national government in the exporting country of origin. It should be issued within 30 days of the time the bird is shipped to the United States. Such certificate should state taht the bird does not suffer from Exotic Newcastle Disease, Chlamydiosis, or other communicable diseases of poultry and that the bird is being exported in accordance with the laws of originating country.
- Import of all birds from certain countries is banned in the US. Returning U.S. origin pet birds from these countries must go into 30-day quarantine in an USDA animal import quarantine facility. Alternatively home quarantine should be observed (the bird is quarantined for 30 days at the owner’s residence) However, pet birds returning from Canada are exempt from quarantine. See the list of countries from where import of birds is banned.
Disclaimer: Above information is provided as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before moving your pets, obtain information from appropriate authorities for your destination country.
